Global Vision Migration Lawyers provides expert legal advice across Australian visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. Our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents assist individuals, families, and businesses with skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, and the strategic resolution of visa refusals and appeals nationwide.

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Contributory Parent (Temporary) – SC 173

Contributory Parent (Temporary) – Subclass 173

The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 173 allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to two years.

This visa serves as a temporary pathway to the permanent Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143. Applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test and pay a higher visa application charge in exchange for significantly faster processing compared to the standard Parent Visa Subclass 103. The Subclass 173 visa enables families to reunite more quickly while preparing for permanent residency.

Why Choose the Contributory Parent Visa 173?

Faster Processing

Shorter processing times compared to the Parent Visa Subclass 103.

Family Reunification

Allows parents to live in Australia with their children for up to 2 years.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Eligible to apply for Subclass 143 while holding the 173 visa.

Medicare Access

Access to Medicare upon visa grant (subject to eligibility conditions).

Higher Visa Charges

Contributory category requires higher application fees.

Multiple Entry Rights

Travel in and out of Australia during visa validity.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be biological, adoptive, or step-parent of eligible child.
  • Must meet the Balance of Family Test.
  • Must be sponsored by eligible child.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • Provide Assurance of Support if required.
  • Lodge valid visa application with complete documentation.

Balance of Family Test Explained

Requirement Explanation
Majority of Children in Australia At least half of the applicant’s children must reside permanently in Australia.
Equal Distribution Rule If children are equally divided, more must reside in Australia than in any other single country.
Eligible Status Children counted must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible NZ citizens.

Visa Comparison: 173 vs 103

Factor Subclass 173 Subclass 103
Visa Type Temporary (2 Years) Permanent
Processing Time Faster Significantly Longer
Visa Charges Higher Lower
Pathway Leads to Subclass 143 Direct Permanent

Pathway to Subclass 143 (Permanent)

Step Description
Step 1 Grant of Subclass 173 temporary visa.
Step 2 Lodge Subclass 143 permanent visa application.
Step 3 Meet additional health, character, and financial obligations.
Step 4 Grant of Subclass 143 permanent residency.

Why Choose Global Vision Migration?

  • Detailed Balance of Family Test assessment.
  • Strategic contributory visa planning.
  • Accurate fee and financial planning advice.
  • Complete pathway management to Subclass 143.

Start Your Contributory Parent Visa Application

Reunite with your family faster through the Subclass 173 visa. Contact Global Vision Migration for professional guidance and complete pathway planning toward permanent residency.

Book A Consultation Call Now

Other Family & Partner Visas

01.
Partner Visa – SC 820 & 801

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) allow the spouse

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02.
Offshore Partner Visa – SC 309

The Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) visas are for partners applying from outside Australia.

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03.
Sponsored Parent – SC 870

The Sponsored Parent Subclass 870 visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents,

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04.
Parent Visa – SC 103

The Parent Visa Subclass 103 is a permanent visa that allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents

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05.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) – SC 173

The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary contributory parent visa that allows parents to live in Australia

 Read More
06.
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)
– SC 884

The Subclass 884 visa allows older parents who meet the age requirement to stay

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07.
Aged Parent Visa – SC 804

The Subclass 804 Aged Parent visa allows older parents already in Australia to apply for permanent residency.

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08.
NZ Family Relationship – SC 461

The Subclass 461 visa allows non-New Zealand family members of New Zealand citizens

 Read More
09.
Child Visa – SC 101

The Subclass 101 Child visa allows a dependent child outside Australia to join their Australian citizen, permanent resident

 Read More

The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily for up to 2 years. It is the first stage toward the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).

Applicants must:
• Have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
• Meet the Balance of Family Test.
• Be sponsored by their child.
• Meet health and character requirements.

The Balance of Family Test requires that at least half of the applicant’s children live permanently in Australia, or more children live in Australia than in any other single country.

Yes. Subclass 173 visa holders can apply for the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa – Subclass 143 within 2 years of visa grant to obtain permanent residency.

Subclass 173 involves a higher visa application charge compared to the non-contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103). Additional costs may include medical checks, police clearances, and an Assurance of Support bond.

Subclass 173 visa holders can live, work, and study in Australia during the 2-year validity period. They may also access Medicare once enrolled, subject to eligibility.

If you do not apply for the Subclass 143 visa within the 2-year validity period, your Subclass 173 visa will expire, and you will need to explore alternative visa options.