Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173/143)
A faster pathway to permanent residence for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
About the Contributory Parent Visa
The Contributory Parent visa is a two-stage visa pathway that allows parents to live in Australia permanently. It has faster processing times than the standard Parent visa due to higher visa application charges that contribute to the costs of healthcare and community services.
Two-Stage Process
Stage 1: Contributory Parent (Temporary) - Subclass 173
A temporary visa valid for 2 years while waiting for permanent visa
Stage 2: Contributory Parent (Permanent) - Subclass 143
Permanent residence visa for parents
Key Benefits
- Live in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia
- Access Medicare (after waiting period)
- Sponsor relatives for certain visas
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
- Faster processing than non-contributory parent visas
Eligibility Requirements
Balance of Family Test
You must meet the balance of family test, meaning:
- At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, OR
- More of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other country
Sponsorship Requirements
- Be sponsored by a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen child
- Your sponsor must have been lawfully resident in Australia for at least 2 years
- Your sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support
General Requirements
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- Not have had a visa cancelled or previous application refused
- Have adequate health insurance if applying for the temporary visa
Visa Costs (Approximate)
Subclass 173 (Temporary)
- Main applicant: AUD $32,000 (approx)
- Additional costs for dependent children
Subclass 143 (Permanent)
- Main applicant: AUD $15,000 (approx) - second installment
- Total contribution: approximately AUD $47,000 per person
Note: Fees are subject to change. An Assurance of Support bond is also required.
Assurance of Support
An Assurance of Support is a legal commitment by your sponsor and/or assurer to financially support you so that you will not have to rely on government assistance. The bond amount is:
- Main applicant: AUD $10,000
- Adult secondary applicants: AUD $4,000 each
- Bond is refundable after 10 years (or 2 years for temporary visa)
Application Process
Sponsorship
Your child lodges sponsorship application
Apply for Subclass 173
Lodge temporary parent visa application and pay first installment
Assurance of Support
Submit Assurance of Support and lodge bond
Temporary Visa Grant
Receive Subclass 173 temporary visa (valid 2 years)
Apply for Subclass 143
Apply for permanent visa and pay second installment
Permanent Visa Grant
Receive permanent residence
Important Information
- Processing times are significantly faster than non-contributory parent visas (typically 2-4 years vs 12-30 years)
- You can apply directly for the permanent visa (143) or opt for the two-stage process
- Applying for 173 first allows you to enter Australia sooner while waiting for permanent visa
- You cannot work in Australia on the temporary visa unless you apply separately for work rights
- Health insurance is mandatory during the temporary visa stage
Processing Times
| Visa Subclass | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Subclass 173 (Temporary) | 2-4 years |
| Subclass 143 (Permanent) | 4-6 months (from 173) |
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