Subclass 173 - Contributory Parent Visa (Temporary)
Offshore Parent Visa
About this visa
The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa is specifically crafted for elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who wish to join their family in Australia. This temporary visa is a pathway for elderly parents to live, work, and study in Australia before transitioning to a permanent residency.
Similar to the Subclass 143 and Subclass 864 Contributory Parent Visas, the Subclass 173 visa involves the payment of significant application fees. However, this expense generally results in faster processing times compared to non-contributory parent visas like the Subclass 103. The Subclass 173 visa serves as a provisional step towards permanent residency, allowing elderly parents to begin their life in Australia before committing to the Subclass 143 visa’s full requirements and benefits.
Once granted, the Subclass 173 visa allows elderly parents to experience life in Australia alongside their family members for a limited duration. This visa provides an opportunity for elderly parents to be involved in Australian society and enjoy its benefits temporarily, with an option to transition to permanent residency under the Subclass 864 visa at a later stage.
Key Differences Between Subclass 143 and Subclass 173 Visas:
- Visa Duration:
The Subclass 143 is a permanent visa, while the Subclass 173 is a temporary visa, offering a provisional stay (2 years) before permanent residency. - Pathway to Permanent Residency:
Holders of the Subclass 173 visa can apply for the Subclass 143 visa for permanent residency without leaving Australia, providing a two-step pathway to permanent living. - Contributory Payments:
Both visas involve significant application charges, but the Subclass 173 allows for splitting these costs over two stages – initially during the temporary visa and later when applying for the permanent Subclass 143 visa. - Benefits and Rights:
While the Subclass 173 visa offers similar rights to work and study in Australia, it does not immediately provide permanent residency benefits like access to social security and healthcare services, which are fully available under the Subclass 143 visa. - Application Process:
The application process may differ slightly, particularly in terms of the stages of payment and the timing of applying for permanent residency.
Eligibility for Applicant
- Age
There is no specific age requirement for applicants of the Subclass 173 visa. - Location:
The applicant must be outside from Australia when applying for the visa. - Current Visa:
870 visa holders: Applicants who are currently holding a Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa are not eligible to apply for Parent Visa. - Family Balance Requirements
Please find the family balance test requirements below. - Health and Character:
Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. - Previous Visa History:
You should not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused. - Specific Visa Conditions:
Certain regional visa holders may not be eligible. - Debt to the Australian Government:
You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government. - Child Welfare:
The application must take into consideration the best interests of any children involved, as defined by Australian immigration law and child welfare guidelines.
Eligibility for Sponsor
Relationship
The sponsor must be an eligible child of the parent visa applicant. An eligible child is usually an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.Age:
18 years of age or older, or
if the applicant’s child is under 18 years of age, please find the alternative sponsorship options below.Settlement Assurance:
The sponsor may need to provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) to assure the Australian government that the parent will not rely on social welfare once in Australia. This typically involves financial support for the parent and any family members included in the visa application.Financial Capacity:
The sponsor must demonstrate the financial capacity to fulfill the AoS obligations. This includes meeting a minimum income threshold and providing a security bond if required.Residency:
The sponsor must be an Australian resident, typically residing and working in Australia for at least 2 years.Legal Obligations:
The sponsor is required to meet all legal obligations associated with being a sponsor, including providing financial support and ensuring the parent complies with visa conditions.
Family Balance Test Requirements
To meet the test:
- At least half of the applicant’s children must be permanent residents in Australia, or
- More of the applicant’s children must reside in Australia than in any other single country.
In cases of remarriage, stepchildren are also counted as children for the purpose of the Balance of Family Test in the Australian Parent Visa application. This inclusion ensures that all familial relationships are considered in assessing an applicant’s ties to Australia.
This test helps determine the applicant’s ties to Australia, influencing their eligibility for the parent visa. It’s not based on the total number of children, but rather where the majority of them live.
Alternative Sponsorship Options
If the applicant’s child is under 18 years of age, alternative sponsorship options are available. The sponsor can be one of the following:
- The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The sponsor must reside in Australia.
- The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
Furthermore, the sponsor must fall into one of the following categories:
- The sponsor must be the child’s co-habiting spouse.
- The sponsor must be the child’s relative or guardian.
- The sponsor must be a relative or guardian of the child’s co-habiting spouse.
Alternatively, a community organization can sponsor an applicant provided that:
- There exists a relationship between the organization and the applicant’s child.
- A senior representative of the organization agrees to sponsor the applicant.
- The organization is legally established in Australia.
- The organization has been actively operating in Australia for at least one year.
- The organization can meet its financial commitments.
Eligibility for applicant's dependent children
- Age Requirement:
- Dependent children must be under 18 years of age, or
- If they are 18 to 23 years old, they must be financially dependent on the primary applicant or their partner, and be full-time students, or
- If they have a disability that prevents them from working, there is no age limit.
- Financial Dependency:
Dependent children aged 18 to 23 must provide evidence of financial dependency on the primary applicant or their partner. This may include proof of financial support for living expenses, education, or other essential needs. - Full-Time Student Status:
If dependent children are between 18 and 23 years old and are claiming to be full-time students, they must provide evidence of their enrollment in an eligible course. - Disability:
If a dependent child has a disability that prevents them from working, there is no age limit, and they do not need to be financially dependent. - Health and Character Requirements:
Dependent children must meet health and character requirements, just like the primary applicant.
Stay Period
2 years
Cost
Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $4,765
Secondary Applicants (18 and over) : AUD $2,380
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $1,195
AoS Payment
Second instalment: AUD $29,130/each
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Processing time
50% processed in 72 days
90% processed in 21 months
The Australian Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications, and it’s essential to provide all required documents with your application. Please note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times than the estimated duration. Additionally, processing times are subject to change and should be used as a general reference only.
Benefits
- Work in Australia: Holders of the Subclass 173 Visa can work for their sponsoring employer, gaining valuable work experience.
- Study: You can pursue further studies or enroll in courses in Australia, which can enhance your skills and qualifications.
- Family Sponsorship: The applicant can include eligible family members, such as your dependent children, in your visa application.
- Access to Healthcare: Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, which provides essential medical services.
- Multiple Entries: Enjoy multiple entries to and exits from Australia for a period of up to five years, allowing for flexibility in travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Subclass 173 visa?
A: The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, allowing them to live in Australia for up to two years.
Q: Who can apply for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: Parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who meet the balance of family test.
Q: What is the balance of family test for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: It requires at least half of your children to live permanently in Australia or more children living in Australia than in any other single country.
Q: Are there any age requirements for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: There are no specific age requirements for the Subclass 173 visa applicants.
Q: How long can I stay in Australia on the Subclass 173 visa?
A: The Subclass 173 visa allows you to stay in Australia temporarily for up to two years.
Q: Can I work in Australia on the Subclass 173 visa?
A: Yes, there are no work restrictions on the Subclass 173 visa.
Q: Can I include my partner in my Subclass 173 visa application?
A: Yes, if your partner meets certain requirements, they can be included in the application.
Q: What are the health requirements for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: Applicants must meet specific health standards, often requiring health examinations.
Q: Are there any character requirements for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: Yes, applicants must provide police checks and meet other character criteria.
Q: How much does the Subclass 173 visa cost?
A: The cost varies and is subject to change; it’s best to check the latest fees on the official website.
Q: What benefits does the Subclass 173 visa offer?
A: This visa allows parents to live temporarily in Australia with their children and apply for a permanent Subclass 143 visa.
Q: Can I travel outside Australia on the Subclass 173 visa?
A: Yes, the Subclass 173 visa allows for multiple entries into Australia.
Q: Can I apply for Australian citizenship with the Subclass 173 visa?
A: No, the Subclass 173 visa does not directly lead to citizenship. It’s a temporary visa.
Q: What happens if my circumstances change after applying for the visa?
A: You must inform the Department of Home Affairs about significant changes.
Q: Are there any conditions attached to the Subclass 173 visa?
A: Standard conditions include adhering to Australian laws and visa conditions.
Q: Is private health insurance required for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: While not mandatory, it’s advisable to have health insurance for healthcare costs in Australia.
Q: Can I convert my Subclass 173 visa to a permanent visa?
A: Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 143 visa before your Subclass 173 visa expires.
Q: Can I study in Australia on the Subclass 173 visa?
A: Yes, but you will not have access to government education funding.
Q: Are there any English language requirements for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: There are no specific English language requirements for this visa.
Q: What is the main difference between the Subclass 173 and 143 visas?
A: The Subclass 173 is a temporary visa, while the Subclass 143 is a permanent visa.
Q: What is the visa application process for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: The process includes submitting an application, fulfilling health and character requirements, and awaiting processing.
Q: How long does it take to process a Subclass 173 visa application?
A: Processing times vary; applicants should check the current times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Q: Can I apply for the Subclass 173 visa if I am currently outside Australia?
A: Yes, you can apply from outside Australia, but you must be in Australia for the visa to be granted.
Q: How can I prove a genuine relationship with my child for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: Provide evidence of communication, financial support, and shared activities or experiences.
Q: What if I have had a previous visa application refused?
A: Disclose all relevant details, as previous refusals may impact your application.
Q: What if I am outside Australia when my Subclass 173 visa is granted?
A: You need to be in Australia when the visa is granted.
Q: Are there any restrictions on applying for a Subclass 173 visa multiple times?
A: While there are no specific limits, each application must meet all visa criteria.
Q: What are the sponsorship requirements for the Subclass 173 visa?
A: Your child must sponsor you, and they need to be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Q: Can I apply for a Subclass 173 visa if my child is not an Australian citizen?
A: Your child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to sponsor you.