What Is the Subclass 173 Visa?

The Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 173 allows an eligible parent to live temporarily in Australia with their family.

It is designed as a two-stage pathway:

Subclass 173 → Subclass 143

The subclass 173 provides temporary residence, while the subclass 143 is the permanent Contributory Parent visa.

The temporary visa has a limited validity period and cannot simply be extended or renewed. Current temporary Contributory Parent visa holders generally need to apply for the corresponding permanent visa within the applicable timeframe to benefit from the temporary-to-permanent pathway.

Who Can Apply for Subclass 173?

You may be able to apply for a Contributory Parent visa subclass 173 if you have a child who is:

• An Australian citizen
• An Australian permanent resident
• An eligible New Zealand citizen

The sponsoring child generally needs to be settled in Australia.

You must also satisfy the applicable parent visa requirements, including the balance of family test, health and character requirements and other visa criteria.

Balance of Family Test

The balance of family test is an important requirement for subclass 173.

You generally meet the test if:

• At least half of your children and stepchildren are eligible children; or
• More of your children and stepchildren live in Australia than in any other single country.

The Department states that the balance of family test applies to subclass 173 and cannot be waived, including in compelling or exceptional circumstances.

Because family circumstances can be complex, it is important to assess all children and stepchildren correctly before lodging a parent visa application.

Subclass 173 Visa Requirements

Applicants need to satisfy the applicable requirements for the visa. Depending on their circumstances, these can include:

1. Eligible Parent Relationship

You must have an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and who is settled in Australia.

2. Balance of Family Test

You must satisfy the balance of family test unless a specific legislative provision applies.

For subclass 173, the Department confirms that this test is mandatory and cannot be waived.

3. Sponsorship

An eligible parent generally needs an approved sponsor for the parent visa pathway.

4. Assurance of Support

An Assurance of Support (AoS) may be required before visa grant.

An Assurance of Support is designed to provide financial support and help protect the Australian community from certain social security costs associated with the visa holder.

5. Health Requirements

Applicants and relevant family members must satisfy applicable health requirements.

Health examinations may be required as part of the visa process.

6. Character Requirements

Applicants must meet the applicable character requirements and provide requested police or other character documentation.

7. Financial and Other Requirements

Applicants must meet the applicable contributory parent visa requirements, provide supporting evidence and satisfy any additional requirements relevant to their circumstances.

Subclass 173 to Subclass 143

One of the major advantages of subclass 173 is that it can provide a temporary-to-permanent pathway.

Stage 1 – Subclass 173

The parent applies for and is granted the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 173.

Stage 2 – Subclass 143

The parent can then apply for the Contributory Parent visa subclass 143, subject to the applicable requirements.

Subclass 143 is a permanent visa that allows an eligible parent to remain permanently in Australia.

The Department's current application form confirms that a person holding a subclass 173 visa can apply for subclass 143 as the corresponding permanent visa.

Subclass 173 vs Subclass 143

How Long Does Subclass 173 Take?

Parent visas are subject to capping and queueing because demand is significantly higher than the number of places available each year.

The Department processes Parent visa applications in stages. An initial assessment determines whether an application meets the core criteria and can receive a queue date. Applications are then released for final processing when places become available.

As at 31 May 2026, the Department reported that Contributory Parent visa applications with queue dates up to November 2018 had been released for final processing. It also reported an estimated processing timeframe of approximately 15 years for new Contributory Parent visa applications.

These estimates are not a guarantee of how long an individual application will take. Processing can change depending on migration program planning levels, application volumes, withdrawals, refusals, processing directions and individual circumstances.

Is Subclass 173 the Right Parent Visa for You?

The best parent visa depends on factors such as:

• Where you currently live
• Your age and circumstances
• Your child's Australian status
• Your family structure
• Your balance of family position
• Whether you want temporary or permanent residence
• Your ability to meet contributory visa requirements
• Your financial circumstances
• Whether an Assurance of Support can be provided
• Your preferred pathway to permanent residence

Other parent visa options may include:

• Contributory Parent visa subclass 143
• Parent visa subclass 103
• Contributory Aged Parent visa subclass 864
• Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 884
• Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 870

The Department confirms that Australia has several temporary and permanent parent visa options, each with different eligibility requirements.

Subclass 173 Application Process

Step 1 – Assess Your Eligibility

Review your family circumstances, Australian child relationship and balance of family position.

Step 2 – Check Sponsorship

Confirm that the proposed sponsor meets the applicable requirements.

Step 3 – Prepare Supporting Documents

Documents may include:

• Passports and identity documents
• Birth certificates
• Evidence of parent-child relationship
• Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residence
• Family relationship evidence
• Marriage or relationship documents where relevant
• Police certificates
• Health examination evidence where requested
• Financial and Assurance of Support documents
• Other documents requested by the Department

Step 4 – Lodge the Application

Submit the subclass 173 application using the applicable Department of Home Affairs process and provide the required supporting documentation.

Step 5 – Initial Assessment and Queue

The Department assesses whether the application satisfies the core criteria for queueing.

Step 6 – Final Processing

When a place becomes available, the application may be released for final assessment.

Step 7 – Subclass 143 Pathway

After obtaining the subclass 173 visa, an eligible holder can progress to the subclass 143 permanent visa pathway, subject to the applicable requirements and timeframe.

Why Professional Parent Visa Advice Matters

Parent visas are among Australia's most complex family migration pathways because applications are subject to strict eligibility requirements as well as capping and queueing.

A small mistake in assessing family relationships, the balance of family test, sponsorship or supporting documentation can have significant consequences.

Professional advice can help you:

✔ Assess your parent visa options
✔ Check the balance of family test
✔ Review sponsorship requirements
✔ Compare subclass 173 and 143
✔ Prepare supporting documents
✔ Understand the temporary-to-permanent pathway
✔ Identify potential issues before lodging
✔ Assist with the visa application process

Speak With a Registered Migration Agent

Navneet Kaur – Registered Migration Agent
MARN: 2318181

If you are planning to bring your parents to Australia, get personalised advice about whether the Contributory Parent subclass 173 pathway may be suitable for your family.

Contact The Visa and Education Services Pty Ltd Today

Get professional guidance about your parent visa options and the pathway from subclass 173 to permanent residence through subclass 143.