Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 – Temporary
The contributory parent (Temporary) visa Subclass 173 for short, is a temporary residency permit that allows parents of the settled Australian Permanent Residents, Australian Citizens or Eligible New Zealand citizens, to live in Australia.
This type of temporary resident visa cannot be extended or renewed like the rest of the regular visas; it only lasts two years and then expires. However, there’s no need to worry about this expiration as the parents can apply for a new visa Subclass 143 (Permanent), which is a permanent type of Visa.
You must be very careful that the application for Subclass 143 (permanent) must be applied before the expiry of the temporary visa Subclass 173.
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Advantages of Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173
- Has a pathway to apply for a new Visa Subclass 143 to stay in Australia as a permanent resident.
- Apply as a two-step process, first to apply Subclass 173 and then Subclass 143 for Permanent Residency.
- Can work and study in Australia.
- Can participate in Australia’s public health Scheme like medicare.
- Parents can include members of the family unit in your application.
- There is no location restriction and can apply for this Visa from inside or outside of Australia.
- Can apply for citizenship if eligible.
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Disadvantages of Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173
- Can live in Australia for a maximum of two years; However, a new Visa 886 can be applied that is a permanent Visa.
- Can not apply for this Visa if the applicant has applied or holds Subclass 870 Visa.
- Parents will not receive Government Support.
- It is an expensive Visa.
- Must meet the balance of family test.
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Cost, Visa fee and Duration of the Visa
The total cost of this Visa is AUD 31,980.00 to be paid in two installments. The validity of the Visa is for two (2) years.
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Cost comparison between Subclass 173 and other types of parent Visas
This is the most suitable Visa for someone who wishes to take this as the first step on the pathway to permanent residency. The first step is Subclass 173, and the second step would be Subclass 143.
You may wish to visit the hyperlink for a complete comparison of costs for all types of Parents Visas.
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Processing Time for Subclass 173
The current estimated processing time for this Visa is approximately 3.5 Years to 4 Years.
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Requirements & Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 173
- The applicant must have an eligible sponsor as an approved sponsor who must be a settled Australian Permanent resident, Australian citizen or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must Clear Health Check (Health examination)
- Must Clear Character checks (Police Clearance certificate)
- Not have had a visa canceled or a previous application refused.
- Must meet the balance of family test.
- Meet all the visa conditions and follow Australian Law.
- You can apply from in or outside of Australia.
- If you apply from inside Australia, any family member included in the application must be inside Australia as well and not in immigration clearance.
- If you apply from outside Australia, any family member included in your application must be outside of Australia.
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Restrictions after the Visa is granted:
- You should not be disruptive and engage in violence.
- You must leave Australia before the expiry of the Visa or apply for Subclass 143 before Subclass 173 is expired.
- Notify the Department of a change of details like name, address, phone number, email address, or passport change.
- Must not engage in any criminal conduct.
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Extension and renewal of the Visa
This Visa is for two years only and cannot be renewed or extended. You can, however, apply to Subclass 886.
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Visa Label for Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173
The Department will digitally map or link your Visa to your passport. The Visa label is not required on your passport.
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Travel Permissions
You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you like while the Visa is valid.
The end of Subclass 884 Visa
Your parent visa can end because of one of the following reasons:
- If the validity dates specified on your Visa is expired.
- It is canceled by the Department of Home affairs due to any reason.
- If the sponsorship is withdrawn and the new sponsor is not found.
- If the sponsorship is canceled by the Department of home affairs.
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Sponsor ship refusal or Visa Refusal
There are many factors that need to be considered to avoid Sponsor approval application or Visa refusal, including but not limited to:
- Accuracy of the information
- Completion of the documentation as per the Department’s requirements.
- Incomplete documents.
- Not fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
- Not fulfilling the character, health, and financial requirement.
- Location criteria at the time of lodgment or at the time of decision.
- Any other reason that the Department may consider your application.
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This article is not intended to be or taken as migration legal advice. The author of this article disclaims any liability for any action or omission of the information provided or not provided in this article. You should always consult a registered migration agent to form an informed opinion on your immigration matter.
The above information is not intended to be exhaustive, and further eligibility criteria may apply. For more information, please inquire with one of our Registered Migration Agents. The contents on this Website should be read in conjunction with our Website Disclaimer.