Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)

The Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173) is a temporary visa that allows a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to stay temporarily in Australia. This visa serves as a pathway to the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Process

To apply for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173), you must meet the following requirements:

1. Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. Balance-of-family test: You must meet the balance-of-family test, which means that at least half of your children and step-children are eligible children, or there are more eligible children living in Australia than in any other single country.
3. Visa conditions and Australian law: You must meet all visa conditions and follow Australian law.
4. No previous application or visa: You must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa.

Please note that the Department is currently allowing visa grants in Australia due to COVID-19 concessions. This means that eligible Parent visa applicants can have their visas granted in Australia, without the need to travel offshore.

With the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173), you can:

• Live in Australia for up to 2 years.
• Work and study in Australia, although you will not receive government support.
• Apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

The visa fee for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173) is AUD 32,340. The processing time for this visa varies and can be lengthy due to high demand and limited places available each year.

It is important to note that you must meet all visa conditions and follow Australian laws while on this visa. You can check your visa conditions and work and study entitlements in VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).

If you wish to stay in Australia permanently, you can apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) before your subclass 173 visa expires. In exceptional circumstances, you may be allowed to apply for the subclass 143 visa after the expiration of your subclass 173 visa. For more information, you can contact the Parent Visa Centre at the Perth office in Western Australia.

To apply for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173), you must complete Form 47PA Application for a parent to migrate to Australia. Your sponsor must also complete Form 40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia. The application must be submitted on paper, and you must pay the first instalment when you apply.

During the application process, you might be asked to provide additional documents, such as identity documents, sponsor documents, balance-of-family documents, character documents, and proof of dependency for dependants over 18 years old. It is important to provide accurate information and have all non-English documents translated into English by accredited translators.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive updates on the progress of your application. Processing times can vary, and it is important to wait for the Department to contact you regarding any further information or documents required.

When a decision is made on your application, you will be notified in writing. If your visa is granted, you will receive your visa grant number, the start date of your visa, and the visa conditions. If your visa is refused, you will be informed of the reasons for the refusal and your review rights, if applicable.

As a sponsor, you have certain obligations. You must provide accommodation and financial support to the sponsored applicants for the first 2 years they are in Australia on this visa. If you wish to withdraw your sponsorship, you must notify the Department in writing. However, withdrawing sponsorship after the visa is granted may result in the cancellation of the visa.

It is important to keep the Department informed of any changes to your circumstances, such as changes in contact details, passport, or relationship status. Failure to do so may have consequences for your visa application or sponsorship.

Before you travel to Australia, make sure you have a valid visa and a valid passport or other travel document. At the border, you will need to complete an Incoming Passenger Card. If you are eligible, you can use the SmartGate automated process for faster airport clearance.

Once you are in Australia on the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173), you must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws. You can check your visa conditions, work and study entitlements, and visa expiry in VEVO.

If you need to leave Australia, make sure you have a valid passport or travel document. You can use the Departures SmartGate for faster airport clearance.

As a sponsor, your obligations last for 2 years. You must provide accommodation and financial assistance to the sponsored applicants during this period.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with your visa application, you can seek help from a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person. It is important to provide accurate information and comply with all requirements to ensure a smooth visa application process.