Parent Visa Subclass 173 Australia

Australia’s immigration system offers several pathways for parents to join their children who are living permanently in the country. Among these options, the Parent Visa Subclass 173 stands out as a temporary contributory visa designed to help families reunite quickly with their family members.

It lets eligible parents whose children are Australian citizens, a permanent resident of Australia or an eligible New Zealand citizen to stay in Australia for up to two years. The visa also offers a pathway to a permanent parent visa later on.

Getting to know how the subclass 173 works, who can apply, the costs involved, and the documents required is essential before starting the application process.

Parent Visa Subclass 173 is a temporary visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily.

• Temporary residence in Australia: Holders of visa 173 can stay in Australia for up to two years from the date the visa is granted.
• Pathway to permanent residency: Applicants can apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) prior to the end of their temporary visa.
• Work and study rights: The applicant gets access to study and work in Australia.
• Should not hold 870 visa: The applicant must not have applied for or hold a 870 subclass visa.

You may be able to apply for subclass 173 if you fulfil the following requirements:

• • • • You have a child who is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
      • Your child is settled in Australia.
      • You have a sponsor, usually your child or another eligible person.
      • You are outside Australia when the visa is granted.

Eligible family members can be added to an application by the applicants, such as a spouse and dependent children

There are a number of eligibility criteria set by the Australian Government that applicants need to meet. The requirements are intended to ensure that the sponsor and the applicant satisfy the necessary obligations for the visa.

You will need an approved sponsor. Typically, this will be your child who resides in Australia. If your child is under 18 years of age, then the eligible relative or community organisation is capable of supporting you financially and socially throughout your stay.

• At least half of your children are permanently staying in Australia, or
• More of your eligible children are living in Australia than in any other single country.

The applicant and family members must be medically examined and get clearance certificates from the police departments of the countries where they have resided for a considerable time.

The individual must settle all their debts owing to the Australian Government prior to being issued a visa.

Other rules may apply if you have ever had a cancelled Australian visa previously or if your visa application has been refused. Professional advice from a migration agent can be helpful in these situations.

Gathering appropriate documents is one of the most important aspects of the application process.

• Passport biodata page
• Birth certificate
• National identity card, if applicable
• Name change documents, if relevant

• Birth certificates showing parentage
• Passports
• Custody or consent documents, if applicable

• Evidence of dependency, such as financial support records
• Proof of full-time study, if applicable
• Passports and identity documents

• Marriage certificate or proof of a de facto relationship
• Joint financial documents, lease agreements, or other relationship evidence

• Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Australian visa standards

• Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or an eligible New Zealand citizen
• Appropriate evidence that the sponsor is settled in Australia
• Completed sponsorship forms

• Medical examination results from approved panel physicians
• Police clearance certificates from relevant countries

The visa 173 fee consists of different costs, such as the visa application charge and the second instalment payable prior to the visa being granted. The fees are subject to change periodically, so applicants should check the latest government schedule.

Many families plan their finances carefully before lodging the application because the fees are substantial.

After a successful application for a parent visa subclass 173, visa holders are required to comply with the conditions during their tenure in Australia. These are essential to maintain lawful visa status and avoid future immigration complications.

You should enter Australia prior to the date mentioned in your grant letter, which will generally be within 12 months from the date the visa is granted.

You should abide by all the laws of Australia and any conditions that have been imposed on your visa.

If there is any change in your relationship status prior to entering Australia, it will affect your visa eligibility and validity.

The process of applying for a parent visa is complicated and time-consuming. Preparation is the main factor to minimise delay and requests for additional information.

• Check that your sponsor is eligible and willing to provide sponsorship.
• Confirm you pass the Balance of Family Test.
• Organise original documents and certified translations where required.
• Arrange police clearances early, as they can take time to obtain.
• Review your financial capacity to pay visa charges and settlement costs.
• Keep digital copies of all documents for online submission.

Many applicants also consult a Perth migration agent to ensure the application is complete and accurate.

The application process for parent visas is usually lengthy, complex and includes extensive documentation requirements. Families can make the migration process easier with the right guidance from professional migration advisers.

• Assessing eligibility for subclass 173 and related visas.
• Explaining the Balance of Family Test and sponsorship obligations.
• Preparing and reviewing application documents.
• Submit the application correctly and respond to the department requests.
• Advising on the transition from the temporary visa to the permanent Subclass 143 visa.
• Providing updates on policy changes and processing expectations.

Having experienced visa consultants is helpful, particularly for individuals whose cases involve complex situations or previous visa issues. They can also help you in the next step, which is to apply for subclass visa 143.

We can guide you at every stage. Our right assistance can help you to overcome any delays, avoid common mistakes and get reunited with your loved ones in Australia.

Planning to apply for Parent Visa Subclass 173? Connect with our migration agents in Perth today and receive professional support for a smoother family migration journey to Australia.