Sponsoring Your Parent for the Contributory Parent Visa 173
Your parents want to be here. You want them here. The 173 parent visa makes it possible.
Sponsorship isn’t just a form. It’s a commitment that lasts throughout their temporary stay and shapes their entire journey toward permanent residency. Here’s everything you need to understand before signing on.
Key Facts
Visa Type
Permanent Residency
Balance of Family Test:
Mandatory - at least half your children must live in Australia
Sponsor Requirement:
Must be sponsored by an eligible child (Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen settled in Australia)
Processing Time:
Typically 7 to 15 months for 90% process
What is a Temporary Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173?
The contributory parent visa 173 is a temporary visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to 2 years.
When you apply for the visa 173, you’re not just getting temporary entry. You’re securing your place in the contributory parent visa queue—and when your 2 years are up, you can apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) without starting over.
Why choose the two-step process?
The direct path to permanent residency through subclass 143 costs nearly $50,000 upfront. For many families, that’s not feasible in one payment. The 173 parent visa lets you pay approximately $32,525 now, live in Australia for 2 years, and pay the remainder when you convert to 143.
Same destination. Different payment structure. Your parents get to Australia years sooner than the non-contributory queue.
How Long Can You Stay?
Citizenship or Residency
You (or your cohabiting spouse/de facto partner) must be:
An Australian citizen, OR
An Australian permanent resident, OR
An eligible New Zealand citizen
Holding a temporary visa yourself? You cannot sponsor. Secure your own permanent status first.
Settled in Australia
Being "settled" means Australia is genuinely your home. You're living here, working here, building your life here. If you hold Australian citizenship but actually reside overseas, you don't qualify. The Department wants sponsors who are established in Australia—not just legally entitled to be here.
Evidence of being settled includes:
- Lease or mortgage documents showing Australian residence
- Utility bills at your Australian address
- Employment records with an Australian employer
- Bank statements showing Australian transactions
What Are the Requirements for Visa 173?
You need a child who is:
- An Australian citizen, OR
- An Australian permanent resident, OR
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
They must be settled in Australia—actually living here, not just holding status while overseas.
If your eligible child is under 18, a relative or community organisation can sponsor you instead. The Department must approve any sponsorship arrangement
This requirement catches many applicants off guard.
You must prove that:
- At least half your children live permanently in Australia, OR
- More of your children live in Australia than in any other single country
Every child counts. If you have four children and only one is in Australia, you fail. If two of four are in Australia and the others are scattered across different countries, you pass.
We help families map this test correctly—it requires evidence for children worldwide.
You and any family members applying with you must meet Australia's health requirement. The Department will tell you when to complete medical examinations.
Non-migrating family members may also need to meet health standards.
Police certificates and character assessments apply. The Department will request these when needed—don't arrange checks until asked.
If you owe the Australian Government money, you must have repaid it or have an approved arrangement in place.
You cannot apply for the parent contributory visa if you hold or have applied for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870). These pathways are mutually exclusive.
Previous visa cancellations or application refusals affect eligibility. The Department considers your entire immigration history when making decisions.
If you're 18 or older, you must read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement, confirming you'll respect Australian laws and way of life.
If any applicant is under 18, the Department won't grant the visa unless it's in that child's best interests.
Your Success Depends on Your Points Score!
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Before You Begin
Everyone included in the application needs a valid passport before the visa can be granted.
Check that you meet all requirements and your sponsor qualifies. There's no point gathering documents if fundamental eligibility isn't met.
If you've applied for a different parent visa without a decision, you must withdraw it when applying for the 173 parent visa. Use Part B of Form 47PA.
Immigration assistance can only come from registered migration agents (MARA), legal practitioners, or exempt persons.
Step 2: Compile Your Evidence
Documentation for the contributory parent visa australia application must be thorough and accurate. Incomplete applications are returned as invalid.
For yourself and anyone applying with you:
- Current passport (photo page, personal details, issue and expiry dates)
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Proof of any name changes (marriage certificate, divorce decree, official change of name documents)
Warning: If you cannot prove your identity, the Department will refuse your application and may ban you and listed family members from visa grants for 10 years.
Your sponsor completes Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia. They provide evidence of their citizenship/PR status and proof they're settled in Australia.
For EVERY child you have—anywhere in the world:
- Birth certificates showing parent-child relationship
- Evidence of each child's citizenship or permanent residence country
- Death certificates for deceased children (to exclude them from the test)
If your spouse or de facto partner applies with you:
- Identity documents
- Character documents
- Marriage certificate, OR
- Evidence of 12+ months de facto relationship (joint bank accounts, shared lease, same address documentation)
Under 18:
- Identity documents
- Relationship evidence (birth certificate)
- Character documents if applicable
- Consent from any parent not migrating (Form 1229 or statutory declaration)
18-22 years (dependent):
- Identity documents
- Form 47A – Details of dependent family member
- Proof of financial dependency for at least 12 months
- Character documents
Over 23 (with disability):
- Evidence they cannot earn a living due to physical or cognitive limitations
- Proof of ongoing dependency
4 recent passport-style photos per person:
- 45mm x 35mm
- Less than 6 months old
- Colour, good quality (not laser copies)
- Head and shoulders, full-face view
- Plain light background
Translation: All non-English documents must be translated by NAATI-accredited translators (in Australia) or qualified translators overseas who include their credentials.
Certification: All documents must be certified as true copies—except police certificates, which must be originals.
Keep copies: Retain everything you submit.
Step 3: Lodge Your Application
Paper submission required. There is no online lodgement for this visa.
- You can be in or outside Australia
- If in Australia: all family members applying must also be in Australia (not in immigration clearance)
- If outside Australia: all family members must also be outside Australia
Note: If you're in Australia on a visa with a "no further stay" condition, your application will be invalid unless you apply for a waiver.
- Form 47PA – Application for a parent to migrate to Australia
- Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia (sponsor completes)
- Form 47A – For each family member 18+ (migrating or not)
Pay the first installment with your application.
Send everything by post or courier to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth (address on forms). Include:
- Completed forms
- Supporting documents (certified copies only—except original police certificates)
- Payment evidence
Invalid applications are not processed. If anything is missing, your package comes back.
Step 4: After Lodgement
From April 2025, you can import your paper application into ImmiAccount after receiving your acknowledgement letter. This allows you to:
- Upload additional documents
- View Department messages
- Update your details
- Check application status
The Department cannot provide processing updates within normal timeframes. 173 visa processing time is lengthy due to capping and queuing—don't contact them asking for updates.
Check current queue positions at Parent visa queue release dates.
You'll be notified when medical checks are required.
Before the visa can be granted, you must pay the second installment. The Department invoices you when it's due. Non-payment means refusal.
If you're in Australia on a temporary visa that's expiring, ensure you maintain lawful status while waiting.
Tell the Department about changes to:
- Contact details (phone, email, address)
- Passport
- Relationship status
- Birth of a child
- Decision to withdraw
Step 5: Visa Decision
If you applied from within Australia, you'll need to leave before the Department finalises your application.
- You receive written notification with visa number, start date, and conditions
- You must enter Australia before the first entry date specified in your grant letter
- Keep your grant letter—you'll need it
- You're told why and whether review rights exist
- Application fees are not refunded
Cost Breakdown and Visa Process Time
173 Visa Cost
- First instalment (at application)
- $32,525
- Second instalment (before grant)
- Included in above
- Total for main applicant
- $32,525
- Additional adult applicant (18+)Additional charges apply
- Additional child applicant (under 18) Additional charges apply
Processing time 103 Visa
The 173 visa processing time is subject to capping and queuing, like all parent visas.
Applications are assessed in two stages:
- Initial eligibility check (queued or refused)
- Final assessment when places become available
The contributory queue moves faster than non-contributory visas (subclass 103/804), but “faster” is relative. Expect waiting periods measured in years, not months.
Can Visa 173 Be Converted to Permanent Residency?
Yes. This is the entire point of the two-step pathway.
Before your subclass 173 expires, you can apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143). This converts your temporary status to permanent residency.
The process:
- Hold your 173 visa
- Before it expires, apply for subclass 143
- Pay the 143 application fee
- Complete any additional requirements
- Receive permanent residency
Why families choose the two-step path:
Direct 143 | 173 → 143 Two-Step |
~$47,000+ upfront | ~$32,525 now, remainder later |
Wait outside Australia | 2 years in Australia while waiting for 143 |
One application | Two applications |
Lower total cost | Higher total cost, but spread over time |
If you can afford the direct path, it’s cheaper overall. If you need your parents in Australia now and prefer to spread payments, the two-step makes sense.
Other Parent Visa Options
Not sure if 173 is right? Compare:
Visa | Type | Processing | Cost | Best For |
Subclass 173 | Temporary (2 years) | Faster queue | ~$32,525 | Families wanting parents here sooner, willing to pay more over time |
Subclass 143 | Permanent | Faster queue | ~$47,000+ | Families who can afford upfront cost for direct PR |
Subclass 103 | Permanent | 30+ year queue | ~$7,345 | Cost-conscious families willing to wait decades |
Subclass 870 | Temporary (3-5 years) | Months | ~$5,090–$10,180 | Temporary visits, no PR pathway |
Note: You cannot hold or have applied for subclass 870 if you want to apply for the contributory parent visa 173.
🎯 99% Success Rate
Our clients get their 190 visas approved
⚡ Faster Processing
Complete applications reduce delays
🛡️ MARA Protection
Fully licensed MARA agents
Why Clients Choose The Migration
Parent visas are deeply personal. This is about your family, your children, your grandchildren, your future. These are not just documents to us—we understand what is at stake.
We have helped parents navigate straightforward applications and complex situations. Parents with health concerns. Families with children in multiple countries. Cases where circumstances changed during the long wait. Applications requiring assurance of support planning.
Eligibility Review
We confirm you meet all requirements before you invest time and money gathering documents
What is the difference between 173 and 143?
The 173 parent visa is temporary (2 years). The 143 is permanent. Most families use 173 as a stepping stone—live in Australia for 2 years, then convert to permanent 143. The two-step costs more total but spreads payments over time.
How long is the wait for visa 173?
Processing times are lengthy due to demand exceeding available places. The contributory queue moves faster than non-contributory visas, but still expect years. Check Parent visa queue release dates for current positions.
Does a temporary contributory parent visa get Medicare?
Yes. Subclass 173 holders can enrol in Medicare. You won’t need private health insurance for basic medical care during your 2 years.
Can I work on the 173 visa?
Yes. Full work rights with Australian workplace law protections. However, you won’t receive government financial support—your sponsor is responsible for supporting you.
What happens when my 173 expires?
You must either apply for the permanent subclass 143 or leave Australia. The 173 cannot be extended or renewed.
Can I apply from inside Australia?
Yes, but you must be outside Australia when the decision is made. If you apply from within Australia, you’ll need to leave before the Department grants the visa.
What if I fail the balance of family test?
You cannot apply for the contributory parent visa 173 without meeting this test. Consider the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) instead—it doesn’t require this test, though it offers no pathway to permanent residency.
Is the two-step more expensive than direct 143?
Yes. The 173 + 143 combination costs more in total than applying directly for 143. The benefit is spreading payments over several years and getting your parents to Australia sooner.
What documents are needed for subclass 173?
Identity documents, sponsorship forms, balance of family evidence for all children worldwide, partner documents (if applicable), dependent children documents (if applicable), and photographs. All non-English documents must be translated by accredited translators.
Can my parents visit Australia while waiting for 173?
Yes. They can apply for Visitor Visas (subclass 600) separately. The 173 application and visitor visa are independent processes.
What Does Sponsoring for Subclass 173 Mean?
The contributory parent visa 173 is a temporary visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to 2 years.
When you sponsor your parents for the contributory parent visa 173, you’re telling the Australian Government: “I will take responsibility for them.” For the entire 2 years your parent holds this visa, you’re obligated to ensure they have:
- A place to live
- Financial support
- Help settling into Australian life
Your parent won’t receive government assistance on this visa. No Centrelink. No welfare payments. That’s the deal. The Government grants faster processing in exchange for your guarantee that your parent won’t become a public burden.
Your sponsorship covers:
- The main applicant (your parent)
- Any family members who apply with them
You can sponsor multiple parents. If both your mother and father are applying, you can sponsor both simultaneously.
Alternative Sponsorship Arrangements
If your parent's qualifying child (the one who makes them eligible for the balance of family test) is under 18, that child cannot directly sponsor. An adult can sponsor on their behalf.
That adult must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled in Australia
- 18 years or older
- Related to the child as their spouse, relative, guardian, or a relative/guardian of the child's spouse
A community organisation can sponsor an applicant when:
- There's a genuine relationship between the organisation and the applicant's child
- A senior representative agrees to sponsor
- The organisation is lawfully established in Australia
- It has been actively operating for at least one year
- It can demonstrate financial capacity to meet its commitments
This pathway exists for specific circumstances—it's not common, but it's available.
Your Financial Obligations
Submitting Form 40 costs nothing. Sponsorship itself has no government fee.
But "free" is misleading. The real cost is what you commit to providing.
For your parent's entire subclass 173 visa period, you must provide:
Accommodation Your parent needs somewhere to live. Whether they stay with you, you help them find rental housing, or you cover their housing costs—this is your responsibility.
Financial Assistance If your parent cannot cover their own expenses, you cover them. Food, transport, medical costs not covered by Medicare, daily living expenses—if they need it and can't pay, you pay.
General Support Helping them navigate Australian systems. Setting up banking. Finding doctors. Understanding how things work. Being available when they need guidance.
Your parent can access Medicare on the contributory parent visa australia, but they cannot receive Centrelink payments or government welfare. Your sponsorship is the government's assurance they won't need it.
Your Success Depends on Your Points Score!
How to Sponsor: The Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Before touching any forms, confirm:
- You meet sponsor requirements (citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen, settled, 18+)
- Your parent meets applicant requirements (balance of family test, health, character)
If either side doesn’t qualify, the application fails. Get clarity before investing time.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You need to prove two things: your status and your relationship.
Documents showing citizenship or permanent residency:
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Australian passport
- Valid visa (for eligible New Zealand citizens)
Documents showing you're settled:
- Lease agreement or mortgage documents
- Utility bills in your name at an Australian address
- Employment letter from Australian employer
- Bank statements showing local transactions
- Tax returns
Evidence that you're related to your parent:
- Your birth certificate (showing your parent's name)
- Marriage certificates (if name changes involved)
- Adoption certificates (if applicable)
- Death certificates (if needed to establish family connections)
- Official family status certificates or family books
Additional requirements:
- Certificate of registration
- Board/committee authorisation for the representative
- Evidence of financial capacity
- Proof of one year's active operation
- Documentation of relationship with the applicant's child
All non-English documents must be translated:
- In Australia: NAATI-accredited translators
- Overseas: Include translator's full name, address, phone number, and qualifications on each translation
Step 3: Complete Form 40
Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia is your formal commitment.
Complete it accurately and thoroughly. Your signature is a legal undertaking to support your parent for 2 years.
You don’t lodge Form 40 separately. Give your completed form and supporting documents to your parent. They include everything in their visa application package and submit it to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth.
Step 4: After Lodgement
The Department notifies your parent when they receive the application. You won't receive separate confirmation as sponsor.
173 visa processing time involves capping and queueing. Contributory visas process faster than non-contributory pathways, but "faster" still means years. Don't contact the Department for updates within normal processing times.
You must notify the Department if:
- Your contact details change (phone, email, address, passport)
- Your relationship status changes
- You can no longer meet your sponsorship obligations
Changes can affect the application. If you're concerned about your ability to meet commitments, seek advice early.
Step 5: Visa Decision
Your parent receives written notification with visa details. Your 2-year sponsorship obligation begins when they enter Australia on this visa.
Your parent is advised why and whether review rights exist. Application fees aren't refunded. Your sponsorship ends with the refusal—you have no ongoing obligations.
Withdrawing Your Sponsorship
Life changes. Circumstances you couldn’t predict may make sponsorship impossible.
Before Visa Grant
You can withdraw sponsorship any time before the Department decides the application.
Submit your withdrawal in writing to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth. Include:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- File reference number or Client ID
What happens if you withdraw:
- Your parent’s visa may be refused
- The Department may ask them to find another sponsor
- If no alternative sponsor exists, the application likely fails
Think carefully. Your parent has invested significant money—over $32,000—in this application. Withdrawing could mean they lose everything.
After the visa is granted:
You cannot withdraw once the visa is granted.
If you fail to meet your obligations after grant, the Department may cancel your parent’s visa. Even if they release you from sponsorship, visa cancellation typically follows.
This is the commitment you’re making. Two years, no exit.
🎯 99% Success Rate
Our clients get their 190 visas approved
⚡ Faster Processing
Complete applications reduce delays
🛡️ MARA Protection
Fully licensed MARA agents
FAQs for Sponsors
Does sponsoring cost anything?
No government fee. But you commit to providing accommodation, financial support, and general assistance for 2 years. The real cost is the obligation, not a payment.
Can I sponsor both my parents?
Yes. You can sponsor more than one parent for the subclass 173. Each parent lodges their own application with your sponsorship attached.
What if my financial situation changes during the 2 years?
Your obligation continues regardless. If you genuinely cannot meet it, notify the Department—but understand this may trigger visa cancellation for your parent. Don’t sponsor unless you’re confident in your capacity.
Can my spouse help with sponsorship?
Yes. Eligibility requirements can be met by you OR your cohabiting spouse/de facto partner. If your partner is the citizen/PR and you’re not, they can be the qualifying sponsor.
What happens when my parent converts to 143?
You’ll need to sponsor them again for the permanent visa. The 143 has its own sponsorship requirements. Plan for ongoing commitment beyond the initial 2 years.
Can I withdraw if my circumstances change?
Before visa grant: yes, but your parent’s application may be refused and their $32,000+ lost.
After visa grant: no. You’re locked in for 2 years, and attempting to exit may result in visa cancellation.
What does "settled in Australia" actually mean?
Living here genuinely—not just holding citizenship while residing overseas. The Department wants evidence: utility bills, employment, lease agreements, bank accounts. Australia must be your actual home.
What if my parent needs financial help I can't provide?
This is why sponsorship requires honest self-assessment. If you cannot support your parent for 2 years, don’t sponsor. Consider whether the timing is right or whether other family members could assist.
Bring Parents to Australia Temporarily—Then Permanently
The contributory parent visa 173 isn’t just a temporary visa. It’s a strategic first step toward permanent family reunion.
Your parents get to Australia years sooner than the non-contributory queue. They live with you, work if they choose, access Medicare, and experience Australian life—while you prepare for the permanent 143 conversion.