Australia remains to be a first-class destination for reunions among family members, predominantly by parents desiring to come to Australia as immigrants so as to unite with their children, who are citizens or residents in Australia. From numerous visas under which individuals are eligible, Contributory Parent Visa 173 still remains a compact but wise category through which mature parents may come to Australia to live and, in the process, gain status as permanent residents.
Parent visa 173 is for parents who wish to visit Australia on a temporary visa first before wanting to apply for the permanent contributory parent visa. It provides an option for fast track processing at an additional cost to non-contributory alternatives.
What is the Contributory Parent Visa 173
Contributory Parent Visa 173 is a temporary visa, which allows sponsoring parents to reside in Australia for two years. It is designed for settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealanders' parents. The visa is usually filed as a first application prior to applying for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143.
Although the 173 parents visa Australia does not render the parents eligible for permanent residence on its own, it renders the parents eligible to work, remain, and study in Australia for two years. More significantly, it renders them eligible to apply for the permanent visa (subclass 143) in Australia within two years.
Key Features of Parent Visa 173
Temporary Residence: Offers residence for a maximum of 2 years in Australia.
Work and Study: Gives unrestricted work and study rights.
No Access to Government Benefits: Prospective applicants cannot access Medicare or Centrelink whilst on the visa.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: The permanent Contributory Parent Visa 143 can be applied for by parents before the 173 visa expires.
It is appropriate for families who wish their parents to arrive earlier and then move toward permanent residency without having to put up the whole contribution.
Parent Visa Sub Class 173 Eligibility Requirements
The applicants shall be eligible to apply for the parent visa sub class 173 if they meet the following criteria:
1. Be a Parent of a Settled Australian Resident: The child should be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia.
2. Balance of Family Test: At least half of the applicant's children must be permanently and legally settled in Australia, or more applicant's children than in any other country must be residing in Australia.
3. Health and Character: The applicants must meet the Australian government's requirements of health and character.
4. Sponsorship: The applicant must be sponsored by a settled child in Australia.
5. Financial Situations: Subclass 173 is not provided with the complete Assurance of Support, but subsequently, if subclass 143 application is submitted, the complete Assurance of Support will be required.
Fees included in Parent Visa 173
The contributory parent 173 visa is less expensive in the upfront charges than the permanent subclass 143 visa. Under the present fee regimes, the overall government charge of the 173 visa totals around AUD $31,930. Payment typically happens in two phases — the first at the lodgement of the application, and the second before the visa is granted.
If the applicant wants to make the permanent Contributory Parent Visa 143 application within two years, there is an additional cost.
Even though the entire cost is higher compared to non-contributory visas like subclass 804, the largest advantage is considerably quicker processing time and receiving the chance to stay in Australia sooner.
Processing Time for Parent Visa 173
The 173 parent visa also enjoys faster processing than non-contributory visas. It would take between 2 and 4 years on average to process the visa depending on applications received and government allocation.
This is significantly faster than Parent Visa Subclass 804 with over 30 years of processing time due to stock constraint.
Why Choose the 173 Parents Visa Australia?
There are several reasons why families opt for the 173 parents visa Australia compared to other parent visa subclasses:
1. Faster Entry: Parents enjoy faster entry and settle in Australia earlier.
2. Two-Step Payment: Divides cost over time, which is cheaper.
3. Work and Study Rights: Grants applicants work and study rights while they stay.
4. Path to Permanency: Upon temporary visa issuance, applicants can move towards permanent residence on subclass 143.
For most families, parent visa 173 is the most optimal compromise of cost, flexibility, and probability of being reunited sooner.
Last Thoughts
Parent contributory visa 173 is a sensible and pragmatic pathway for parents who wish to live in Australia with their family. Although temporary in itself, it is employed as a stepping stone to permanent residence on the subclass 143 visa.
If you are going to sponsor your parents to Australia, you would do well to bear in mind the parent visa sub class 173 if you wish for faster outcomes and greater flexibility when it comes to dealing with costs. A consultation with a registered migration agent will enable you to determine if the visa will be suitable to your family’s needs and circumstances.
