Subclass 173 · Temporary
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
Live in Australia for up to 2 years and then apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (143), spreading the cost. From AUD33,375.
About the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173) lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia for up to 2 years. It is a stepping stone to the permanent Contributory Parent visa (143), letting families spread the total cost.
With this visa you can
- Live in Australia for up to 2 years
- Work and study in Australia (without government support)
- Apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (143)
You must
- Have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Meet the balance of family test
- Be sponsored, and meet health and character requirements
- Not have applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870)
Expect a long wait
Demand for Parent visas is much greater than the number of places available each year, so there are long processing times. Home Affairs publishes Parent visa queue release dates. Contributory parent visas cost more but are generally processed faster than the non-contributory Parent (103) and Aged Parent (804) visas.
Compare Parent Visas
| Visa | Type | Stay | Visa cost (single applicant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent (103) | Permanent | Permanent | From AUD8,665 |
| Aged Parent (804) | Permanent | Permanent | From AUD8,665 |
| Contributory Parent (143) | Permanent | Permanent | From AUD49,900 |
| Contributory Parent Temporary (173) | Temporary | 2 years | From AUD33,375 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (864) | Permanent | Permanent | From AUD49,900 |
| Contributory Aged Parent Temporary (884) | Temporary | 2 years | From AUD35,430 |
| Sponsored Parent Temporary (870) | Temporary | 3 or 5 years | AUD6,370 (3 yrs) or AUD12,440 (5 yrs) |
Parent visa costs are paid over 2 instalments, except the 870. Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant; other costs and concessions may apply. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
More Parent Visas
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
- Live in Australia for up to 2 years
- Work and study (without government support)
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
- Apply for the permanent subclass 143 visa
From AUD33,375 for a single applicant, with extra charges for each family member. The cost is paid in 2 instalments. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
Up to 2 years from the grant date. You cannot extend this visa, but you can apply for the permanent visa.
You and family applying with you must be in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance.
Applications are assessed in 2 stages: an initial check of eligibility, then a place in the queue for final assessment, which can take many years for some parent visas.
Eligibility
What parents need.
You cannot apply if you hold, or have applied for, a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870).
Usually your child sponsors you. If your child is under 18, their partner, a relative, a guardian or a community organisation may be able to sponsor you instead.
At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more of your children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
You and family applying with you must meet the health and character requirements. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Previous refusals or cancellations are considered, government debts must be repaid or arranged, and applicants aged 18 or over must read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement.
Step by step
How parent visa applications work.
Before you apply
Check your eligibility, the balance of family test and that your sponsor is eligible.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Prepare identity, relationship and sponsor documents, plus health and character evidence when asked.
Apply
Lodge your application with your sponsor's details and pay the first instalment.
After you apply
Your application is checked, then placed in the queue. You may be asked for health checks, police certificates, the Assurance of Support and the second instalment closer to the decision.
Visa outcome
Home Affairs tells you the decision in writing.
When you have this visa
What happens next.
If you are outside Australia when the visa is granted, enter Australia before the first-entry date on your grant letter.
Obey Australian laws, meet any visa conditions and check your visa details in VEVO.
Report changes to your situation, address or passport.
You cannot extend this visa. To stay permanently, apply for the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).
About sponsoring your parent
Your role and obligations.
The main applicant and any family members who apply with them.
There is no fee to sponsor, but you take on financial obligations.
For the first 2 years the visa holder is in Australia, you must agree to provide them and their family with accommodation and financial help as needed.
You can withdraw your sponsorship at any time before the visa is decided.
Sponsor eligibility
Who can sponsor a parent.
You, or your cohabiting partner, must be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, usually meaning you have lived lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years.
If the parent's child is under 18, an Australian relative, guardian or community organisation may sponsor on their behalf.
Step by step for sponsors
How to sponsor your parent.
Before you apply
Make sure your parent is eligible for the visa and that you can meet your sponsor obligations.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Provide accurate information and prove your identity, ideally with your application or as soon as possible after.
Apply to sponsor
Lodge your sponsorship online in ImmiAccount, linked to your parent's visa application.
After you apply
Home Affairs confirms receipt in ImmiAccount and may ask for more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Outcome
Home Affairs tells the visa applicant about the decision in writing.
After the visa is granted
Your support continues.
Provide accommodation and financial help as needed for the visa holder's first 2 years in Australia.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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From AUD33,375, paid over 2 instalments for a single applicant. Concessions apply in limited circumstances, including for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
Demand for Parent visas is much greater than the places available each year, so processing times are long. Contributory parent visas are generally processed faster than non-contributory ones.
A requirement that at least half of your children live in Australia permanently, or that more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
Yes. Your sponsor is usually your child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
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