Contributory Parent Visa ( Subclass 173 ) ( Temporary leading to )

Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent

The Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa is designed for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows parents to live in Australia temporarily while waiting for permanent residency under the Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa. The visa is part of Australia’s effort to reunite families while ensuring contributions to the country’s economy and society.

Key Features

• Temporary Stay: The visa allows the holder to live in Australia temporarily for up to 2 years.
• Eligibility for Permanent Residency: After holding the Subclass 173 visa, the applicant can apply for the Subclass 143 permanent visa.
• Family Reunification: Enables parents to join their children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Sponsorship Requirement: The applicant must be sponsored by their child or another eligible sponsor.
• Balance of Family Test: Applicants must meet the balance of family test, ensuring the majority of their children live in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

1. 1. Primary Criteria:
   • The applicant must be a parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
   • The applicant must be sponsored by their child or the child’s spouse, de facto partner, or guardian.
   • If the child is under 18, the sponsorship can also be from the child’s cohabiting spouse, a relative, or a community organization.
   • The applicant must meet the balance of family test, where the majority of their children must reside in Australia.
2. 2. Secondary Criteria:
   • The applicant must be a member of the family unit of the primary applicant (the parent) and have made a combined application.
   • They must satisfy all relevant public interest criteria.
   • If the applicant is under 18, additional public interest criteria apply, and they must meet any special return criteria if previously in Australia.

Secondary Applicant Requirements

• Secondary applicants must be a member of the family unit and must meet the same sponsorship and public interest criteria as the primary applicant.
• They must satisfy public interest criteria such as 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004, 4005, and 4010.
• If any secondary applicant is under 18, they must also meet criteria 4015 and 4016.

Application Process

1. 1. Submit an Application:
   • The applicant must complete and submit the Subclass 173 visa application form, including proof of relationship and evidence of the child’s settled status in Australia.
2. 2. Sponsorship:
   • The sponsor (the child or an eligible individual) must meet the required criteria for sponsorship and have this approved by the Minister.
3. 3. Balance of Family Test:
   • The applicant must provide evidence that the majority of their children are residing in Australia.
4. 4. Public Interest and Health Criteria:
   • The applicant must meet all necessary health and public interest criteria before the visa is processed.
5. 5. Visa Fee Payment:
   • Payment of the visa application fee, including any second instalment charges, is required.
6. 6. Visa Processing:
   • Wait for the visa to be processed, which may take time due to health checks, background checks, and other assessments.

Visa Conditions

• First Entry Requirement: The applicant must enter Australia before a date specified by the Minister.
• Conditions 8502 and 8515: These conditions may be imposed, restricting certain activities during the stay in Australia.

Validity and Benefits

• Temporary Stay: The visa allows temporary residence for up to 2 years, enabling the holder to live, work, and study in Australia during this time.
• Family Reunification: Allows parents to reunite with their children who are Australian citizens or residents.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: The visa is a temporary step before applying for the Subclass 143 permanent residency visa.
• Healthcare Eligibility: The visa holder may be eligible for Australia’s Medicare system, depending on specific circumstances.
• Travel Rights: The visa allows the holder to travel in and out of Australia during its validity period.

The Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa provides an opportunity for parents to live in Australia temporarily while awaiting permanent residency. With sponsorship from their children or an eligible sponsor, parents can enjoy the benefits of living in Australia, including access to healthcare and a pathway to permanent residency.