The Two-Stage Contributory Parent Route
The subclass 173 is a 2-year temporary visa that forms the first stage of the two-step path to permanent contributory parent residence in Australia. The second stage is the subclass 143 (Contributory Parent — permanent). The 173 exists as an option for families who prefer to split the large contributory application charges over two applications rather than paying the full amount for a direct 143 application.
The 173 is not permanent residence. The parent must apply for the 143 before the 173 visa expires. If the parent does not apply for the 143 in time, they will need to depart Australia when the 173 expires — having paid the 173 application charge and lost the pathway to permanent residence on this route.
The eligibility requirements for the 173 are the same as for the 143 — both require the balance of family test, sponsorship by an eligible child, assurance of support, and health and character clearances.
Eligibility Requirements (Same as Subclass 143)
The eligibility requirements for the 173 are the same as for the permanent 143. The parent must meet all of the following:
1. Balance of Family Test
More than half of the parent's children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens — or the number of children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens must be equal to or greater than the number who are not. The balance of family test is a hard requirement and cannot be waived.
2. Sponsorship by an eligible child
The parent must be sponsored by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen child (or the child's partner who is themselves eligible). The sponsor must agree to provide support for the parent and meet the sponsorship settlement requirements.
3. Assurance of Support
The sponsor must lodge an Assurance of Support (AoS) with the Department of Human Services. This is a legally binding commitment to support the parent and repay certain Centrelink payments if they are accessed. A security bond — a substantial sum — is required as part of the AoS process.
4. Outside Australia at the time of application
The 173 is an offshore visa. The parent must be outside Australia when the application is lodged. If the parent is already in Australia and wishes to pursue a contributory parent pathway, the onshore alternative is the subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent), subject to meeting the pension age requirement.
5. Health and character
Standard health examinations and character requirements (police clearances) apply to the parent and any secondary applicants included in the application. Health assessments are conducted at a Department-approved panel physician.
How the 173 to 143 Two-Stage Route Works
Cost Comparison: Two Paths to Permanent Contributory Parent Residence
Both routes lead to the same permanent 143 outcome, but the cost structure and timing differ:
The 173 + 143 route makes sense for families who want the parent in Australia with work rights and Medicare as soon as possible and prefer to spread the cost. The direct 143 may be preferable for families who want to minimise total cost and do not mind the parent waiting offshore. Both routes ultimately face the same queue for the underlying permanent 143 grant — the 173 does not jump the 143 queue.
Work Rights and Medicare While on the Temporary 173
One of the meaningful advantages of the 173 route over waiting for a direct 143 or the non-contributory pathways is that the parent can live in Australia with full rights while waiting for the permanent 143 to be processed.
Work rights
The subclass 173 includes full work rights. The parent can take any employment — full-time, part-time, or self-employed — during the 2-year period. This is a significant advantage over the non-contributory 804 and 864 onshore pathways, which have no work rights.
Medicare
The parent is entitled to enrol in Medicare from the date the 173 is granted. This provides access to subsidised medical and hospital care in Australia — a significant benefit for parents who require ongoing healthcare.
Travel
The 173 is a multiple-entry visa. The parent can travel in and out of Australia during the 2-year visa period without restriction on trip frequency, subject to the visa expiry date.
What Happens if You Do Not Apply for the 143 in Time?
The 143 application should be lodged from within Australia (confirm current lodgement rules on DoHA) before the 173 expires. The parent receives a Bridging Visa A (BVA) on lodgement of the 143, which allows them to remain in Australia while the 143 is processed. Once the 143 is granted, the parent becomes a permanent resident.
Processing Times for the 173 and 143
The subclass 173 has a shorter processing queue than the permanent 143 — the two-stage route is designed so that the parent can enter Australia sooner while the permanent pathway is pursued.
The subclass 143 queue is substantial — new applications typically face a processing time of approximately 12–15 years. The 173 itself processes faster, but the underlying permanent 143 grant still requires the same wait. Planning for the long-term total timeline is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.