Deciding to bring parents to Australia through the Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa is a significant choice for families. This visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to two years. But how does the Subclass 173 visa work, and is it the right choice for your family? Let’s explore the eligibility criteria, costs, and benefits of this visa to help you decide.
What Is the Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa?
The Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa allows parents of eligible sponsors (children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents) to live in Australia for a temporary period of up to two years. The visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa.
Unlike the non-contributory parent visa, which has a lengthy processing time, the contributory parent visa involves a higher application fee. Still, it offers faster processing and the option to extend to permanent residency later on.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 173 Visa?
To be eligible for the Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Parent of an Eligible Sponsor: The applicant must be a parent of a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be 18 years or older.
- Balance of Family Test: At least half of the applicant’s children must be living in Australia as permanent residents or citizens. Alternatively, more of the applicant’s children must live in Australia than any other single country.
- Age Requirement: There is no specific age limit for this visa, unlike other parent visas that require applicants to be of pensionable age.
- Sponsorship: The sponsor must agree to support the parent financially during their initial stay in Australia. This includes accommodation and any possible social security payments.
Costs Involved in Subclass 173 Visa
The Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent Visa comes with a substantial application fee. The cost reflects the expedited processing compared to non-contributory parent visas. The fee is usually paid in two installments, with the first part being paid at the time of application and the second before the visa is granted.
Aside from the visa fees, applicants may also need to cover medical checks, police certificates, and other processing costs. Families should weigh these expenses against the benefits of faster processing and eventual permanent residency.
Benefits of the Subclass 173 Visa
- Temporary Residency: This visa allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years. During this time, they can experience life in Australia, spend time with their family, and even plan for the future.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Parents on a Subclass 173 visa can apply for the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa, which grants permanent residency. This pathway allows families to reunite more permanently without the long wait times of other visas.
- Access to Medicare: While on a Subclass 173 visa, parents can access Australia’s public health care system, Medicare, which helps reduce the financial burden of medical expenses.
- Work Rights: Parents on this visa are allowed to work in Australia, which provides financial independence during their stay.
Subclass 173 vs. Subclass 143: Temporary or Permanent?
Many families wonder whether they should apply for the Subclass 173 or go directly for the Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa. Here are the key differences:
- Subclass 173: This is a temporary visa valid for two years. It offers a lower upfront fee compared to the permanent option and allows parents to decide later if they want to settle in Australia permanently.
- Subclass 143: This is the permanent visa. While it has a higher initial cost, it offers the full benefits of permanent residency, including access to social security benefits and long-term healthcare.
For families uncertain about whether their parents will want to stay permanently, the Subclass 173 visa provides flexibility. However, for those ready to commit to long-term residency, the Subclass 143 visa might be a more straightforward option.
Why Choose the Subclass 173 Visa?
- Faster Processing Times: Compared to non-contributory parent visas, Subclass 173 offers faster processing, which is ideal for families who don’t want to wait several years for visa approval.
- Flexible Pathway: Subclass 173 is a great option for families who aren’t yet sure if permanent residency is the right choice. After two years, you can easily transition to permanent residency through Subclass 143.
- Financial Considerations: Although the visa fees are higher, the faster processing and pathway to permanent residency may outweigh the long wait times and lower fees of non-contributory parent visas.
- Trial Residency: The two-year temporary visa allows families to get a feel for life in Australia before committing to permanent residency. If circumstances change, parents can return to their home country after the visa period without applying for permanent residency.
Sponsorship and Financial Obligations
Sponsors play a crucial role in the Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Visa application. They must be willing to sponsor their parent financially for the visa period and ensure that their parents meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
Families considering sponsoring their parents for this visa should assess the financial commitments, including visa fees, health insurance, and living costs, before proceeding with the application.
Conclusion: Is the Subclass 173 Visa Right for Your Family?
The Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa is an excellent option for families looking to reunite in Australia. Its faster processing times, flexibility, and pathway to permanent residency make it an attractive choice for parents and sponsors alike.
For those who want to test the waters before committing to permanent residency, this visa provides the perfect solution. However, families should carefully consider the costs and weigh them against the benefits of quicker reunification and eventual permanent settlement in Australia.
If you’re considering the Subclass 173 visa or need expert assistance navigating Australia’s visa system, contact Lex Move today for personalized support and guidance.
Read More: Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent Visa: Is It the Right Choice for Your Family?