Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 173)

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Which family relationships qualify?

The qualifying family relationship is that of a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The parent must meet all applicable visa conditions and follow Australian law, and must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying. Unlike the Aged Parent routes, this visa has no age-pension age requirement.

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Overview tab
This temporary visa lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen stay temporarily in Australia.
Overview tab — Check your eligibility
have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Overview tab — Check your eligibility
meet all applicable visa conditions and follow Australian law
Overview tab — Check your eligibility
not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa.

Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

The parent must have an eligible sponsor, usually the eligible child; if that child is under 18, an eligible relative or a community organisation may sponsor instead. The Department must approve the sponsorship before the visa can be granted.

See recorded sources

Eligibility tab — Have a sponsor
You must have an eligible sponsor.
Eligibility tab — Have a sponsor
Usually, an eligible child will sponsor you. If your child is under 18, an eligible relative or community organisation can sponsor you.
Eligibility tab — Have a sponsor
We must approve the sponsorship.

What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

Proof of the qualifying relationship centres on the 'balance of family test': the parent must show that at least half of their children and step-children are eligible children settled in Australia, or that more of their eligible children live in Australia than in any other single country.

See recorded sources

Eligibility tab — Meet the balance of family test
You must meet the balance of family test.
Eligibility tab — Meet the balance of family test
at least half of your children and step-children are eligible children, or
Eligibility tab — Meet the balance of family test
there are more eligible children living in Australia than any other single country.

What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

The parent and any family members applying with them must meet Australia's health and character requirements (other non-migrating family members may also be asked to meet these), and any debt owed to the Australian Government by the parent or family members must be repaid or subject to an approved repayment arrangement. Applicants aged 18 or over must sign the Australian Values Statement.

See recorded sources

Eligibility tab — Meet the health requirement
You, and any family members who apply for the visa with you, must meet our health requirement.
Eligibility tab — Meet the character requirement
You, and any family members who apply for the visa with you, must meet our character requirement.
Eligibility tab — Have paid back your debt to the Australian Government
If you or any family members owe the Australian Government money, the debt must be paid back, or there must be an approved arrangement to pay it back.

How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

This is a temporary visa, not a permanent one: it grants a stay of only 2 years, during which the parent can work and study (without government support) and must use it as a bridge to apply for the permanent Contributory Parent (Subclass 143) visa. Cost is from AUD33,375 over 2 instalments for a single applicant (concessions apply in limited circumstances; a lower cost applies from 1 July 2026 for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens).

See recorded sources

Overview tab — With this visa you can
live in Australia for up to 2 years
Overview tab — With this visa you can
work and study in Australia (you will not receive government support)
Overview tab — With this visa you can
apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).
Overview tab — Cost
From AUD33,375 over 2 instalments for a single applicant. Concessions apply in limited circumstances.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 173)

Which family relationships qualify?

Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

Your story.Your next step.

Your story.
Your next step.