Subclass 173 – Bring Your Parents to Australia Faster
Travelling and migrating to join most Australian permanent residents and citizens' parents is most likely the most expensive dream after immigration to Australia. There are some ways through which the Australian Government encourages it, and one of the most viable and feasible among them is the Contributory Parent Visa 173, under which parents get the temporary residency in Australia along with quicker access than some other parent visa classes.

If you are intending to sponsor your parents to Australia, from countries such as India, then the Contributory Parent Visa 173 will probably be appropriate for you. See it here below for more information.

What is the Contributory Parent Visa 173?

The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Visa is a transition visa that is open to qualifying parents of Australian citizens, residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens for temporary stay in Australia for two years. The visa is sometimes employed as a stepping stone to the permanent Contributory Parent Visa 143.

By lodging the application for the 173 visa first, applicants are able to spread the hefty visa costs over a longer timeframe, one of the most appealing aspects of it. It allows families to be reunited sooner without being required to pay the full permanent visa cost upfront.

Major Benefits of the 173 Visa

• Live in Australia for 2 years with unlimited access to Medicare.
• Work and education rights during your stay.
• No legislative Assurance of Support requirement (as with some other parent visas).
• Ease of application for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa 143 whilst the 173 visa is still in force.

For most families, this offers precious time together whilst getting financially ready to make the permanent visa application.

Eligibility Requirements for Visa 173

The following are needed to be eligible for the Contributory Parent Visa 173:

1. Parent of an eligible sponsor – The applicant should be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has lived in Australia for two years or more.
2. Balance of family test – At least half or more of the applicant's children must be permanently resident in Australia, or there should be more of their children in Australia than in any other one country.
3. Health and character – The candidates should fulfill standard health and character requirements.
4. No history of previous visa refusals – The candidate should not have a visa refusal or cancellation on any visit to Australia ever.

The Application Process: Step by Step

1. Check your eligibility – A registered migration agent will examine your family situation to determine if you are eligible for the balance of family test and other requirements.
2. Prepare and submit your application – Application is done abroad, and supporting documents (relationship documents, identification documents, etc.) need to be prepared very carefully.
3. Pay visa charge – 173 visa is costly, and the majority of it is paid in two stages
4. Wait while being processed – Processing time varies but typically takes 3 to 5 years depending on demand and government priorities.
5. Have your visa issued – Your parent(s) can then come to Australia and have temporary residence once approved.

Contributory Parent Visa 173 Compared to Other Parent Visas

As opposed to the Parent Visa Subclass 103, which takes over 10 years to be processed, waiting time for the Contributory Parent Visa 173 is far shorter. Though, more expensive, quicker processing and convenience at times are benefits for families who want to be reunited quickly.

The 173 visa too serves as a bridge to permanent residence. The applicants can apply for the Subclass 143 visa within Australia upon holding a current 173 visa, and it allows the spreading of the total cost and lowering of the initial cost burden.

Why Choose a Migration Agent

It is intricate paperwork to submit to obtain the Contributory Parent Visa 173 and has strict requirements. Small errors or inability to provide proper documents can lead to rejection or delay. That is why most people consult migration agents, especially those with parent visa experience.

For Indian families living in Brisbane and other cities, having a culture-sensitive, MARA-registered migration agent who knows the technicalities of the process, as well as the emotional sensitivity of the procedure, can be a godsend. They assist with the paperwork organization, double-checking submissions, and providing guidance for the entire visa procedure.

Organizing for the Permanent Visa 143

Once your parent enters Australia on the 173 visa, you can go ahead and apply for the Contributory Parent Visa 143. This is a permanent visa that enables parents to stay in Australia for life and receive more government benefits. The application for the 143 visa should be done before the 173 visa expires, so timing is crucial.

Your migration agent can assist with the changeover of this, seeing that the permanent visa is done correctly and timely. 

Conclusion

Reuniting with your parents in Australia is one of those intimate and emotional things that life has in store. Contributory Parent Visa 173 provides an easy and systematic means of making such reunion happen earlier than the later option. Temporary visa status to permanent residency provides families with access while they prepare costs and save together in Australia.

If you are looking at sponsoring your parents abroad—who, in your case, live in countries like India—the 173 visa is definitely an option. And with the proper migration guidance, it is all a lot simpler and less stressful.