Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)

The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for parents who do not want to wait for the significantly longer processing times of non-contributory parent visas.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Parental Relationship: The applicant must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. Age Requirement: The applicant must meet the age requirements for an aged pension under Australian law.
3. Balance of Family Test: At least half of the applicant’s children must live permanently in Australia, or more children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
4. Sponsorship: An eligible child must sponsor the parent and provide Assurance of Support.
5. Health and Character: The applicant and all family members applying must meet health and character requirements.

Application Process:

1. Eligibility Check: Confirm that the applicant meets all the eligibility criteria, including the balance of family test.
2. Sponsorship and Assurance of Support: The sponsoring child lodges a sponsorship application with the Department of Home Affairs and provides Assurance of Support.
3. Lodge Visa Application: Once sponsorship is approved, lodge the visa application online, providing all necessary documents, including identification, relationship proof, health assessments, and character documents.
4. Health and Character Checks: Undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates for all countries resided in since turning 16.
5. Waiting Period: Wait for the application to be processed. Additional documents might be requested.
6. Visa Grant: Upon approval, the applicant receives the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173), allowing them to live in Australia for up to two years.

Benefits:

1. Temporary Residency: Allows parents to live in Australia temporarily for up to two years.
2. Access to Healthcare: Parents have access to Medicare, Australia’s healthcare system, during their stay.
3. Work and Study: The parent can work and study in Australia without restrictions during the temporary stay.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Provides a pathway to apply for the Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 143) for permanent residency in Australia after the temporary period.

FAQs:

Q: Can the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa be extended beyond the two years?
A: No, this visa cannot be extended. However, it provides a pathway to apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).

Q: Can the sponsoring child be a permanent resident, or do they have to be an Australian citizen?
A: The sponsoring child can be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Q: Is the parent allowed to work during their stay on a Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa?
A: Yes, the parent can work and study without restrictions during their temporary stay in Australia.