Moving From a 173 or 884 to a Permanent Parent Visa: Timing and the 28 Day Window

The Subclass 173 and Subclass 884 are the temporary first stage of the contributory parent visas. They generally last for 2 years. To stay permanently, holders apply for the Subclass 143 (after a 173) or the Subclass 864 (after an 884). This guide explains the timing rules, the concessions you keep and what happens if you miss the deadline.

The 28 day window

Do not let your temporary visa expire without acting. To be treated as a 173 or 884 holder, you must apply for the permanent visa while you hold the 173 or 884, or within 28 days after it ceases. In limited cases, the Department can treat you as a holder if there are compassionate and compelling reasons. You need to explain these in writing and attach evidence when you lodge.

---

What you keep as a 173 or 884 holder

• No balance of family test: you do not need to pass it again.
• No new health assessment: the health requirement is not reapplied at the permanent stage.
• Sponsorship protection: if your sponsor dies and there is no other eligible sponsor, you are treated as sponsored.
• Queue date: your place in the queue is based on the date you lodged the 173 or 884.
• Lower charges: the permanent stage has a much smaller first instalment and a reduced second instalment.

---

Costs at the permanent stage

Second instalment (at the time of writing)	Amount
173 or 884 holder applying for the 143 or 864	$19,420
Direct 143 or 864 applicant (no temporary stage)	$43,600
Dependent child under 18 (nil if under 18 when the 173 or 884 was applied for)	$2,095

The second instalment is paid before the permanent visa is granted, and you will also need an Assurance of Support. Charges change regularly. See parent visa costs.

---

If you miss the deadline

If your 173 or 884 ended more than 28 days before you apply, and compassionate and compelling reasons are not accepted, you are processed as a direct applicant. That generally means:

• the balance of family test applies again;
• you need full health and character checks;
• you pay the full second instalment for a direct applicant;
• you may lose access to Medicare while you wait;
• if you are in Australia without a substantive visa for 12 months or more, you are unlikely to meet the requirements for an application in Australia.

---

Limits on other visa applications

Once you have held a 173 or 884 since you last entered Australia, you can generally only apply in Australia for the matching permanent visa, a Medical Treatment visa or a protection visa. Plan your path before your temporary visa ends.

---

Medicare and bridging visas while you wait

If you apply for the 143 or 864 while you hold your 173 or 884, or within 28 days after, your Medicare eligibility generally continues, or is restored, while you wait. Most social security payments are not available. If you are in Australia, a bridging visa usually keeps you lawful while the permanent application is processed. See Bridging Visa A and our Medicare eligibility checker.

---

Babies born to 173 and 884 holders

A baby born in Australia to a 173 or 884 holder is generally taken to hold the same visa and is included in the parent’s permanent application. Tell the Department and provide a certified copy of the birth certificate. A baby born overseas needs their own visa to travel to Australia.

---

What you should do now

• Diarise your expiry date: apply for the 143 or 864 before your 173 or 884 ends.
• Line up your sponsor: make sure your sponsor’s details are current.
• Budget for the second instalment: it is payable before the permanent visa is granted.
• Act fast if you have missed it: get advice about compassionate and compelling reasons straight away.