It depends on cash flow, timing and risk. A 173 lets parents join you sooner and split government fees over two stages, which is easier if you’ve only just started working. Going straight to 143 is simpler and slightly cheaper overall, but with a big upfront payment. In consults we usually model both options with real numbers (visa charges, AoS, travel, insurance) so you and your parents can see which pathway is actually sustainable.

If they don’t move to the 143 before the 173 expires, they won’t have an automatic ongoing visa and may need to leave Australia or switch to a different visa (if eligible). That’s why we treat the 173 as part of a two-step financial plan, not a stand-alone visa: we map out when you’ll likely lodge the 143, what savings or AoS support you’ll need, and build a timeline around your job, mortgage or other big expenses.

Yes, but it needs planning. Many parents on 173 visas keep property, pensions or small businesses overseas for a while. The key is to be honest about where they are actually living and who is financially responsible for them. When we prepare the 143 stage, we help you show a clear picture of where your parents now “call home”, so offshore ties don’t look like they’re only visiting you temporarily.

Mixing parent visa types can get messy. For example, you generally can’t hold or apply for some other parent visas at the same time as a 173/143 pathway. We normally choose one long-term strategy, then design any Visitor visas around it, explaining to the Department why your parents will keep following GTE while a contributory application is in the system. This avoids refusals for “conflicting intentions”.

For higher-cost visas like 173/143, a health refusal is painful. Before you spend that money, it can be worth getting detailed specialist reports, checking likely treatment costs in Australia and doing a risk review with a migration professional who understands the health rules. If the risk looks high, we’ll be upfront and talk through softer options (structured visitor stays, shorter-term visas) so you don’t gamble family savings.

Many sponsors are ex-students just getting established. We look at:

• your income trajectory over the next few years,
• whether a co-assurer (e.g. sibling) should help, and
• how a future AoS bond and day-to-day costs fit with your goals (buying a home, further study, kids).
  That way, the 173/143 plan supports your life in Australia rather than becoming a constant financial stress.

Think long-game from the moment you lodge the 173:

• keep copies of all entry/exit stamps and flight bookings,
• hold onto Medicare enrolment letters, rental agreements, bank statements and GP registrations showing your parents are genuinely settling, and
• note any major health or address changes.
  When it’s time to lodge the 143, we use this history to show the Department a clear, consistent story – which can reduce back-and-forth and help your parents move to PR with less stress.