Are you dreaming of living in Australia and being closer to your children and grandchildren? The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) may provide a pathway for parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate permanently to Australia.
While this visa offers permanent residency and access to many benefits, it is important to understand that it is a non-contributory parent visa and has one of the longest processing times in the Australian migration programme.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Subclass 103 Parent Visa, including eligibility requirements, benefits, costs, and the application process.
Key Takeaways
- The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa that allows eligible parents to live in Australia indefinitely.
- You must have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Most applicants must satisfy the Balance of Family Test.
- Visa holders can work, study, enrol in Medicare, and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
- The visa currently costs from AUD 7,345 for a single applicant and is paid in two instalments.
- Due to annual caps and high demand, processing times are extremely long and may exceed 30 years for new applications.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
What is the Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa that allows parents to migrate permanently to Australia to be closer to their children.
To be eligible, you must have an eligible child who is:
- An eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.
This visa allows you to live in Australia permanently and enjoy many of the same rights and benefits as other permanent residents.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 103 Parent Visa
To qualify for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), you must meet several requirements.
Sponsorship Requirements
You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is:
- At least 18 years of age; and
- A settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
In some circumstances, an eligible community organisation may act as your sponsor.
Your sponsor agrees to support you and assist you during your settlement in Australia.
Meeting the Balance of Family Test
Most applicants must satisfy the Balance of Family Test.
You meet this test if:
- At least half of your children live permanently in Australia; or
- More of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
This requirement ensures that your strongest family ties are with Australia.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Health and Character Requirements
You and any family members included in your application must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
This generally includes:
Health Requirements
- Completing health examinations with an approved panel physician;
- Undergoing additional medical tests if requested.
Character Requirements
- Providing police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16 years of age;
- Declaring all relevant information honestly and accurately.
Failure to meet health or character requirements may result in a visa refusal.
Debts to the Australian Government
You and any family members included in your application must not owe money to the Australian Government.
If you have outstanding debts, they must either:
- Have formal arrangements in place to repay the debt.
Outstanding government debts may affect your eligibility for this visa.
How to Apply for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Applications for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) are now lodged online through ImmiAccount.
Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you:
- Have an eligible sponsor;
- Meet the Balance of Family Test;
- Meet health and character requirements; and
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents
Common supporting documents include:
- Passport and identity documents;
- Marriage certificates (if applicable);
- Evidence of your relationship to your sponsor;
- Health examination results; and
- Documents supporting your sponsor’s Australian status.
Additional documents may be requested during processing.
Step 3 – Lodge Your Application
Applications are submitted online via ImmiAccount.
You can be either:
When you lodge your application, provided you are not in immigration clearance.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Processing Times
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is subject to annual caps and queue arrangements.
Demand for parent visas significantly exceeds the number of places available each year. As a result, new applications are expected to take more than 30 years to process.
Applicants should consider these extended waiting periods carefully before applying.
Source: Department of Home Affairs and current parent visa queue information
Cost of the Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
The visa application charge currently starts from:
AUD 7,345 for a single applicant
The visa fee is paid in two instalments.
Additional costs may also apply, including:
- Biometrics (if required); and
- Document translation or certification costs.
Visa charges are subject to change and should always be verified on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging an application.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Benefits of the Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Once granted, the Subclass 103 visa allows you to:
- Live in Australia permanently;
- Work and study in Australia;
- Sponsor eligible family members for certain Australian visas;
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of grant; and
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Travelling on the Subclass 103 Visa
The visa includes a five-year travel facility.
After the travel facility expires, you may need to:
- Apply for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157); or
- Obtain Australian citizenship (if eligible)
to continue travelling internationally and returning to Australia as a permanent resident.
Important Considerations
Before applying, families should carefully consider:
- The extremely long processing times;
- The financial commitments involved;
- Whether alternative parent visa pathways may better suit their circumstances.
Some families may wish to explore contributory parent visas or temporary parent visa options, depending on their goals and budget.
Conclusion
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) provides a pathway for parents to permanently reunite with their families in Australia. It offers permanent residency, Medicare access, work rights, and the opportunity to become an Australian citizen.
However, due to the very lengthy processing times, it is important to seek personalised advice and carefully consider whether this visa aligns with your family’s migration plans and long-term objectives.
For many families, the Subclass 103 visa represents an opportunity to build a future together in Australia, even if patience and long-term planning are essential parts of the journey.