Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
A permanent visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This is a lower-cost option with longer processing times.
About the Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
The Parent visa (subclass 103) is a permanent residence visa for parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. While this visa has lower application charges than the contributory parent visas, it has significantly longer processing times.
Key Benefits
- Live in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia
- Access Medicare (after waiting period)
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
- Lower application charges compared to contributory visas
Eligibility Requirements
Balance of Family Test
You must meet the balance of family test, meaning:
- At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, OR
- More of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other country
Children are considered for the balance of family test only if they are:
- Your biological children, stepchildren, or adopted children
- Aged 18 years or over
Sponsorship Requirements
- Be sponsored by a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen child
- Your sponsor must have been lawfully resident in Australia for at least 2 years before you apply
- Your sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support
General Requirements
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- Not have had a visa cancelled or previous application refused
- Have adequate health insurance until you can access Medicare
Visa Costs
Application Charges (Approximate)
- Main applicant: AUD $6,415
- Secondary applicants aged 18 and over: AUD $3,210
- Secondary applicants under 18: AUD $1,605
Note: Fees are subject to change. An Assurance of Support bond is also required.
Assurance of Support
An Assurance of Support is a legal commitment by your sponsor and/or assurer to financially support you so that you will not have to rely on government assistance. The bond amount is:
- Main applicant: AUD $10,000
- Adult secondary applicants: AUD $4,000 each
- Bond is refundable after 10 years
The Assurance of Support must be accepted before the visa can be granted.
Processing Times
Important: Long Processing Times
The Parent visa (subclass 103) currently has very long processing times:
- Current processing time: 12 to 30 years from date of application
- Due to annual caps on the number of visas granted
- Priority is given to contributory parent visa applications
Consider the Contributory Parent visa (173/143) if you need a faster processing time.
Application Process
Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet the balance of family test and other requirements
Sponsorship
Your child lodges sponsorship application
Lodge Application
Submit your visa application with all required documents
Wait in Queue
Your application enters the queue for processing
Assurance of Support
Submit Assurance of Support when requested (near grant time)
Health and Character Checks
Complete health examinations and police checks when requested
Visa Grant
Receive permanent visa and travel to Australia
While Waiting for Your Visa
Given the long processing times, you may want to consider:
- Applying for a Visitor visa to visit your family in Australia
- Switching to a Contributory Parent visa if you can afford it (fees apply)
- Keeping your contact details up to date with the Department
- Advising of any changes to your circumstances
Important Information
- You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa
- You can be in or outside Australia when the visa is granted
- Annual visa quotas apply, affecting processing times
- You cannot work in Australia while waiting for this visa unless you hold another visa with work rights
- Health insurance is required until you have access to Medicare
Comparison with Contributory Parent Visa
| Feature | Subclass 103 | Subclass 143 |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | 12-30 years | 2-4 years |
| Application Cost | ~AUD $6,415 | ~AUD $47,000 |
| Outcome | Permanent | Permanent |
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