Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

Overview

The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa that enables parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia permanently. This visa is designed for parents who wish to join their children in Australia, offering them the opportunity to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. However, applicants should be aware of the significant processing times associated with this visa due to high demand and limited annual allocations.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Subclass 103 Parent Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Sponsorship: Be sponsored by an eligible child who is:
- An Australian citizen,
- An Australian permanent resident, or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen.
The sponsor must be settled in Australia, which generally means they have been lawfully residing in Australia for at least two years.
Balance of Family Test: At least half of the applicant's children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are usually resident in Australia; or more of the applicant's children live in Australia than in any other single country.
Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character requirements as set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Assurance of Support (AoS): An AoS is required to ensure that the applicant does not rely on government assistance after entering Australia. This is a legal commitment by an individual or organization to provide financial support to the applicant for a set period.
No Outstanding Debts: Applicants must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged to repay any outstanding debts.
No Previous Visa Applications: Applicants must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa.

Application Process

Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents, including proof of identity, relationship to the sponsor, and evidence meeting the Balance of Family Test.
Submit Application: Lodge the visa application by paper, as online applications are not available for this visa subclass.
Health and Character Checks: Undergo required medical examinations and provide police certificates.
Assurance of Support: The sponsor must provide an AoS, including a bond and a legal commitment to support the applicant.
Await Decision: Due to capping and queuing, applicants may wait several years before their application is processed.

Costs Associated

Fee Type	Amount (AUD)
Visa Application Charge	$7,055 (main applicant)
Additional Applicant (≥18)	$4,650
Additional Applicant (<18)	$3,315
Assurance of Support Bond	$10,000 (single applicant) or $14,000 (couple)
Medical Examinations	Varies
Police Certificates	Varies

Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Processing Times

Processing times for the Subclass 103 Parent Visa are significantly long due to high demand and limited annual allocations. As of 2025:

Estimated Processing Time: Up to 31 years.

Applicants should consider alternative visa options if a shorter processing time is desired.

Benefits

Permanent Residency: Live in Australia indefinitely.
Work and Study Rights: Full access to work and study opportunities.
Medicare Access: Enroll in Australia's public health care scheme.
Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Sponsor Family Members: Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.

Common Hurdles

Lengthy Processing Times: The extensive wait time can be a significant deterrent.
Balance of Family Test: Strict requirements may disqualify some applicants.
Financial Commitments: Assurance of Support and associated bonds can be financially demanding.
Age and Health Considerations: Older applicants may face additional health assessments and challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply for this visa while in Australia?

A: No, the Subclass 103 Parent Visa must be applied for from outside Australia.

Q: Is there a faster alternative to this visa?

A: Yes, the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) offers faster processing times but comes with higher costs.

Q: Can I include my partner in the application?

A: Yes, your partner can be included in the application, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Q: What happens if my sponsor dies before the visa is granted?

A: The visa application may still proceed if another eligible sponsor agrees to sponsor you.

Q: Can I work in Australia while waiting for the visa?

A: No, as the application must be lodged from outside Australia, you cannot work in Australia while waiting for the visa.

Real-Life Scenarios

Scenario 1: Maria and Robert, parents of an Australian citizen, applied for the Subclass 103 Parent Visa. They were informed of a processing time of up to 31 years, prompting them to consider the Contributory Parent Visa despite higher costs.
Scenario 2: Misook and Soejun, from South Korea, applied for the Contributory Parent Visa in 2017. Due to extended processing times, they switched to the non-contributory Subclass 103 Visa, facing a potential wait of over 40 years.
Scenario 3: Sarah's elderly parents applied for the Subclass 103 Visa. Facing a 31-year wait, they remain on a bridging visa in Australia, unable to fully integrate or access certain services, causing significant stress.

Additional Resources

Department of Home Affairs – Subclass 103 Parent Visa

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