Parent Visa | Subclass 103
Parent Visa
The Parent visa (subclass 103) is a permanent residency visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to move to Australia. This “non-contributory” pathway offers a lower-cost option for families, though it is subject to a substantial queue and mandatory eligibility testing.
Subclass 103 Parent Visa – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency |
| Stay | Indefinite |
| Cost | From $6,600 AUD (Total of two instalments)1 |
| Processing Time | Approx. 33 years for new applications2 |
| Key Requirement | Must meet the Balance of Family Test |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 103 visa, applicants must meet specific familial and financial criteria set by the Australian government.
1. The Balance of Family Test
This is the core requirement for all parent visas. To pass, at least half of your children must be “eligible children” (Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible NZ citizens) living permanently in Australia, or more of your children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
2. Eligible Sponsorship
You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is at least 18 years of age and “settled” in Australia (usually meaning they have lived here for at least two years). If your child is under 18, sponsorship by a spouse or relative may be possible in limited circumstances.
3. Assurance of Support (AoS)
The 103 visa requires a legal commitment from an assurer (usually your sponsor) to provide financial support so that you do not rely on Australian social security. This involves a bank guarantee/bond held by the government for a period of usually 2 years (circumstances dependent) after your arrival.
4. Health and Character
All applicants must meet Australia’s strict health and character requirements. Given the long wait times for the 103 visa, these assessments are typically requested by the Department only when your application reaches the front of the queue.
How to Apply for the Subclass 103 Parent Visa
A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preliminary Eligibility Audit
We conduct a forensic check of your family tree to ensure you pass the Balance of Family test and verify that your sponsor meets the “settled” status requirements.
Step 2: Prepare and Lodge the Application
The application can be lodged while you are in or outside of Australia. However, the 103 visa does not automatically grant a Bridging Visa to stay in Australia if applied for onshore.
Step 3: Queue Placement (The “Queue Date”)
The Department assesses your application against core criteria. If met, you are assigned a “Queue Date.” This is a critical milestone that places you in the official line for final processing.
Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring and Strategy
Because of the 30+ year wait time, we monitor your case annually. Many families choose to lodge a 103 application to “lock in” their eligibility while exploring temporary options like the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent visa.
Step 5: Final Processing and Grant
When your queue date is reached, the Department will ask for updated health and character checks and the second instalment of the visa application charge before granting the permanent visa.
Being on a Subclass 103 Parent Visa means…
What You Can Do on the Subclass 103 Parent visa
Upon grant, the subclass 103 provides full permanent residency rights:
- Live and Work: Stay in Australia indefinitely with full work rights.
- Medicare Access: Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Sponsorship: Sponsor other eligible family members for residency.
- Travel: Travel to and from Australia for 5 years (after which a Resident Return Visa is required).
Your Visa Obligations
The primary obligation is the Assurance of Support. For the first 2 years after grant, your assurer is responsible for any social security debts you might incur.
The Pathway to Australian Citizenship
After living in Australia for 4 years on a valid visa (with at least 12 months as a permanent resident), you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, provided you meet the residency requirements. See our Citizenship page here for further details about attaininig Australian citizenship.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The 103 visa is a long-term game. Mistakes in the initial lodgement can cost you years of queue time or lead to an outright refusal that cannot be rectified decades later.
Our Subclass 103 Services include:
Strategic Migration Mapping: We analyze whether the 103 is right for you, or if the faster Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa is a better invbestment for your family’s timeline.
Balance of Family Calculations: Expert assessment of complex family structures (including step-children and children in unknown locations).
Assurance of Support Coordination: Assisting your sponsor in meeting the income thresholds required by Services Australia.
Decision-Ready Lodgement: Our Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) ensure your application meets all “Time of Application” criteria to secure your queue date immediately.
Queue Management: Long-term representation to ensure the Department always has your current contact and family details over the decades of waiting.
And much, much more.
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 103 Parent Visa
Q: Can I stay in Australia while waiting 33 years for my 103 visa?
A: The 103 visa does not grant a Bridging Visa that allows you to stay indefinitely. Most parents use Visitor visas such as the Subclass 600 Visitor visa or alternatively, the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent visa to spend time in Australia while their 103 application remains in the queue.
Q: What is the difference between the 103 and the 143 visa?
A: The 103 is “non-contributory” (cheaper but it has around a 30+ year wait). The 143 is “contributory” (more expensive – approximately $48,000 AUD per parent but it processed in roughly 15 years).
Q: Can I switch from a 103 to a 143 visa later?
A: Yes. You can apply for a Contributory Parent visa while your 103 is in the queue, but you will need to pay new application fees.
Q: What happens if my sponsor moves overseas?
A: Your sponsor must be “settled” in Australia. If they move permanently, your eligibility may be affected. Our firm can advise on “replacement sponsors” if family circumstances change.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 16 April 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
