Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. This visa reunites families by enabling parents to join their children who are already settled in the country.

This visa provides the opportunity for parents to enjoy life in Australia, with access to healthcare, the ability to apply for citizenship (if eligible), and the chance to become a valued part of their family’s daily life. However, this visa has a long processing time, so early application is recommended.

Once granted, this visa allows the parent to live, work, and study in Australia permanently, sponsor eligible family members, and enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system. It is ideal for parents looking for long-term reunification with their children in a stable and supportive environment.

Requirements for Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

• Sponsored by an Eligible Child:

You must be sponsored by your child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and is settled in Australia.

• Balance of Family Test:

At least half of your children must be living permanently in Australia, or more children must live in Australia than in any other single country.

• Health and Character Requirements:

You and any family members included in the application must meet Australian health and character standards.

• No Outstanding Debts:

You must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government or must have made arrangements to repay them.

• Assurance of Support:

Before the visa is granted, the sponsor may be required to provide an Assurance of Support a legal commitment to financially support the parent so they do not rely on government benefits.

• Be Outside Australia:

The applicant must be outside Australia when applying for and when the visa is granted.

Steps to Apply

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 103 Visa

To be eligible for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), you must meet the following:

• Be the parent of an eligible sponsor (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen).

• The sponsoring child must be settled in Australia, meaning they have lived in Australia lawfully for a reasonable period (usually at least 2 years).

• Must pass the Balance of Family Test (as defined above).

• Must agree to stay in Australia permanently and not hold any other conflicting visas that prevent application.

• Must meet all health, character, and public interest criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Processing Times for Australian Parent Visa – Subclass 103

The processing time for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is influenced by several key factors, including:

• The number of places available in the parent visa migration program.

• The accuracy and completeness of the application.

• Time taken to provide health, character, and supporting documents.

• Demand for this visa category and queue position.

This visa is in high demand, and due to its limited yearly intake, the processing time is significantly longer compared to other visa types. However, it offers permanent residency, reunites families, and grants full access to healthcare, work, and education in Australia.

Visa Type	Time to process 25% of applications	Time to process 50% of applications	Time to process 75% of applications	Time to process 90% of applications
Subclass 103 (Parent)	8 Years	11 Years	13 Years	15+ Years

Parent Visa (Subclass 103)