Parent Visa Subclass 103
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) allows parents of Australians to migrate permanently and reunite with family, though processing times are extremely long.
Parent Visa (Subclass 103): Reunite with Your Family in Australia
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. It is designed for family reunification but comes with a very long processing time due to high demand.
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) provides an opportunity for parents to reunite with their children in Australia and live permanently. This visa is part of Australia’s family migration program and is suitable for applicants who are willing to wait for long processing queues. It is an offshore visa, meaning you must be outside Australia when applying and when a decision is made.
Why Choose Parent Visa 103?
This visa is ideal for parents who want to settle in Australia permanently with their children and gain access to Australian healthcare, work rights, and social benefits.
Benefits
Live in Australia permanently with your children.
Work and study in Australia with full rights.
Access Medicare and certain social security benefits after qualifying.
Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible.
Sponsor eligible family members for visas in the future.
Eligibility Criteria
sponsor
You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has been settled in Australia for at least 2 years.
balance_of_family_test
At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
health_and_character
You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
location
You must be outside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is decided.
Evidence Checklist
Valid passports and identity documents.
Birth certificates and proof of parent–child relationship.
Evidence of sponsor’s Australian citizenship, PR, or NZ status.
Evidence that sponsor is settled in Australia for at least 2 years.
Balance-of-family test documents (family composition).
Health and police clearance certificates.
Conditions & Rights
Permanent residency from the day the visa is granted.
Multiple travel rights in and out of Australia for 5 years.
Access to Medicare and work rights.
Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Application Process
Confirm sponsorship eligibility of your child in Australia.
Gather required documents including identity, relationship, and sponsorship proofs.
Submit the visa application offshore along with the required fees.
Provide biometrics, health checks, and police clearances as requested.
Wait for processing (the Subclass 103 has one of the longest waiting times, often 20+ years).
If approved, move to Australia permanently.
Processing Time
Due to very high demand and capping, Subclass 103 has extremely long queues, with estimated processing times of over 20 years. Applicants may consider Contributory Parent visas (Subclass 143/173) for faster processing, albeit with higher costs.
Fees & Notes
Government visa application fees apply (significantly lower than contributory parent visas).
Additional costs for medical examinations, police checks, and document translations.
Second installment charges may apply for dependents.
FAQs
How long does it take to process the Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?
Can I apply while I am in Australia?
What is the balance-of-family test?
Is there a faster alternative to this visa?
Can I include my partner in the application?
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