Parent Visa (subclass 103)

Parent Visa
(Subclass 103)
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) provides a permanent residency option for parents whose child is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia. This visa allows parents to live in Australia permanently and be reunited with their family.
Key Benefits of the Parent (Subclass 103) Visa
If granted, this visa offers several advantages to both parents and any dependent family members included in the application:
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Permanent Residency – Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely
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Citizenship Pathway – Become eligible for Australian citizenship once residency criteria are met
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Healthcare Access – Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, for subsidized medical services
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Family Sponsorship – Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency (subject to conditions)
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Travel Freedom – Travel in and out of Australia as often as needed for five years from the visa grant date. After this period, a Resident Return Visa (RRV) may be necessary to maintain international travel rights
Visa Class
Parent Visa
Australian Parent visas fall under the broader category of family visas, designed to allow parents to join their children who are =
Sponsorship Eligibility Criteria
To sponsor a parent for the Subclass 103 visa, sponsors must meet specific requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be settled in Australia, having lived lawfully in the country for at least two years at the time of application
If the child is under 18, the sponsor can be:
- The child’s spouse (18 years or older, settled in Australia, and meeting citizenship/residency criteria)
- A relative or guardian of the child who meets age and residency requirements
- A relative or guardian of the child’s spouse who is also settled in Australia
- A community organisation with a documented relationship with the child or a formal commitment from a senior official to support the parents upon arrival
Eligibility Criteria for Visa Applicants
Eligibility Criteria for Parent visa (Subclass 103)
To apply for the Subclass 103 visa, parents must meet the following requirements:
- Eligible Child: Have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must reside permanently in Australia, or you must have more children living in Australia than in any other single country. This assessment includes biological, adopted, and certain step-children, but excludes children who are deceased, legally removed from your care, or living in UNHCR refugee camps.
- Health Requirements: Undergo medical examinations with an approved panel physician, usually within 12 months of applying.
- Character Requirements: Provide police clearance certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more during the past 10 years.
- No Outstanding Debts: Ensure that any debts owed to the Australian government are paid before the visa can be granted.
- Approved Sponsorship: Have a sponsorship approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
Adding Family Members in the Application
You may include the following family members in your visa application:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent children or step-children (yours or your partner’s), provided they meet the age and dependency criteria
Important Information About Processing Times
Please note that the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is subject to capping and queuing, which significantly impacts processing times. Due to high demand and a limited number of places available annually, new applications may take up to 31 years to be finalized.
For those looking for a faster alternative, the Contributory Parent Visas (Subclasses 143 and 864) offer much shorter processing times—though they come with substantially higher application costs.
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored guidance, we strongly recommend consulting a Registered Migration Agent or visiting the Department of Home Affairs website directly:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/parent-103
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