A Guide to the Australian Parent Visa (Subclass 103) for Family Reunion

Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for families who wish to reunite and enjoy a better quality of life together. Among the many pathways available for family migration, the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a key option designed to allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. Unlike temporary or contributory parent visas, the Subclass 103 is a permanent visa that enables long-term residency, access to healthcare, and the opportunity to eventually apply for Australian citizenship. However, it is also one of the most competitive and time-consuming visa categories due to high demand and limited allocation. This article provides an in-depth guide to understanding the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), its eligibility criteria, application process, costs, waiting periods, and practical tips for a successful application.

What Is the Australian Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?

The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) allows parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate permanently to Australia and live with their children. Once granted, this visa provides permanent residency rights, including access to Medicare, the right to work and study, and the opportunity to sponsor other eligible family members.

It’s important to note that the Subclass 103 visa is part of the family migration stream, which operates under an annual quota system. This means that there are limited places available each year, leading to significant waiting periods—sometimes extending to over a decade. Nonetheless, it remains a popular option because it provides a more affordable route compared to the contributory parent visas, which require higher fees and a larger financial contribution.

Who Can Apply for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?

To apply for this visa, both the applicant (the parent) and the sponsor (the child) must meet specific eligibility requirements. The key conditions ensure that applicants are genuinely related to their sponsor, financially supported, and meet Australia’s health and character standards.

Applicant Requirements

To qualify for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), the applicant must:

• Be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Have a sponsoring child who is 18 years or older and has been “settled” in Australia for at least two years.
• Satisfy the balance of family test.
• Meet health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
• Have assurance of support provided by the sponsor to ensure financial responsibility for the applicant.

Sponsor Requirements

The sponsor must be:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• At least 18 years old.
• “Settled” in Australia, meaning they have lived in the country lawfully for a reasonable period (usually at least two years).
• Willing and able to provide Assurance of Support (AoS) to the applicant, ensuring that the parent will not rely on government financial assistance once in Australia.

Balance of Family Test

The balance of family test is one of the most critical aspects of the Subclass 103 visa application. It determines whether the applicant has close family ties to Australia. To pass this test:

• At least half of the applicant’s children must be lawfully and permanently resident in Australia, OR
• The number of children living in Australia must be greater than the number of children living in any other single country.

This test ensures that the visa is granted primarily to those who have a majority of their family already settled in Australia.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 103 Visa

Once approved, the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) offers several long-term benefits:

• Permanent residency in Australia.
• The right to work and study without restrictions.
• Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Ability to sponsor eligible family members for other types of visas.
• Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
• Freedom to travel in and out of Australia for five years from the date of visa grant.

These benefits make it an attractive option for parents looking to live with their children and enjoy Australia’s high standard of living.

Limitations of the Subclass 103 Visa

Despite its advantages, the Subclass 103 visa has several limitations that applicants must consider before applying:

• Extremely long processing time, often exceeding 10 to 30 years due to limited visa places each year.
• Applicants must remain outside Australia while waiting for the visa unless they hold another valid visa.
• No priority processing compared to contributory parent visas.
• Applicants must pay health insurance costs while living in Australia temporarily before the visa is granted (if they hold another visa).
• Age-related health challenges may arise during the long waiting period.

Due to these factors, many applicants choose to explore contributory parent visas (Subclass 143 or 173), which are processed faster but require a higher application cost.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and strict adherence to Australian immigration procedures. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before starting the application, ensure that both you and your sponsor meet all eligibility requirements, including the balance of family test and health and character standards.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need a wide range of documents to support your application. Common examples include:

• Certified copies of passports and birth certificates for all applicants.
• Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificates showing parent-child relationship).
• Evidence of your child’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
• Police clearance certificates from every country where you’ve lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
• Medical examination results as requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Assurance of Support (AoS) documentation from the sponsor.

Step 3: Complete the Application

You can apply for the Subclass 103 visa by paper. Currently, online lodgement is not available for this visa. You must fill out Form 47PA (Application for a Parent to Migrate to Australia) and your sponsor must complete Form 40 (Sponsorship for Migration to Australia).

Both forms, along with supporting documents, should be submitted to the Parent Visa Processing Centre in Perth, Australia.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Charge

The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) has two main payment stages:

1. First installment – Paid when submitting the application.
2. Second installment – Paid when the Department requests it, just before visa grant.

As of 2025, the base visa application charge is approximately AUD 4,990 for the main applicant, but additional costs apply for dependents and subsequent installments. Fees are subject to change, so always verify current pricing on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

After submission, your application enters a queue system. The waiting period is long—typically over 20 years due to the annual cap on available places. During this time, you can track your application status through the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 6: Provide Additional Information When Requested

USCIS-equivalent case officers may request updated documents such as police clearances, health assessments, or financial details before final approval. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 7: Visa Decision

Once approved, you’ll receive a visa grant notification specifying your visa number, grant date, and conditions. You must enter Australia within the time frame specified in the letter to activate your visa.

Processing Time and Waiting Period

One of the most significant challenges of the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is its long processing time. Because the visa falls under a capped and queued migration category, processing can take decades. The Australian government limits the number of parent visas granted each year to manage demand and ensure balanced immigration.

As of recent data, non-contributory parent visa applicants (like Subclass 103) can expect a waiting time of around 20–30 years. Applicants who wish to join their families sooner often switch to Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) or Temporary Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173).

Assurance of Support (AoS)

Before a Subclass 103 visa is granted, the sponsor (or an approved assurer) must provide an Assurance of Support. This is a legal commitment to financially support the parent for up to 10 years after arrival in Australia.

The AoS aims to ensure that the parent does not rely on Australian government welfare payments. Sponsors must meet certain income thresholds and may be required to lodge a refundable bond with Services Australia, which can range from AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000.

Health and Character Requirements

All applicants must meet Australia’s strict health and character requirements before the visa can be approved. This includes undergoing medical examinations by panel doctors and obtaining police clearances from all countries where the applicant has lived.

If a health condition poses a potential burden on Australia’s healthcare system, the visa may be refused. Applicants with criminal convictions or security issues may also face denial.

Living in Australia After Visa Grant

Once the Subclass 103 visa is granted, the holder becomes a permanent resident of Australia. This status offers numerous benefits:

• Work and study rights: You can work or study full-time without restrictions.
• Medicare access: You are eligible for public healthcare services.
• Social security: After a qualifying period, you may access certain welfare payments.
• Travel freedom: You can travel to and from Australia freely for five years from visa grant.
• Citizenship eligibility: After meeting residency requirements (usually four years), you can apply for Australian citizenship.

However, permanent residents should be mindful of travel conditions. After the initial five years, if you wish to travel internationally, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applications for the Subclass 103 visa face delays or rejection due to avoidable errors. Here are key pitfalls to avoid:

• Submitting incomplete documentation. Missing key evidence like birth certificates or relationship proofs can cause rejection.
• Failing the balance of family test. Ensure that more than half of your children are settled in Australia before applying.
• Late or missing payments. Visa application charges and AoS bonds must be paid on time.
• Ignoring requests for updated documents. USCIS-like departments may require periodic updates during long processing times.
• Health or character issues. Address any potential medical or legal concerns before applying.

Alternatives to the Subclass 103 Visa

If the Subclass 103 visa’s waiting time is too long, consider these alternatives:

• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143): Offers faster processing (about 4–6 years) but involves higher costs.
• Contributory Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 173): Allows temporary residence for two years, after which applicants can transition to Subclass 143.
• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): Available for older applicants who are in Australia and can stay on bridging visas during processing.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Prepare early. Collect all required documents well before applying.
• Maintain clear communication with the Department of Home Affairs throughout the process.
• Keep health insurance active if residing in Australia temporarily.
• Use certified translations for non-English documents.
• Consult a registered migration agent for professional guidance, especially in complex cases.

Final Thoughts

The Australian Parent Visa (Subclass 103) offers parents the chance to live permanently in Australia with their children, contributing to family unity and emotional wellbeing. However, the extremely long waiting period and strict eligibility criteria mean that it’s essential to plan carefully and explore all available options.

For families prioritizing affordability and long-term settlement, the Subclass 103 visa remains a valuable choice. But for those seeking a faster route, the Contributory Parent Visa stream may be worth the additional cost.

For the most accurate, up-to-date information about requirements, fees, and processing times, always refer to the Australian Department of Home Affairs official website.

With patience, accurate documentation, and the right strategy, your family reunion dream in Australia can become a reality through the Parent Visa (Subclass 103).