Parent Visa Subclass 103
Permanent residency to parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It offers full PR benefits (work, study, Medicare, sponsorship), but has extremely long queuing times often 13 to 30 years so applicants should carefully consider alternatives like the faster, higher-cost Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143).
Overview
Subclass 103 is a permanent, capped, and queued visa for parents of “settled” Australian sponsors. Due to annual places being far fewer than demand, processing is very long. From 2 April 2025, some paper-based Parent visa applications (including Subclass 103 lodged after Nov 2018) can be imported into ImmiAccount for online management. Costs start from approximately AUD 7,345 in two instalments for a single applicant, with additional fees for family members. If granted, you can stay indefinitely, work and study, access Medicare, sponsor eligible family, travel for 5 years on the initial travel facility, and potentially apply for citizenship if eligible. Always check Parent visa queue release dates for indicative timing.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ Be a parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
- ✔ Sponsor must have lived in Australia for at least 2 years (settled status).
- ✔ Meet the Balance of Family test (more children in Australia than elsewhere, or at least half in Australia).
- ✔ Meet health requirements (medical exams as requested).
- ✔ Meet character requirements (police certificates as requested).
- ✔ Have an approved sponsor (your eligible child) who agrees to sponsorship obligations.
- ✔ Not hold or have applied for a Subclass 870 at time of Subclass 103 application.
- ✔ Meet all applicable Australian laws and any previous visa conditions.
- ✔ Provide accurate, complete documentation and truthful information.
- ✔ Pay the relevant visa application charges and additional fees.
Why Choose This Path?
- Live in Australia permanently as a PR.
- Work and study with no time limitations.
- Enrol in Medicare (public healthcare).
- Sponsor eligible family to come to Australia.
- Travel in and out for 5 years, then apply for RRV if needed.
- Access free AMEP English classes if eligible.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship if eligible.
- Security of permanent status versus temporary visits.
- Ability to settle near your sponsoring child/family.
- Access to community services available to permanent residents.
Your Roadmap to Success
- Confirm eligibility and Balance of Family test with your sponsor.
- Gather identity, relationship, health, and character documents.
- Lodge the Subclass 103 application and pay the first instalment.
- Provide biometrics/health checks when requested.
- Respond to any requests for more information promptly.
- Wait in the queue (processing can take many years).
- Maintain updated contact details and monitor queue updates.
- Prepare for second VAC and Assurance of Support if requested.
- Receive a decision; if granted, obtain visa grant notice.
- Move to Australia and activate PR; enrol in Medicare post-arrival.
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Permanent
Visa Pathways
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
The pathway to Australian citizenship typically involves holding a permanent visa, meeting residency requirements (usually 4 years lawful stay, including 1 year as a permanent resident), demonstrating good character, and passing a citizenship test. It grants full rights as an Australian citizen, including voting, a passport, and consular assistance.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main Applicant | $7,345.00 | Over 2 instalments for a single applicant. |
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