Overview
The Parent (subclass 103) visa is a permanent residency visa for parents of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia. As a non-contributory visa, it provides a more affordable pathway for families to reunite permanently in Australia, although it is subject to a significant waiting period due to annual government caps on the number of visas granted.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the subclass 103 visa, applicants must satisfy several key requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs:
- Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Balance of Family Test: You must meet this requirement, which means at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more of your children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
- Assurance of Support: You must obtain an Assurance of Support (AoS). This is a legal commitment from a person (usually your sponsor) to provide financial support so that you do not need to rely on social security payments.
- Health and Character: All applicants must meet strict health and character criteria to ensure they do not pose a risk to the Australian community.
Costs
Following the 2026 fee adjustments, the Parent (subclass 103) visa charges are paid in two separate instalments. The following rates are the base application charges for a single primary applicant:
- Base Application Charge (First Instalment): AUD 5,280
- Second Instalment (Payable before visa grant): AUD 2,065
- Total Estimated Cost: AUD 7,345
Note: Additional fees apply for each family member included in the application. Costs associated with health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics are separate and are not included in the base visa application charge.
Processing Times
The subclass 103 visa is a "Capped and Queued" visa. Because demand significantly exceeds the number of places available each migration year, the Department does not provide standard percentage-based benchmarks for this subclass.
- 50% of applications: Not available (Queued)
- 90% of applications: Not available (Queued)
Current Department of Home Affairs data indicates that new applications lodged in 2026 face an estimated processing wait of 30 years or more. As of 28 February 2026, the Department is releasing applications for final assessment that have a queue date up to July 2013.
FAQ
Can I work and study in Australia on this visa?
Yes. Once the subclass 103 visa is granted, you have full work and study rights in Australia as a permanent resident.
Am I eligible for Medicare?
Yes. Subclass 103 visa holders are eligible to enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system, providing access to subsidised medical services and medicines.
Can I travel in and out of Australia?
The visa includes a five-year travel facility. This allows you to travel to and from Australia as many times as you like for five years from the date of grant. After this period, you will need to apply for a Resident Return visa (RRV).
What is the "Balance of Family" test?
This test determines the strength of your ties to Australia. You pass if at least half of your children are settled in Australia or if more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.
Is there a way to get a parent visa faster?
Applicants seeking a faster outcome often consider the Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa. While it is more expensive, the current estimated wait time is 12 to 15 years, compared to the 30+ years for the subclass 103.
