Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa for eligible parents of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
This visa allows eligible parents to move to Australia permanently. It is generally considered a lower government-charge parent visa pathway compared with contributory parent visas, but it is subject to very long processing expectations because parent visa places are capped and queued.
- Permanent parent visa pathway
- For parents of eligible settled children in Australia
- Sponsorship is generally required
- Balance of Family Test applies
- Health and character requirements apply
- Subject to parent visa capping and queueing
What is the Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent Australian parent visa pathway. It allows an eligible parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to move to Australia permanently.
The Subclass 103 visa forms part of Australia’s family migration program. It may be suitable for families seeking a permanent parent visa pathway where the parent can satisfy sponsorship, Balance of Family Test, health, character and other visa requirements.
Although the Subclass 103 visa may involve lower government charges than contributory parent visa pathways, families should carefully consider the very long processing expectations before choosing this option.
What You Can Do With This Visa
If granted, the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) gives the applicant Australian permanent residence.
Live Permanently in Australia
The visa allows the parent to live in Australia permanently as a permanent resident.
Work and Study
Permanent residents generally have work and study rights in Australia.
Access Medicare
Eligible permanent residents may enrol in Medicare, subject to applicable rules.
Future Citizenship Pathway
Eligible permanent residents may later apply for Australian citizenship if they meet citizenship requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Parent Visa (Subclass 103), the applicant must generally satisfy core parent visa requirements.
Eligible Child in Australia
The applicant must generally be the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Sponsorship
The applicant must generally be sponsored by an eligible sponsor, commonly their eligible child in Australia.
Balance of Family Test
The applicant must generally satisfy the Balance of Family Test.
Health and Character
Applicants must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements.
Government Debts
Any debts owed to the Australian Government may need to be paid or have suitable arrangements in place.
No Prior Visa Issues
Previous visa refusals, cancellations or immigration history issues may need careful assessment before applying.
Balance of Family Test
The Balance of Family Test measures the applicant’s family links to Australia. For the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), this is a critical eligibility requirement.
A parent generally satisfies the test if at least half of their children and stepchildren are eligible children, or if there are more eligible children living in Australia than children living in any other single country.
The Department does not waive this test, even in compelling or exceptional circumstances.
For a detailed explanation, see our Parent Visa Balance of Family Test Guide.
Sponsorship Requirements
The applicant must generally be sponsored by an eligible person. In most cases, the sponsor is the applicant’s child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and settled in Australia.
Sponsorship is different from an Assurance of Support. A sponsor supports the visa application, while an Assurance of Support may involve separate financial obligations.
For more information, see our Parent Visa Sponsorship Requirements Guide and Parent Visa Assurance of Support Guide.
Processing Times and Queueing
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is subject to capping and queueing. Capping means there is a maximum number of visas that can be granted in a migration program year. Queueing means applications may wait until a place becomes available.
Home Affairs explains that parent visa demand is greater than the number of places available each year. As a result, processing times for Parent and Aged Parent visas can be very lengthy.
Families should avoid relying on outdated processing estimates. Current queue and processing information should be checked directly through official Home Affairs resources before making a decision.
Subclass 103 vs Subclass 143
Families often compare the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) with the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Permanent parent visa pathway. Generally lower government charges than contributory parent visas, but very long processing expectations due to capping and queueing.
Current PageContributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Permanent contributory parent visa pathway. Generally higher government charges, but commonly considered by families seeking a faster permanent parent visa option.
View Subclass 143Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) a permanent visa?
Yes. The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa pathway for eligible parents of settled Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
What is the main difference between Subclass 103 and Subclass 143?
Both are permanent parent visa pathways. Subclass 103 generally involves lower government charges but very long processing expectations. Subclass 143 is a contributory parent visa with higher government charges and is commonly considered by families seeking a faster permanent parent visa option.
Does the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) require the Balance of Family Test?
Yes. The Balance of Family Test applies to Subclass 103. The test is not waived by the Department, even in compelling or exceptional circumstances.
Why does the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) take so long?
Parent visa demand is greater than the number of places available each year. Subclass 103 is subject to capping and queueing, which can result in very lengthy processing expectations.
Can I include my partner in a Parent Visa (Subclass 103) application?
Eligible family members may be included depending on the circumstances and visa requirements. The family composition should be reviewed carefully before lodgement.
Do I need a sponsor for a Subclass 103 visa?
Yes. Applicants generally need an eligible sponsor, commonly their eligible child in Australia.
Does the Subclass 103 visa lead to Australian citizenship?
Subclass 103 grants permanent residence. A permanent resident may later apply for Australian citizenship if they satisfy the relevant citizenship requirements.
Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant
This page has been reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi, Principal Migration Consultant at Shada Migration. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University (ANU).
Need Help with a Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?
Parent visa applications can involve sponsorship requirements, Balance of Family Test assessments, capping and queueing issues, family composition questions and long-term migration planning. Professional advice may assist families in understanding available options before lodging an application.
