Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – Bring Your Parents to Live in Australia Permanently
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa that allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to move to Australia and live here for good. It is designed to help families reunite and stay connected by allowing parents to join their children and grandchildren in Australia.
This visa is a good choice for families who want to provide long-term care and support, especially for older parents who would benefit from living close to loved ones. With this visa, parents can live in Australia permanently, access healthcare through Medicare, and may be able to apply for Australian citizenship in the future if they meet the eligibility requirements.
While the visa offers many benefits, it’s important to know that the processing time can be very long. This is because there are only a limited number of places available each year, and many families apply. However, for those who are willing to plan ahead and wait, the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a cost-effective way to bring parents to Australia permanently.
Key Features of the Subclass 103 Parent Visa
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) has many advantages. It allows parents to live in Australia permanently with their children. It supports long-term family reunification and provides access to essential services and opportunities for eligible applicants.
- Permanent Residency: Live in Australia permanently with access to work, study, and social benefits.
- Medicare Access: Receive public healthcare through Australia’s Medicare system.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
- Sponsorship Required: Must be sponsored by a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Include Family Members: Your partner and dependent children can be included in the same visa application.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), applicants must meet certain requirements. They need to show their family relationship and sponsorship status. They also must meet health and character standards. These rules make sure that parents with strong connections to Australia can get a visa. They must also qualify for permanent residency.
- Parental Relationship: Be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of your sponsor (your child or their partner).
- Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must live in Australia. Or, more of your children must live in Australia than in any other country.
- Eligible Sponsor: Your sponsor must be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Health and Character: You must meet the required health and police clearance standards.
- No Subclass 870: You cannot apply if you currently hold or have applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870).
- Work Limitation: You are not permitted to work while the visa is being processed.
Parent Visa (Subclass 103) vs Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
| Feature / Criteria | Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa | Subclass 103 – Parent Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent | Permanent |
| Processing Time | Up to 30 years (due to queue) | 12 -14 years (faster, with more places) |
| Medicare Access | Yes | Yes |
| Work Rights | Yes (once granted) | Yes (once granted) |
| Can Include Partner & Dependents | Yes | Yes |
| Balance of Family Test Required | Yes | Yes |
| Assurance of Support Required | Yes (before grant) | Yes (before grant) |
| Pathway to Citizenship | Yes | Yes |
| Suitability | Budget-conscious families willing to wait | Families seeking faster permanent stay |
Processing Time and Queue
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a capped and queued visa. This means there is a set limit on how many visas are given each year. Due to many applicants wanting to reunite with their families, this visa often has long waiting times.
- The number of applications received greatly exceeds the available places allocated by the Australian Government each year.
- This results in a waiting queue, where applications are processed in the order they are received.
- Because of this queue system, the processing time can take 30 years or more. This makes it one of the longest waits for any Australian permanent visa.
Applicants need to plan well in advance, as there is no guarantee of a quick outcome.
Many families find the wait challenging and consider other options to bring their parents to Australia sooner.
- Some applicants choose the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143). This visa has a shorter processing time of 14 years. However, it also requires a much higher application fee.
- Others choose the Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870). This visa lets parents stay in Australia for up to 5 or 10 years.
- These alternatives can be more suitable for families wanting quicker reunification, despite the higher costs involved.
Including Family Members in a Subclass 103 Visa Application
You can add some family members to your Parent Visa (Subclass 103) application. This way, you can migrate together as a family.
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent children
- In limited cases, other dependent relatives
All must meet health and character requirements.
Family members must be added at the time of application.
You usually can’t add family members later, unless there’s a major life event (e.g., newborn).
- Proof of relationship (e.g. birth or marriage certificates)
- Evidence of dependency (if applicable)
- Identification documents (e.g., passports)
- Health and police checks
Why Choose Emigrate Lawyers?
Applying for a Parent Visa (Subclass 103) can be a complicated and slow process. This is due to long wait times and strict eligibility rules. At Emigrate Lawyers, we focus on Australian immigration law. We offer expert help at every step of your visa process.
What We Offer:
- Honest, clear advice tailored to your family’s situation
- Assistance with eligibility checks and Balance of Family Test
- Support in preparing complete, decision-ready applications
- Ongoing guidance throughout the waiting period
- Help with exploring alternative parent visa options
Whether you are just starting or need help adding family members to your application, our team is here to make it easier for you. We want to give you peace of mind.
Contact experts at Emigrate Lawyers today to book a consultation.