Parent Visa Subclass 103: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia
Expert guidance for your non-contributory parent visa application. The parent visa subclass 103 allows you to live, work, and build your future in Australia permanently with your children and grandchildren.
Key Facts
Visa Type
Permanent Residency
Balance of Family Test:
Mandatory - at least half your children must live in Australia
Sponsor Requirement:
Must be sponsored by an eligible child (Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen settled in Australia)
Processing Time:
Typically 7 to 15 months for 90% process
What is the Parent Visa Subclass 103?
The parent visa subclass 103 is a permanent residence visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows you to settle in Australia indefinitely and enjoy the same rights as any permanent resident.
This is the non-contributory parent visa—the most affordable permanent parent visa option available. You pay significantly less than the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), but in exchange, you wait longer in the queue.
Important: Applications for this visa are subject to capping and queueing. The demand for parent visa 103 places is far greater than the number available each year. Processing times are lengthy—measured in decades, not months. We believe in honesty: if you need to be with your family sooner, we will discuss faster alternatives with you.
What Are Subclass 103 Visa Benefits?
Permanent Residency in Australia
Live permanently with your children and grandchildren with no time limits. The Subclass 103 grants permanent resident status, providing security and stability for your retirement years in Australia without visa renewals.
Full Work Rights Throughout Australia
Enjoy unrestricted work rights across Australia. Whether you choose to retire or continue working, you have complete freedom in any occupation with no restrictions on your employment rights.
Medicare Access for Healthcare
Become eligible for Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system, providing subsidized medical consultations, hospital care, and prescription medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
After meeting residency requirements (typically 4 years including 12 months as permanent resident), apply for Australian citizenship with voting rights and an Australian passport.
Travel Rights
Your permanent visa includes 5-year travel facility from grant date. After 5 years, apply for a Resident Return Visa to maintain travel rights for international trips.
Most Affordable Permanent Parent Visa
With government fees of approximately $7,345 compared to $48,640 for contributory visas, Subclass 103 is the most cost-effective permanent parent visa, saving over $41,000.
Eligibility for Parent Visa Subclass 103
Before you apply, you must meet all of the following requirements:
You must be sponsored by an eligible sponsor. Usually, this is your child who is:
- An Australian citizen, OR
- An Australian permanent resident, OR
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
If your child is under 18, you can be sponsored by an eligible relative or community organisation. The sponsorship must be approved by the Department.
Retiree Exception: If you apply as a retiree (you held a subclass 405 or 410 visa on 8 May 2018 and haven't held any other substantive visa since), you don't need a sponsor.
You must meet the balance of family test. You pass this test if:
- At least half of your children and step-children are eligible children living in Australia, OR
- More of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country
This test considers ALL your children worldwide—not just those in Australia.
Retiree Exception: If you apply as a retiree, you don't need to meet this test.
You must be able to obtain an assurance of support. This is a financial guarantee that you won't need to rely on government assistance after you enter Australia. The assurance covers you and any family members who come with you on this visa.
The Department will tell you when you need to provide this—it's not required at the time of application.
Retiree Exception: If you apply as a retiree, you don't need an assurance of support.
You and any family members applying with you must meet Australia's health requirement. The Department may also ask non-migrating family members to meet this requirement. You will be notified when health examinations are needed.
You and any family members applying with you must meet Australia's character requirement. This includes providing police certificates when requested. Non-migrating family members may also need to meet this requirement.
If you or any family members owe the Australian Government money, you must have paid it back or have an approved arrangement in place.
The Department will consider your immigration history. You might not be eligible if you have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused.
If you are 18 years or older, you must:
- Read (or have explained to you) the Life in Australia booklet
- Sign the Australian Values Statement confirming you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws
You cannot apply for the parent visa 103 if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870).
If you apply as a retiree, you are personally liable for all healthcare costs while your visa is processed in Australia. You must maintain adequate health insurance covering medically necessary treatment and transport until your visa is granted.
How to Apply for Parent Visa 103: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before You Apply
You and anyone applying with you must have valid passports before the visa can be granted. The Department will only grant the visa if you have a valid passport.
Only certain people can help you with your application. If you appoint someone to give you immigration assistance, they must be:
- A registered migration agent (MARA)
- A legal practitioner
- An exempt person
You can appoint anyone to receive documents on your behalf.
If you have applied for a different Parent visa and haven't received a decision yet, you must withdraw that application at the same time you apply for this one. Use Part B of Form 47PA.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Collect all documents before you apply. Providing accurate, complete information is critical—there are consequences for incomplete or inaccurate applications.
Provide the pages of your current passport showing:
- Your photo
- Personal details
- Passport issue and expiry dates
Also provide:
- National identity card (if you have one)
- Proof of change of name (marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or change of name documents)
Your sponsor must complete Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia.
You don't need sponsorship documents if you are applying as a retiree.
You must show you meet the balance of family test. Provide:
- Evidence of how you are related to each of your children (birth certificates)
- Evidence of each child's citizenship or country of permanent residence
- Evidence that a child should not be included in the test (for example, a death certificate)
You don't need these documents if you are applying as a retiree.
The Department may ask for character documents, including police certificates. Do not arrange a police check until they ask you to.
Provide the assurance of support when the Department requests it—not at the time of application.
You don't need this if you are applying as a retiree.
Provide 4 recent photos (45mm x 35mm) for each person included in the application:
- Less than 6 months old
- Good quality colour (not laser copies)
- Full-face view of head and shoulders
- Plain light-coloured background
- You can wear untinted prescription glasses
- Head coverings for religious reasons are permitted (face must be visible)
If your partner is applying with you, provide:
- Identity documents
- Character documents
- Current marriage certificate, OR
- Evidence of de facto relationship for at least 12 months (joint bank statements, joint leases, documents showing same address)
Retiree Applicants: You can include your partner only if they are also retired.
For each dependent under 18 applying with you, provide:
- Identity documents
- Evidence of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
- Character documents (if applicable)
You must get consent from anyone who has a legal right to decide where the child lives and is not coming to Australia. They must complete:
- Form 1229 – Consent form, OR
- A statutory declaration giving consent
Alternatively, provide an Australian court order or proof that your home country's laws allow the child to migrate.
Retiree Applicants: You cannot include children in your application.
Dependent children over 18 can be included if they are:
- 18-22 years old and dependent on you, OR
- Over 23 and unable to earn a living due to physical or cognitive limitations
Provide:
- Identity documents
- Form 47A – Details of dependent family member aged 18 or over
- Proof of dependency (evidence they live with you, tax records, proof of current study)
- Character documents
Retiree Applicants: You cannot include children in your application.
Translate: Have all non-English documents translated into English.
- Australian translators must be NAATI accredited
- Overseas translators don't need accreditation but must include their full name, address, phone number, and qualifications on each translation
Certify: Have all documents certified as true copies—except police certificates, which must be originals.
Keep: Keep a copy of your completed application.
- Original police certificates
- Certified copies of all other documents
- Each document only once, even if it shows multiple things
- All documents with your application if possible
Step 3: Apply for the Visa
You must apply on paper. You can be in or outside Australia when you submit your application, but not in immigration clearance.
You must be in Australia when you submit your application.
Complete These Forms:
- Form 47PA – Application for a parent to migrate to Australia
- Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia (completed by your sponsor)
- Form 47A – Details of dependent family member aged 18 or over (for each adult family member, whether migrating or not)
All forms must be completed in English.
You must pay the first installment when you apply. See the Department's website for payment options.
Send your application by post or courier to the address on the form. Include:
- All completed forms
- All required documents
- Evidence of payment
Do not send original documents (except police certificates)—send certified copies only.
Important: If any steps are incomplete, your application may be invalid. The Department does not process invalid applications.
Step 4: After You Apply
After submitting your paper application, import it into ImmiAccount. You can do this after you receive your acknowledgement letter.
Importing gives you access to online services:
- Attach supporting documents
- View messages from the Department
- Update your details
- View your application status
You can import any Parent visa (subclass 103) application lodged after November 2018.
The Department cannot provide updates within normal processing times. You will be contacted if they need anything further.
Check current queue positions at Parent visa queue release dates on the Department website.
Do not make arrangements to move to Australia permanently until you receive written confirmation that your visa has been granted.
The Department will notify you when health examinations are needed.
You may be asked for fingerprints and photos. The Department will let you know if this is required.
If you have additional documents after lodging, upload them through ImmiAccount or send them to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth.
If you are in Australia and your current visa is about to expire, make sure you maintain lawful status while your application is processed.
You must pay the second installment before the visa can be granted. The Department will send an invoice when it's due. If you don't pay, your application will be refused.
You may be able to add family members to your application before a decision is made. Complete Form 1436 – Adding an additional applicant after lodgement.
A spouse or de facto partner can be in or outside Australia when added (unless you applied as a retiree—then they must be in Australia).
If a child is born after you apply, notify the Department immediately.
If you made a mistake, let the Department know as soon as possible using Form 1023 – Notification of incorrect answers.
Notify Changes
You must tell the Department about changes to your:
- Phone number
- Email address
- Address
- Passport
- Relationship status
- Family composition (including births)
- Wish to withdraw your application
Step 5: Visa Decision
If you applied as a retiree, you can be in or outside Australia when the decision is made.
If you did not apply as a retiree, you must be outside Australia when the decision is made.
You will receive written notification including:
- Your visa grant number
- The date your visa starts
- Any visa conditions
- Your first entry arrival date (you must enter Australia before this date)
Keep a copy of the decision letter.
You will be told:
- Why the visa was refused
- Whether you have a right to review
The application fee is not refunded if your application is refused.
Cost Breakdown and Visa Process Time
Visa fees and processing times are based on official Department of Home Affairs data, accurate as of January 2025. Fees are subject to change annually.
Subclass 103 Visa Fees
- Base application charge
- AUD $5,280
- Additional applicant charge 18+
- AUD $2,640
- Additional applicant charge under 18
- AUD $1,325
- Other Charges may be applicable
Processing time 103 Visa
- State nomination
- A few several weeks
- Visa processing
- 7 to 15 months (50% to 90%)
- Combined timeline
- Experience 13 to 31 months
- Complete applications move quicker than those requiring additional information.
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Why Clients Choose The Migration
Parent visas are deeply personal. This is about your family, your children, your grandchildren, your future. These are not just documents to us—we understand what is at stake.
We have helped parents navigate straightforward applications and complex situations. Parents with health concerns. Families with children in multiple countries. Cases where circumstances changed during the long wait. Applications requiring assurance of support planning.
Eligibility Review
We confirm you meet all requirements before you invest time and money gathering documents
Balance of Family Assessment
We analyse your family structure and compile evidence for children in every country
Document Preparation
We ensure every form is completed correctly and every document is properly certified
Application Lodgement
We submit your application to the Parent Visa Centre with complete documentation
Queue Monitoring
We track your position and notify you of queue movements and policy changes
Alternative Planning
We advise on visitor visas for family time during the wait, and discuss faster pathways if your circumstances change
How long does it take to get a parent visa 103?
The subclass 103 processing time is currently estimated at 30+ years. Applications are processed in the order they are received. The queue moves slowly because demand far exceeds the limited places available each year. Check the Department’s Parent visa queue release dates for current positions.
Can I visit my children in Australia while waiting for my 103 visa?
Yes. You can apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) to visit Australia while your parent visa 103 is in the queue. These are separate applications. We can help you apply for visitor visas so you can spend time with your family during the wait.
What happens if my health deteriorates while I'm in the queue?
Health examinations are only required when your application is released from the queue for final assessment—not when you first apply. If health conditions develop during the wait, the Department will assess whether you still meet requirements or if a health waiver applies. We can help prepare waiver applications if needed.
Can I work in Australia while waiting for the parent visa subclass 103?
No. The parent visa 103 requires you to be outside Australia when the decision is made (unless you applied as a retiree). You cannot work in Australia until the visa is granted. Once granted, you have full work rights as a permanent resident.
What if I don't meet the balance of family test?
If you don’t meet the balance of family test, you generally cannot apply for the parent visa 103. Exceptions exist for retirees who held specific visas on 8 May 2018. If you don’t qualify, consider the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870), which doesn’t require this test.
Should I apply for the 103 or switch to the 143?
The non-contributory parent visa (103) costs approximately $7,345 with 30+ year processing. The Contributory Parent Visa (143) costs approximately $47,955 but processes faster. If cost is your priority and you can wait, apply for 103. If time matters more, consider 143. You can switch from 103 to 143 without losing your queue position.
What is the difference between subclass 103 and 804?
Both are non-contributory parent visas with similar processing times. The difference is where you apply from:
- Subclass 103: You apply from outside Australia and must be outside Australia when the decision is made
- Subclass 804: You apply from inside Australia (and must be old enough for Australian age pension)
What if my sponsor (child) moves overseas during the wait?
Your sponsor should remain settled in Australia. If they move overseas permanently, this could affect your application. Notify the Department of any changes and contact us to assess your options.
Do I need to pay the full visa fee upfront?
No. You pay in two instalments. The first instalment ($4,990) is paid when you apply. The second instalment ($2,355) is paid when the Department requests it—only when your application is ready for final decision, potentially many years later.
What if I die before the visa is granted?
The application cannot continue if the primary applicant passes away. However, family members included in the application may have other visa options. This is a difficult situation—contact us to discuss alternatives for your family.
What Does It Mean to Sponsor Your Parent?
When you sponsor your parent for the parent visa 103, you are making a formal commitment to the Australian Government. You agree to support your parents (and any family members who apply with them) for their first 2 years in Australia.
This is not just paperwork. It is a promise that your parents will not become a burden on Australia’s welfare system. The Government takes this seriously—and so should you.
Your sponsorship covers:
- The main visa applicant (your parent)
- Any family members who apply for the visa with them (such as your other parent or dependent siblings)
Good news: You can sponsor more than one parent for this visa. If both your mother and father want to apply, you can sponsor them both.
Are You Eligible to Be a Sponsor?
To sponsor your parent for permanent residency, you (or your cohabiting spouse or de facto partner) must be:
- An Australian citizen, OR
- An Australian permanent resident, OR
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled in Australia (living here, not just holding a visa)
- 18 years of age or older
- Provide support, accommodation, and financial assistance for the first 2 years your parent lives in Australia
- Support any family members who apply with your parent
Alternative Sponsorship Arrangements
If your parent's eligible child (the person who qualifies them for the balance of family test) is under 18, someone else can sponsor on their behalf. That person must be:
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled in Australia
- 18 years of age or older
- Related to the child as their cohabiting spouse, relative, guardian, or a relative/guardian of the child's cohabiting spouse
A community organisation can sponsor an applicant if:
- There is a relationship between the organisation and the applicant's child
- A senior representative agrees to sponsor the applicant
- The organisation is lawfully established in Australia
- The organisation has been actively operating in Australia for at least one year
- The organisation can meet its financial commitments
Your Obligations as a Sponsor
When you agree to sponsor your parent for the parent visa 103, you take on real responsibilities. These are not suggestions—they are legal obligations.
For the first 2 years your parent lives in Australia on this visa, you must provide them (and any family members who came with them) with:
- Support – Helping them settle, access services, and adjust to life in Australia
- Accommodation – A place to live (this could be your home or helping them find suitable housing)
- Financial assistance – Covering their living costs if they cannot support themselves
You must make this commitment in writing when you complete Form 40.
You may be asked to provide an assurance of support for your parent.
An assurance of support is a legal commitment to repay the Australian Government any welfare payments made to your parent or their family members. This is separate from your general sponsorship obligations.
The Department will notify your parent when an assurance of support is required. It involves:
- Lodging an application with Services Australia (Centrelink)
- Meeting an income test
- Paying a security bond
Important: Even if you withdraw your sponsorship, you cannot be released from an assurance of support you have already provided. These are separate obligations.
How to Sponsor Your Parent: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before You Apply
Before you complete your sponsorship form, confirm that:
- You meet the sponsor eligibility requirements (citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen, settled, 18+)
- Your parent meets the visa eligibility requirements (balance of family test, health, character)
If you're unsure whether your parent qualifies, speak with us first. There's no point completing sponsorship paperwork if the visa application won't succeed.
Sponsoring a parent is a 2-year commitment minimum—plus the assurance of support period if applicable. Make sure you are financially and personally prepared to support your parent when they arrive.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Collect all documents before you apply. Providing accurate, complete information is critical—there are consequences for incomplete or inaccurate applications.
Provide evidence that you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen:
- Citizenship certificate
- Australian passport
- Valid visa (for eligible New Zealand citizens)
- Evidence you are settled in Australia (utility bills, lease agreements, employment letter, bank statements showing Australian address)
Provide evidence that you are related to your parent:
- Your birth certificate (showing your parent's name)
- Marriage certificates (if name changes are involved)
- Adoption certificates (if applicable)
- Death certificates (if relevant to proving family relationships)
- Family status certificates or family books (if officially issued and maintained)
If a community organisation is sponsoring your parent, provide:
- Certificate of registration
- Proof the representative can act for the organisation (board or management committee authorisation)
- Proof of financial capacity to support the applicant
- Proof the organisation is lawfully established and has operated in Australia for at least one year
- Proof of the organisation's relationship with the applicant's child
All documents not in English must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator (in Australia) or a qualified translator (overseas) who includes their name, address, phone number, and qualifications on each translation.
Step 3: Complete Form 40 and Apply
You must apply on paper. You can be in or outside Australia when you submit your application, but not in immigration clearance.
This is the official sponsorship form. Fill it out completely and accurately. By signing this form, you are making a legal commitment to support your parent for 2 years.
You do not lodge your sponsorship form separately. Give your completed Form 40 and all supporting documents to your parent. They will include everything in their visa application package.
Your parent lodges the complete application (their forms + your sponsorship) by post or courier to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth.
Step 4: After You Apply
The Department will notify your parent when they receive the application. You won't receive separate confirmation as the sponsor.
The Department cannot provide updates within standard processing times. Given the lengthy queue for parent visa 103 applications, this means you may not hear anything for many years.
Do not contact the Department asking for updates if your application is within normal processing times.
You must notify the Department if:
- You are no longer able to meet your sponsorship obligations
- Any information has changed since the application was lodged
- Your contact details change
- Your citizenship or residency status changes
Use the Department's online form to notify changes, or write to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth.
Step 5: Visa Outcome
Your parent will receive written notification including:
- Visa grant number
- Visa start date
- Any visa conditions
- First entry arrival date
Your sponsorship obligations begin when your parent arrives in Australia on this visa.
Your parent will be advised:
- Why the visa was refused
- Review rights (if any)
- Time limits for requesting review
The visa application fee is not refunded if the application is refused.
Withdrawing Your Sponsorship
You can withdraw your sponsorship at any time before the Department makes a decision on the visa application.
To withdraw, you must:
- Make your request in writing
- Include your full name, date of birth, and file reference number (or Client ID)
- Send it to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth
What happens if you withdraw:
- The visa may be refused
- The Department may ask your parent to find another sponsor
- Any assurance of support you provided remains in effect (you cannot be released from it)
After the visa is granted:
- You cannot withdraw as a sponsor
- If you fail to meet your obligations, the Department may cancel your parent's visa
- Even if released from sponsorship obligations, you are not released from any assurance of support
Cost Breakdown and Visa Process Time
Visa fees and processing times are based on official Department of Home Affairs data, accurate as of January 2025. Fees are subject to change annually.
Subclass 103 Visa Fees
- Base application charge
- AUD $5,280
- Additional applicant charge 18+
- AUD $2,640
- Additional applicant charge under 18
- AUD $1,325
- Other Charges may be applicable
Processing time 103 Visa
- State nomination
- A few several weeks
- Visa processing
- 7 to 15 months (50% to 90%)
- Combined timeline
- Experience 13 to 31 months
- Complete applications move quicker than those requiring additional information.
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FAQs for Sponsors
What does "settled in Australia" mean?
Being settled means you are lawfully residing in Australia on a permanent basis. You should be living here, working or studying here, and intending to stay. Simply holding a visa while living overseas does not make you settled.
Can I sponsor both my parents at the same time?
Yes. You can sponsor more than one parent for the parent visa subclass 103. Each parent lodges their own application, but you can be the sponsor for both.
What if I can't afford to support my parent for 2 years?
Consider carefully before sponsoring. Your sponsorship is a legal commitment. If you cannot meet your obligations, the Department may cancel your parent’s visa. If your financial situation is uncertain, speak with us about timing and alternatives.
What is the difference between sponsorship obligations and assurance of support?
Sponsorship obligations: Your promise to provide support, accommodation, and financial assistance for 2 years. This is between you and the Department.
Assurance of support: A legal commitment to repay any government welfare payments made to your parent. This is lodged with Services Australia and includes a bond. Not all sponsors are required to provide this—the Department will notify your parent if needed.
Can I withdraw my sponsorship if my circumstances change?
Yes, you can withdraw before the visa is granted. But consider the consequences: your parent may have waited years in the queue, and withdrawal could mean refusal of their visa. If your circumstances have changed, contact us to discuss options before making a decision.
What happens if I move overseas after sponsoring my parent?
Your obligations continue even if you leave Australia. If you cannot meet them, notify the Department. Moving overseas does not release you from your commitments, and it could affect your parent’s visa if they can no longer demonstrate they have support in Australia.
Can my spouse co-sponsor my parent?
Your cohabiting spouse or de facto partner can be part of the sponsorship arrangement. The eligibility requirements can be met by either you or your partner. However, the obligations apply to the sponsoring household—you both need to be prepared to support your parent.
What if my parent needs to claim Centrelink benefits?
If you provided an assurance of support, you may be required to repay any welfare payments made to your parent during the assurance period. This is why the assurance of support includes a bond. If your parent claims benefits, the Government may recover the costs from you.
How do I prove I'm settled in Australia?
Provide documents showing you live here:
- Lease agreement or mortgage documents
- Utility bills in your name at an Australian address
- Australian bank statements
- Employment letter from an Australian employer
- Tax returns showing Australian income
The more evidence, the better.
What if my parent's application is refused?
If the visa is refused, your sponsorship ends. You have no ongoing obligations. However, you may want to help your parent explore review options or alternative visa pathways. Contact us to discuss next steps.
Can I sponsor my parent if I'm on a temporary visa?
No. You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. If you are on a temporary visa (such as a student visa or 482), you cannot sponsor your parent for the parent visa 103. Focus on securing your own permanent residency first.
Start Your Parent Visa Journey
Complete our free online assessment to verify you meet the Balance of Family Test and eligibility criteria for the non-contributory Parent Visa Subclass 103.
