Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
A permanent visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This non-contributory visa offers a pathway to permanent residence with longer processing times but lower costs.
Important Processing Information
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) currently has very long processing times of 30+ years due to limited annual visa allocations. Home Affairs says non-contributory parent queues may take decades.
No bridging visa is granted if you apply from within Australia, meaning you cannot remain in Australia while your application is processed.
Visa Benefits
What you can do with a Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Eligibility Requirements
All requirements must be met to be eligible for this visa
Parent of Australian Citizen/PR
Must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Balance of Family Test
At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more children in Australia than any other single country
Sponsor Requirements
Sponsor must be 18+ years old and settled in Australia for at least 2 years
Health & Character
Meet health and character requirements including medical exams and police clearances
Assurance of Support
Must have an approved Assurance of Support; any refundable bond is lodged with Services Australia and depends on the visa and number of adult applicants
No Government Debts
Must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
Balance of Family Test Examples
Understanding how the balance of family test works with different family scenarios
2 Children Total
Half of children in Australia
3 Children Total
More than half in Australia
4 Children Total
Less than half in Australia
5 Children Total
More in Australia than any single country
Cost Breakdown
Detailed breakdown of main applicant charges for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103). Charges from 1 July 2026. Check your exact amount with the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
First Instalment
Main applicant first instalment paid at application
Second Instalment
Per applicant, requested only when the application is ready for grant
Additional Applicants
Additional adult and child applicant charges vary
Assurance of Support
Refundable bond lodged with Services Australia if requested
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to applying for Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Eligibility Assessment
Confirm you meet all requirements including balance of family test
Required Documents:
- Birth certificates
- Citizenship/PR evidence
- Family relationship proof
Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents and evidence
Required Documents:
- Identity documents
- Relationship evidence
- Character documents
- Health assessments
Assurance of Support
Arrange and submit assurance of support application
Required Documents:
- Financial evidence
- Income statements
- Bank statements
Lodge Visa Application
Submit complete application with all supporting documents
Required Documents:
- Form 47PA
- All supporting documents
- Application fee payment
Processing & Decision
Wait for visa processing and decision
Required Documents:
- May request additional information
- Health examinations
- Police certificates