Parent Visa 103
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa for eligible parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows successful applicants to live permanently in Australia with their family, providing a long-term alternative to temporary arrangements.
Subclass 103 is designed for parents who are prepared to accept a longer processing period in exchange for significantly lower government application charges than contributory parent visa pathways. Once granted, the visa provides permanent residency, with work and study rights, Medicare eligibility and a potential pathway to Australian citizenship when the relevant requirements are met.
Subclass 103 Eligibility
Your relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen is central to the application, with an eligible child generally required to sponsor you.
The application also considers your family circumstances through the Balance of Family Test, as well as your ability to meet Australia's health and character requirements.
A clean financial position with no outstanding Australian Government debts is required, along with compliance with all applicable legislative visa requirements at the time of decision.
Before You Lodge
The Balance of Family Test is one of the key requirements for Subclass 103. It looks at where your children permanently live and whether your family has the required connection to Australia.
Generally, you need to satisfy one of the following:
The test can become difficult to assess when children live across several countries. The number of children you have and where they permanently live need to be considered carefully before relying on the test.
Our team reviews your family circumstances as part of the assessment so the Balance of Family Test is properly considered before your application is lodged.
A Subclass 103 application requires supporting evidence covering your identity, family relationships, sponsorship and personal circumstances. Preparing these documents correctly is an important part of putting together a complete application.
Our assistance can include:
We work through the required information with you and your sponsor so that the documentation supporting the application is organised and consistent.
Parents applying for Subclass 103 need to provide evidence demonstrating their identity, family relationships and ability to meet the relevant visa requirements. Health and character checks also form part of the application process.
Applicants may need to provide:
Health examinations may need to be completed through approved panel physicians, while police clearances may be required from countries where you have lived. Once the visa is granted, permanent residency can provide rights including living, working and studying in Australia, Medicare access and international travel subject to the applicable travel facility.
Sponsoring a parent involves more than confirming your relationship. The sponsor needs to meet the relevant requirements and provide evidence supporting their status and relationship with the applicant.
Generally, the sponsor must be:
Sponsors normally need to be at least 18 years old. Where the child is under 18, another eligible sponsor may be considered in limited circumstances.
Sponsor documentation may include:
Sponsorship and an Assurance of Support are separate matters. Where an Assurance of Support applies, it involves additional financial obligations. Our team can coordinate the applicant’s and sponsor’s documentation to help maintain consistency throughout the application.
Ready to Move Forward?
Get your family circumstances, sponsorship position and key eligibility requirements reviewed before you proceed.
Send an Enquiry Get in TouchFAQs
Your Next Chapter
Whether you are still considering Subclass 103 or preparing to move ahead, professional advice can help turn your plans into a practical course of action.
Related Services
Apply for a Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) with expert guidance. We assist with eligibility, sponsorship, documents...
Read More
Apply for permanent residency through the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804). Receive trusted guidance on sponsorship, documentation and...
Read More
Reunite with your family faster on a Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143). Get expert guidance on eligibility, sponsorship...
Read More
