Parent & Aged Parent Visas (subclass 103)
The Subclass 103 Parent Visa allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. This visa is a cost-effective option for parents who are willing to wait for extended processing times and want to reunite with their family in Australia. Applicants must meet specific age, health, and character requirements and secure a sponsorship from their child or eligible family member.
Benefits of the Subclass 103 Visa
Permanent Residency
Holders of these visas can live in Australia indefinitely as permanent residents.
Sponsor Relatives
Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
Work & Study
Permanent visa holders can work or study in Australia without restrictions.
Travel Rights
Travel in and out of Australia for the first 5 years upon visa approval
Healthcare Scheme
Gain access to Australia’s public health care scheme (Medicare
Citizenship Pathway
After meeting residency requirements, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship
Subclass 103 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Subclass 103, Parent & Aged Parent Visa, applicants must meet several essential criteria:
Visa application History in Australia
You are not eligible to apply if you applied ir already hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa - subclass 870 visa
Sponsorship
Applicants must be sponsored by their child, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and must be able to financially support the parent.
Balance of Family Test
You are required to meet the balance of family test
At least half of the parent’s children must live in Australia or;
more of their must live in Australia than in any other country.
Assurance of Support
An assurance of support (a financial bond) is required to ensure that the applicant will not become reliant on government welfare services.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must pass health checks and provide police certificates to meet the character requirements.
Steps to apply for the Subclass 103 Visa
Confirm Eligibility
Ensure the applicant meets the sponsorhip, balance of family, and health/character requirements.
1
Prepare Documents
Gather necessary documents, including proof of relationship to the sponsor, identification, and health/character clearances.
2
Submit Application
Submit the visa application online or by paper through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure that all required documents are attached to avoid delays.
3
Assurance of Support
Your sponsor or an assurer must lodge an assurance of support, which involves a financial bond to ensure you will not rely on government assistance.
4
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must pass health checks and provide police certificates to meet the character requirements.
5
Visa Decision
Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application and make a decision.
6
Current Processing Time: Subclass 103 Visa
When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.
| Stream | Processing time frame (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Parent Visa (SC 103) | 31 years |
Frequently
Asked
Questions
-
The processing time for a subclass 103 Parent visa can take several years due to high demand and limited places.
-
The 143 visa requires a larger financial contribution but has faster processing, while the 103 visa has a lower cost but a much longer waiting period.
-
Yes, once your 103 Parent visa is granted, you become eligible for Medicare as a permanent resident of Australia.
-
The best visa depends on your priorities. The 143 visa is quicker but more expensive, while the 103 visa is affordable but has a lengthy wait time.
-
Applicants for the Subclass 103 Parent Visa cannot get a bridging visa because this visa must be applied for while outside Australia. Bridging visas are only given to people applying for visas from within Australia. If you want a visa option that lets you apply onshore and includes a bridging visa, the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) could be suitable if you meet the age and other eligibility requirements.