Parent Visa Subclass 103

The Parent Visa Subclass 103 is a permanent visa that allows parents to live in Australia with their children who are settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

This visa is part of the family migration stream and offers a pathway for family reunification. It grants permanent residency, including access to Medicare, the ability to work and study, and eventual eligibility for Australian citizenship.

Applicants must pass the Balance of Family Test, which ensures that at least half of the applicant’s children live permanently in Australia or that more children reside in Australia than in any other single country.

An Assurance of Support (AoS) is required to ensure that the visa holder will not rely on Australian government welfare payments. This is a financial commitment made by the sponsor (usually the child) for 10 years.

The processing time for Subclass 103 can be extensive — often exceeding 20 years — due to high demand and annual caps. As a result, it is generally chosen by applicants who are willing to wait for permanent migration without paying the high visa charges of contributory parent visas.

Applicants must apply from outside Australia and meet health and character requirements.