Eligibility Assessment
Check whether Subclass 103 is suitable for your circumstances before you apply.
Permanent Residence · Subclass 103
Parent Visa Subclass 103
Parent Visa Subclass 103 allows eligible parents to join their settled child in Australia as permanent residents.
Often called the non-contributory Parent Visa, it has a lower visa application charge than contributory parent visas, but applicants should be prepared for a very long capped and queued processing period.
33years
Important planning point
This is a long-term family migration pathway
Home Affairs currently estimates approximately 33 years for new Parent and Aged Parent visa applications. It is an estimate, not a guaranteed decision time, and applications are subject to capping and queueing.
Information reviewed: August 2026
Plan Before You Enter the Queue
How We Can Help
For a visa measured in decades, getting the family structure, sponsorship and evidence right at the start matters.
Balance of Family Test
Review your children and family structure to confirm whether you meet this key requirement.
Sponsor Review
Assess whether your child meets the sponsorship requirements.
Document Preparation
Prepare a tailored checklist and review your supporting documents before lodgement.
Application Lodgement
Assist with the ImmiAccount application and online submission.
Ongoing Support
Help with queue updates, changes in circumstances, Assurance of Support and Home Affairs requests.
Subclass 103 Snapshot
Key Visa Information
| Feature | Current Position |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent |
| Main applicant | Parent of an eligible settled child |
| Age requirement | No specific pension-age requirement |
| Sponsorship | Required |
| Balance of Family Test | Required |
| Assurance of Support | Required before grant |
| Application method | Online through ImmiAccount |
| Visa cost | From AUD 8,665 for one applicant |
| Payment | Two instalments |
| Estimated processing time | 33 years for new Parent/Aged Parent applications |
| Initial travel facility | 5 years |
Visa charges and processing estimates can change. Check the current position before lodgement.
Core Eligibility
Parent Visa 103 Requirements
No pension-age requirement applies to Subclass 103.
What You Generally Need
- Have a settled eligible child in Australia
- Have an approved sponsor
- Pass the Balance of Family Test
- Meet Assurance of Support requirements
- Meet health and character requirements
- Meet Australian Government debt requirements
Important: Subclass 103 is not available if you have already lodged an application for, or currently hold, a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Subclass 870 visa.
Who Can Sponsor a Parent?
A sponsor must generally be:
- 18 years or older
- Settled and living in Australia
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Usually the applicant’s child
If the child is under 18, an eligible relative, guardian or community organisation may be able to sponsor instead. The sponsor must complete the required sponsorship process, including Form 40, and be approved by Home Affairs.
Mandatory Test
Balance of Family Test
The Balance of Family Test is mandatory and cannot be waived.
You pass if at least half of your children and stepchildren are eligible children in Australia, or you have more eligible children in Australia than in any other single country.
Simple example
4 children
If two of your four children are eligible children living in Australia, you may pass the test.
An eligible child is generally an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who usually lives in Australia.
Before Visa Grant
Assurance of Support
An Assurance of Support (AoS) is generally required before the visa can be granted. Home Affairs will advise when it is time to arrange it.
Helps ensure the applicant does not rely on certain government payments.
The sponsor and the person providing the Assurance of Support do not have to be the same person.
For one adult.
For two adults.
The AoS may be provided by the sponsor, another eligible individual, joint assurers or an eligible organisation. Arrange it only when requested.
Fees and Queue
Cost and Processing Time
From AUD 8,665
The current Home Affairs charge starts from AUD 8,665 for a single applicant, with additional charges for eligible family members.
1st instalmentAt lodgement
2nd instalmentWhen requested before grant
Other expenses can include health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, translations and professional migration assistance.
From 1 July 2026, a lower application cost may apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.
Check the Visa Fee Estimator →Approx. 33 Years
Subclass 103 has one of the longest processing periods in the family migration program. Applications are subject to capping and queueing.
- New applications acknowledged in approximately 4 weeks
- Queue assessments had reached applications lodged around February 2023
- Applications released for final processing had queue dates around March 2014
Application Journey
How to Apply for Parent Visa 103
For applications lodged on or after 22 April 2026, Subclass 103 is generally submitted online through ImmiAccount.
Check Eligibility
Confirm sponsorship, family structure and the Balance of Family Test before you apply.
Prepare Documents
Gather identity, relationship, sponsor and family evidence relevant to your case.
Lodge Online
Complete the application through ImmiAccount, upload documents and pay the first instalment.
Queue Assessment
Home Affairs assesses the application and, if eligible, places it in the Parent visa queue.
Complete Final Checks
Provide health, character and Assurance of Support requirements when requested.
Finalise the Visa
Pay the second instalment and complete any outstanding requirements before the visa decision.
Keep your passport, contact details and family information updated throughout the long processing period.
What You May Need
- Passport and birth certificate
- Sponsor’s status and relationship evidence
- Form 40 sponsorship documents
- Balance of Family Test evidence
- Partner or dependant documents, if applicable
- Health and police checks when requested
- Assurance of Support documents later in the process
Exact documents depend on your circumstances.
Can You Apply From Inside Australia?
You can submit the application from either inside or outside Australia, as long as you are not going through immigration clearance at the time.
An ordinary Subclass 103 application does not normally give you a bridging visa. If you are in Australia on a temporary visa, you must maintain lawful status independently.
Standard applicants must generally be outside Australia when Home Affairs makes the visa decision.
After Grant
Benefits of Parent Visa 103
Live in Australia indefinitely
Work and study
Enrol in Medicare
Sponsor eligible family members
Access eligible English-language programs
Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Travel in and out of Australia for five years
After the initial five-year travel facility expires, you may need a Resident Return Visa to return to Australia as a permanent resident if you have not become an Australian citizen.
Why Think Higher
Clear Guidance for a Long-Term Visa
Registered Agent
Guidance from Aneel Khowaja, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1571699.
11+ Years
More than 11 years of experience in Australian migration.
Clear Advice
Understand your options, risks and next steps before making a long-term decision.
Ongoing Guidance
Support with important updates, Home Affairs requests and changes during the lengthy processing period.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Parent Visa Subclass 103?
It gives qualifying parents a permanent pathway to join a settled child in Australia, where that child holds Australian citizenship or permanent residency, or meets the eligible New Zealand citizen criteria.
Is Parent Visa 103 a permanent visa?
Yes. Once granted, it provides Australian permanent residence.
What is the cost of Parent Visa 103?
The current charge starts from AUD 8,665 for a single applicant and is paid in two instalments. Charges can change.
How long does Parent Visa 103 take?
Home Affairs currently estimates around 33 years for new Parent and Aged Parent applications because visas are capped and queued.
Can I apply without passing the Balance of Family Test?
Standard applicants must pass the test. Home Affairs does not waive it because of compelling or exceptional circumstances.
Can I apply for Parent Visa 103 from inside Australia?
Yes, you may lodge the application from inside Australia if eligible. However, a standard Subclass 103 application does not normally provide a bridging visa, so you must maintain lawful visa status separately.
Who can sponsor a Parent Visa 103 application?
In most cases, sponsorship can be provided by a settled child aged 18 or over who holds Australian citizenship or permanent residency, or meets the eligible New Zealand citizen criteria.
Parent Visa 103 Assessment
Check Your Eligibility Before Entering the Queue
With strict family, sponsorship and Assurance of Support requirements, it is important to confirm eligibility before making a long-term application.
Think Higher Consultants can review your circumstances and guide you from initial assessment through lodgement and ongoing processing.
Balance of Family reviewSponsor assessmentDocument checklistQueue guidance