PARENT VISA (SUBCLASS 103)
The Parent visa (subclass 103) is a permanent visa that allows the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. You can apply for this visa whether you are currently living inside or outside Australia.
Because it is one of the more affordable parent visa pathways, the subclass 103 visa is subject to an annual cap and queue, so current processing times are significantly longer than most other visa categories. Many families choose to apply for this visa while exploring faster (though more expensive) alternatives, such as the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).
Our team can help you weigh up the right pathway for your family.
WHO CAN SPONSOR A PARENT VISA (SUBCLASS 103) APPLICATION
To apply, you must be sponsored by a child who meets the eligibility requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. Your sponsor’s eligibility is assessed against several factors, including:
- their age
- their Australian immigration status (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen)
- how long they have lived in Australia
- their ability to provide you with support, accommodation and financial assistance for the first two years after you arrive
Your sponsor will also need to provide an Assurance of Support. This is a formal undertaking confirming that you will not need to rely on government financial assistance after you enter Australia on this visa.
THE BALANCE OF FAMILY TEST
Alongside having a suitable sponsor, you must satisfy a number of additional criteria, one of the most significant being the balance of family test. Put simply, this test assesses whether you have more children living permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
You will need to provide evidence to support this, including documentation of your relationship to each of your children and where each of them currently lives.
EVIDENCE YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE
A Parent visa (subclass 103) application requires substantial supporting documentation. You will generally need to provide evidence of:
- your identity
- your partner’s and any dependants’ identities, if they are applying with you
- your sponsor’s identity
- your sponsor’s eligibility to act as your sponsor
- adequate arrangements for health insurance
HEALTH, CHARACTER AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
You and your sponsor will also need to satisfy a range of additional requirements, which can include assessments of your health and character.
Supporting evidence, such as police certificates, is required in addition to the documentation outlined above.
HOW RAMSDEN LAWYERS CAN HELP
Applying for a Parent visa (subclass 103) involves detailed evidentiary requirements and a long-term commitment from both applicant and sponsor, so getting the application right the first time matters.
The immigration team at Ramsden Lawyers can assist with every stage of the Parent visa (subclass 103) process, including:
- comprehensive advice on the requirements of the visa, including the level and quality of supporting evidence needed
- preparing detailed submissions to the Department of Home Affairs, addressing how you and your sponsor meet each visa requirement and outlining the evidence provided
- preparing and lodging both the visa application and the sponsorship application, along with all supporting evidence, on your behalf
- ongoing advice throughout the life of your application
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is the Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?
The Parent visa (subclass 103) is a permanent visa that allows the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. Applicants can apply from either inside or outside Australia.
How Long Does the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) Take to Process?
Because the subclass 103 visa is capped and queued, processing times are very long. As at May 2026, the Department of Home Affairs was releasing applications with a queue date up to March 2014 for final processing, with an estimated processing timeframe of around 33 years for new applications. Faster (though more expensive) alternatives, such as the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143), are worth discussing with an immigration lawyer.
What Is the Balance of Family Test?
The balance of family test assesses whether an applicant has more children living permanently in Australia than in any other single country. Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship to each child and where each child lives.
Who Can Sponsor a Parent Visa (Subclass 103) Application?
An eligible child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen can act as a sponsor, provided they meet requirements relating to their age, immigration status, time spent living in Australia, and ability to provide support, housing, and financial assistance to the applicant for the first two years.
What Is an Assurance of Support?
An Assurance of Support is a formal undertaking, provided by the sponsor, confirming that the visa applicant will not need to rely on government financial assistance after arriving in Australia.
Can My Partner and Children Apply with Me on a Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?
Yes. A partner and any dependants can generally be included in the application, and evidence of their identity will also need to be provided.
Do I Need Health Insurance to Apply?
Yes. Applicants must show that they have made adequate arrangements for health insurance as part of the application.
Can I Get Help Applying for a Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?
Yes. The immigration team at Ramsden Law can advise on eligibility, prepare and lodge both the visa and sponsorship applications, and manage supporting evidence and submissions to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.
