Subclass 103 Visa - Parent Visa Guide
The Subclass 103 Parent Visa allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia permanently. Below, we’ll break down the visa’s eligibility criteria, application process, and other essential details to help you understand the steps involved.
Key Features of the Subclass 103 Parent Visa
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Purpose: Permits parents to join their children permanently in Australia.
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Eligibility: Applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test and have sponsorship from an eligible child residing in Australia.
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Processing Time: The wait time is lengthy (up to 30 years) due to annual caps on visa grants.
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Costs: The visa application charges include two installments (starting from AUD 6,625), excluding other associated costs such as health assessments.
Eligibility Criteria
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Parent-Child Relationship:
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You must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
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Your sponsoring child must have been settled in Australia for at least two years.
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Balance of Family Test:
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At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or
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More of your children must live permanently in Australia than in any other country.
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Assurance of Support (AoS):
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A financial AoS bond is required to ensure you will not rely on Australian social security payments.
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Health and Character Requirements:
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You must pass medical and police checks.
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Application Process
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Lodge the Application:
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Download and complete the application forms (47PA for applicants and 40 for sponsors).
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Submit your application by post to the Parent Visa Centre in Australia.
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Wait for Queue Placement:
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Your application will enter a long queue due to annual visa caps.
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Provide Additional Information:
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The Department will request documents for health checks, AoS, and other details during processing.
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Decision Outcome:
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The visa is granted once all requirements are met, subject to a visa cap for the year.
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Commonly Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Balance of Family Test?
The Balance of Family Test ensures at least half of the applicant’s children live permanently in Australia, or more children live in Australia than in any other single country.
2. What are the processing times for the Subclass 103 Parent Visa?
The processing times can exceed 30 years due to limited annual allocations. Applicants seeking faster processing might consider the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) which is about 14 years in 2024.
3. What is the Assurance of Support (AoS) bond?
The AoS bond is a financial requirement to ensure applicants do not become reliant on Australian social security payments. The AoS bond amount ranges from AUD 10,000 to 14,000 depending on whether it is for one or two parents. It is held for 10 years and refunded after the period.
4. Can I apply for the Subclass 103 Visa if I am in Australia?
No, this is an offshore visa, meaning you must apply and wait outside Australia while the application is processed. However, after the application has been lodged, the Applicant can use other visas to enter Australia.
5. Are there any age restrictions for this visa?
Unlike aged parent visas, the Subclass 103 has no age restrictions, making it suitable for parents of any age. However, if you are at the Australian pension age, you should be applying for the aged category visas instead because an onshore application will get you a Bridging Visa A that generally allows you to live and work in Australia until there is an outcome on your visa application.
Act Now: Don’t Miss Out on a Secure Future with Your Family
With processing times stretching decades, starting your application early is critical. Delay could push your queue position further back, increasing the wait time. Don’t let time slip away—contact us today to secure your spot and receive expert assistance in navigating the complexities of the Subclass 103 Parent Visa application process.