The Parent Visa (subclass 103) is like a golden ticket for parents who dream of living permanently in Australia close to their children.

If you have a child who’s an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the 103 visa allows you to join them Down Under. It’s all about keeping families together.

To qualify, at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more than in any other country. This ensures that your family ties are most substantial in Australia.

The eligibility criterion for getting a Parent visa (subclass 103)

Applicant Eligibility Criterion:

Applicants must meet several criteria set by the Australian government to be eligible for the Parent Visa (subclass 103).

• You must be the biological parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Step-parents may also qualify if they can prove their relationship to the child.
• At least half of your children must reside permanently in Australia as Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. More of your children must live in Australia than in any other country. In other words, must satisfy the balance of family test.
• You and all family members included in your Application must meet certain health standards. This may involve undergoing medical examinations to assess your health status and any potential risks to public health in Australia.
• Applicants must agree to comply with Australian laws and visa conditions. This includes abiding by Australian values, adhering to immigration laws, and not engaging in any activities that could jeopardize national security.

Sponsor Criteria:

• The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must also be at least 18 years of age.
• The sponsor must be the biological, adoptive, or stepchild of the parent applying for the visa. The relationship must be verifiable through legal documentation.
• The sponsor must demonstrate their financial capacity to fulfill the Assurance of Support and meet specific income thresholds set by the Australian government, which may vary depending on the number of people included in the Assurance of Support.
• The sponsor must reside in Australia when lodging the visa application and intend to continue living in Australia for the duration of the Assurance of Support period.

Parent Visa 103 Conditions

• 8502 – Not Arrive Before Person Specified in Visa: You can only enter Australia after a specific person, usually a sponsor or family member, arrives or is present in the country.
• 8515 – Must not marry or enter into a de facto relationship before entry: Condition 8515 means you can’t get married or enter into a de facto relationship before entering Australia on your visa. This rule prevents people from using marriage or relationships solely for visa purposes.

Location at the time of Application

The Parent Visa (subclass 103) must be applied from outside Australia. If you are in Australia, you must apply for another visa to remain lawfully while your Parent Visa application is being processed.

Parent 103 Visa Fee Structure

Primary Applicant (Parent Visa 103)

The primary applicant, who initiates the parent visa 103 application, must pay a visa application charge. This charge amounts to AU$3,055.00.

Additional Applicant (At Least 18 Years of Age)

For secondary applicants who are 18 years of age or older, intending to lodge the parent visa 103 application along with the primary applicant, there is a separate visa cost. The charge for each additional applicant in this category is AU$1,530.00.

Additional Applicant (Below 18 Years of Age)

Secondary applicants below the age of 18 and included in the parent visa 103 application are subject to a different fee structure. Each additional applicant in this age group is required to pay a parent visa fee of AU$765.00.

Parent Visa 103 Processing Time

The time it takes to process the Parent Visa 103 depends on the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ priorities.

If you submit all required documents and complete your health examinations promptly, it can speed up the process.

Partner Subclass 103 Visa Processing Time

• Processing time for the Subclass 103 visa varies for each applicant.
• Make sure you submit all necessary documents listed in the visa checklist provided by the Department of Home Affairs or your representative.

Parent Visa 103 Australia Balance of Family Test

Purpose

The Balance of Family (BoF) test checks if parent visa applicants have strong connections to Australia through their children.

Eligibility

To qualify, at least half of the parent’s children must live in Australia and be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

Who Counts

• All children and stepchildren of the parent or their partner are included.
• It doesn’t matter if the parent-child relationship is formal or informal.

Who Doesn’t Count

• Deceased children are omitted.
• Children from the partner’s other relationships are not counted.

In simple words, the test ensures that parents applying for the visa have significant ties to Australia through their children who are citizens or residents there.

Parent Visa 103 Document Checklist

What You Need

• • • Your identity documents like your passport, birth certificate, and any proof of name change.
  • • If you changed your name before, include evidence of that.
  • • Police certificates from every country you lived in for over 12 months since age 16, and any military service records.
  • • Passport-sized photos.
  • • Medical exams.
  • • If you applied for another parent visa, you must withdraw that Application when applying for this one.
  • • If you are not applying as a retiree, you need a sponsor (Form 40 Sponsorship for Migration to Australia).
  • • Proof to meet the balance of family test, showing your relationship with each child and where they live permanently. If a child shouldn’t be counted, like if they’ve passed away, include evidence like their death certificate. They are not needed for retirees.
    • An assurance of support may be required, but not for retirees.

FAQs

1. What is the Subclass 103 Visa?

The Subclass 103 visa is a permanent visa that allows the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.

2. Who is Eligible for the 103 Visa?

Parents with a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen can apply for the Subclass 103 visa.

3. What is the Balance of Family Test?

The Balance of Family Test assesses the applicant’s family ties to Australia. It requires at least half of the applicant’s children to be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia.

4. What Documents are Required for the 103 Visa Application?

The required documents include identity documents, police certificates, medical examinations, proof of relationship with Australian children, a sponsorship form, and assurance of support (if applicable).

5. How Long Does it Take to Process the 103 Visa?

Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and application volumes.

6. Can I Include My Spouse or Partner in My 103 Visa Application?

You can include your spouse or de facto partner in your Application if they meet the eligibility criteria.

7. Is There an Age Limit for Parents Applying for the 103 Visa?

There is no specific age limit for parents applying for the Subclass 103 visa, but they must meet health and character requirements.

8. Can I Work and Study in Australia on a 103 Visa?

Once granted the Subclass 103 visa, you can work and study in Australia indefinitely. However, depending on your age and circumstances, you may need to meet certain conditions.