The Parent visa (subclass 103) allows parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move and live permanently in Australia with their children. To apply under this visa category, you must be sponsored by your child who has been a settled Australian resident for at least two years.
Key Updates for 2025-2026: The Parent visa (subclass 103) continues to have extremely long processing times of approximately 29 years or more due to the high demand and limited places available. For faster processing, applicants may consider the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) which has a significantly higher fee but much shorter processing time of approximately 5 to 7 years.
You might be able to attain the Parent visa (subclass 103) if you:
Balance of family test
The balance-of-family test is used measures your (applicant) ties to Australia. It is important to meet this requirements to be granted the Parent visa (subclass 103), and it cannot be waived even in compelling or exceptional circumstances. You can meet the balance of family test, if either:
Eligibility for sponsor
Your sponsor must meet the following requirements in order to sponsor their parent under the Parent visa (subclass 103). Your sponsor must:
Note: Your child or your child’s spouse or de facto partner can also sponsor you.
If your child is less than 18 years of age, you can be sponsored by: