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Parent visa (subclass 103)

Updated 22 July 2026

This is general information, not migration advice. Visa rules, fees and eligibility change often — always confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website, and speak to a registered migration agent about your own situation.

Overview

The Parent visa (subclass 103) is a permanent visa that lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen move to Australia. It is the non-contributory (queued) Parent visa: applications are subject to capping and queueing and are processed in the order they are received, so waiting times are very long, but the visa application charge is far lower than for the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143). Home Affairs assesses applications in 2 stages - an initial assessment that either places the application in the queue or refuses it, and a final assessment once a place becomes available. How long you can stay: "Permanently" - this is a permanent visa and you can stay in Australia indefinitely. You can travel to and from Australia for 5 years, and if eligible you can apply for Australian citizenship.

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Step 1 - Before you apply: check that you meet the requirements, including that you have not already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870), and decide whether you need immigration assistance.

  2. Step 2: Step 2 - Gather your documents: identity and relationship documents, evidence for the balance of family test, sponsorship documents, and details of all your family members even if they are not migrating.

  3. Step 3: Step 3 - Apply for the visa online: if you apply on or after 22 April 2026 you must lodge online using ImmiAccount - create an account or log in, attach documents, and pay the (first instalment) application fee. You can be in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply.

  4. Step 4: Step 4 - After you apply: your sponsorship is assessed, we make an initial assessment and, if you meet the core criteria, assign your application a queue date and place it in the queue; provide an Assurance of Support, health examinations and character documents when we ask.

  5. Step 5: Step 5 - Visa outcome: when a place becomes available we release your application from the queue for final assessment. You must pay the second instalment before we grant the visa - we send you an invoice, and if you do not pay it we will refuse your application. Do not arrange to stay permanently in Australia until we grant the visa.

Eligibility & requirements

  • Have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Have an eligible sponsor (usually the eligible child; if your child is under 18 an eligible relative or community organisation can sponsor you). We must approve the sponsorship.
  • Meet the balance of family test: at least half of your children and step-children are eligible children, or there are more eligible children living in Australia than in any other single country.
  • Be able to obtain an Assurance of Support, guaranteeing you will not rely on government assistance for the Assurance of Support period.
  • You, and any family members who apply with you, must meet our health requirement and character requirement.
  • Have paid back any debt to the Australian Government (or have an approved arrangement to repay it), and not have had a visa cancelled or an application refused in a way that prevents this application.
  • If you are 18 or older, sign the Australian Values Statement.
  • You cannot apply if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870). A separate retiree pathway exists for certain former subclass 405/410 visa holders, who do not need a sponsor, the balance of family test or an Assurance of Support but must be in Australia and hold adequate health insurance.

Costs

ItemIndicative cost
Application charge (single applicant, paid in 2 instalments)From AUD8,665 over 2 instalments for a single applicant. Concessions apply in limited circumstances. Pay the first instalment when you apply and the second instalment when we ask you to (you must pay the second instalment before the visa is granted).
Additional family members and related costsCurrent fee is published on the Home Affairs page for this visa — see Key links.

Key links

Contacts

Registered migration agent (MARA)
For advice about your own circumstances, use a registered migration agent or a legal service. This page is general information only.