Parent Visa (subclass 103)

The visa mandates sponsorship from the child or another qualified sponsor in Australia for the parents.

For children under 18, the following sponsors are acceptable:

• The spouse of the child, if they are 18 or older and a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Any relative or guardian of the child who is 18 or older and a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Any relative or guardian of the child’s spouse, provided they are 18 or older and a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• A community organisation

Note: The waiting time for the parent visa to be processed is currently around 25 years.

Eligibility Criteria

As a parent visa holder, you and your included dependent family members have the right to:

• Live, study, and work in Australia indefinitely
• Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the necessary requirements
• Participate in Australia’s healthcare program
• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
• Frequently travel in and out of Australia for five years from the visa issuance date

Eligible Family Members for Visa Inclusion

You may include these family members in your visa application:

• Your Spouse or Partner
• Any children or stepchildren of yours or your spouse’s

Advantages of the Visa

For Visa Applicants

This visa is available only if you:

• Are a parent of a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen
• Fulfill health and character requirements
• Qualify for the balance-of-family test
• Have secured a sponsorship

For Sponsors

You are eligible to sponsor if you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have resided in Australia legally for a minimum of 2 years at the time of visa application

For sponsors from community organisations, you need:

• Proof of your relationship with the parent visa applicant’s child
• A written agreement from a senior member of the organisation to support the parents post-arrival in Australia

Health and Police Clearance Requirements

Every person listed on the visa application needs to submit:

• Documentation from health examinations conducted within a year before applying for the visa
• A police certificate from each country lived in for 12 months or more over the past ten years.

Australian Government Debts

You need to settle any unpaid debts to the Australian government before your visa can be approved.