If you're an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia and longing to have your parents join you permanently, the Subclass 103 Parent Visa offers a pathway to make that dream a reality. This non-contributory permanent visa allows parents to live, work, and study indefinitely in Australia at a fraction of the cost of other options. While it comes with significant wait times due to high demand and limited places, it's a popular choice for families prioritizing affordability over speed.

In this up-to-date guide for 2026, we'll cover everything you need to know: eligibility, the application steps, current costs, realistic timelines, benefits, and practical tips to strengthen your case. Let's explore how this visa works and whether it fits your family's situation.

What Exactly Is the Subclass 103 Parent Visa?

The Subclass 103 Parent Visa is a permanent residency option for parents (or step-parents) of settled Australians. It grants indefinite stay rights, full work and study permissions, access to Medicare healthcare, and the ability to travel in and out of Australia freely for the first five years. After meeting residency rules, holders can apply for Australian citizenship.

Unlike faster contributory parent visas (such as Subclass 143), the 103 doesn't require a large additional payment. Instead, it's part of the capped family migration program, where annual places are limited, leading to extended queues.

Applications must be lodged from outside Australia, and the visa is decided offshore. Recent updates include the ability to import older paper applications (lodged after November 2018) into ImmiAccount for easier tracking, a change rolled out progressively since 2025.

Who Qualifies? Key Eligibility Requirements

Meeting the criteria is essential, as the Department of Home Affairs assesses applications strictly. Here's what you need:

• Eligible Sponsor: Your child (or stepchild) must be at least 18 years old, settled in Australia (usually living there for at least two years), and hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand citizenship status. They sponsor you and provide an Assurance of Support (AoS), which includes a financial bond to cover any potential social security or healthcare costs.
• Balance of Family Test: This is a core requirement. At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more of your children must reside in Australia than in any other single country. The test looks at all children (biological, adopted, or step) and is checked at application time.
• Health and Character Standards: All applicants must pass medical examinations and provide police clearances from every country lived in for 12 months or more since age 16. Any serious health issues or criminal history can lead to refusal.
• Other Rules: You cannot hold or have applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Subclass 870 visa at the time of application. While no strict age limit applies for the 103 (unlike some aged parent options), younger parents are common applicants.

Double-check your situation carefully—small details can affect outcomes. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest forms and checklists.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

The process involves preparation and patience. Here's the typical flow:

1. Prepare Documentation — Collect proof of your relationship to the sponsor (birth certificates, marriage papers if applicable), sponsor's Australian status and settlement evidence, financial details for the AoS, health and character documents, and identity proofs.
2. Lodge the Application — Submit online via ImmiAccount or, if paper-based (older lodgments), import into the system. Pay the initial fee at lodgment.
3. Enter the Queue — Once acknowledged, your application joins the capped queue. The Department releases batches for final processing based on lodgment dates.
4. Final Stage — When your turn arrives (potentially decades later), complete any requested health/character checks, pay the second installment if applicable, and await the decision.
5. Visa Grant — If approved, travel to Australia within the specified entry period to activate permanent residency.

Gather everything accurately upfront to avoid delays. The Department may request more information at any point.

Current Costs in 2026

One of the biggest advantages of the Subclass 103 is its lower price tag compared to contributory alternatives. Fees are paid in two installments and subject to annual indexation.

• First Installment (Base Application Charge): Around AUD $5,280 for the main applicant, with reduced amounts for additional family members (e.g., AUD $2,640 for other adults, AUD $1,325 for children under 18).
• Second Installment: Approximately AUD $2,065 per person, payable before the final grant (often applies if health or welfare risks are identified).
• Assurance of Support Bond: Typically AUD $5,000–$15,000 (depending on family size), held for 10 years and largely refundable if no claims are made.
• Additional Expenses: Medical exams (around AUD $500+), police checks, document translations, and travel costs.

For a single applicant, expect a total of roughly AUD $7,345–$10,000 in government fees, plus extras. This remains far more accessible than options exceeding AUD $50,000.

Processing Times: What to Expect in 2026

The main challenge with the Subclass 103 is the wait. High demand and annual caps (around 8,500 places across parent categories in recent years) create long queues.

As of early 2026, the Department is processing applications lodged around 2013 for final stages, with new applications facing waits of 25–33 years or more. Queue releases occur gradually, and final processing after release can take 6–12 months.

Factors like application completeness and global migration priorities influence movement. For the latest queue release dates, check the official Parent visas queue release dates page on the Home Affairs site—it's updated periodically.

If shorter waits are essential, consider contributory parent visas (faster but costlier) or temporary options like the Sponsored Parent (Subclass 870).

The Rewards: Benefits Once Granted

Upon approval, your parents gain:

• Permanent residency status immediately.
• Unlimited stay, work, and study rights.
• Medicare coverage for healthcare.
• Multiple-entry travel facility for five years.
• Eligibility for citizenship after four years of residency (with other requirements met).

This visa fosters strong family connections and provides security in one of the world's most welcoming countries.

Getting Expert Help: Edvise Hub's Role

Complex migration rules benefit from professional guidance. Edvise Hub, a trusted consultancy with offices in Pakistan and Australia, offers specialized support for parent visas. Their MARA-registered agents provide personalized assessments, document preparation, and strategic advice to navigate eligibility and queues effectively.

Whether checking the balance of family test, organizing the Assurance of Support, or exploring alternatives, Edvise Hub helps families avoid common pitfalls and stay compliant with current rules. Many clients appreciate their clear communication and commitment to successful outcomes.

Is the Subclass 103 Right for Your Family?

The Subclass 103 Parent Visa suits families who value affordability and can accept long waits for permanent family reunion. If your eligibility aligns and patience is possible, it's a worthwhile path.

Immigration policies can change, so verify details directly with the Department of Home Affairs. For tailored advice, reach out to experts like Edvise Hub to discuss your specific circumstances.

Bringing parents closer is a meaningful step—start exploring today.