The 103 visa is designed to allow aged parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents to join them. On this visa, you can live, study, and work in Australia. You can enrol in Medicare to access the Australian healthcare system. You can also travel in and out of Australia as much as you wish for up to five years. After five years, you must apply for a resident return visa or citizenship.
This visa is cheaper than other options is it is non-contributory, but the trade-off is the long wait time for processing and approval.
This visa is capped, and only a certain number of people on this visa are allowed to come every year. As a result, the wait time for this visa is processed in at least 12 to 29 years.
They will acknowledge the application within four weeks.
The cost of this visa varies from year to year. It’s paid in two instalments, the first when you apply, the second when asked to.
This visa is permanent. You can apply for citizenship from this visa after five years.
You can apply for this visa if:
You have not applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent 870 visa
You are currently living outside Australia
You have a child living in Australia who is a permanent resident or citizen
This child has been living in Australia for at least two years, even on a temporary visa, as long as it’s a permanent visa now
You meet the character and health requirements
Your child or another resident or citizen is willing to sponsor you
You must be more than 67 years old
Meet the ‘balance of family’ test, which is that more than half your children reside in Australia, or have more children in Australia than any other overseas country
Must have assurance of support to prove no reliance on Australian government assistance in any form
Before you apply, gather all documentation and evidence required. This includes identity, sponsorship, character, balance-of-family, and assurance of support documents.
Apply for this visa on paper. The parents need to fill out form 47PA, and the sponsor form 40.
Pay the first instalment
The immigration department will advise if they need further information, health exams, or biometrics
Pay the second instalment when requested
Await notification
If you’re studying in Australia and wishing to bring your parents over, and you’re not sure of the best option, we may be able to help. Give us a call to discuss your situation and see which visa is the best choice for your parents.
The difference is that the 804 visa requires you to be in Australia, and the 103 requires you to be located outside of Australia at the time of application.
Currently, the wait is between 12 and 29 years. Because this visa is capped, there are limited spaces. Those who exceed the cap are waitlisted for future years.
Yes, the contributory visas are much faster, but need a substantial financial investment.
It depends on your needs.
Visa type | Length of stay | Application fee | Special conditions | Processing time |
Contributory Parent 173 | 2 Years | AU$32,340 for the main applicant | Must be currently living outside Australia | No specified timeframes |
Contributory Aged Parent 884 | 2 years | AU$33,895 for the main applicant | Must be currently living in Australia | No specified timeframes |
Contributory Parent 143 | Permanent | AU$48,365 for the main applicant | Can be living in or out of Australia at the time of application. If you are a retiree, you must be in Australia. | Between 6 to 12 years |
Contributory Aged Parent 864 | Permanent | AU$48,365 for the main applicant | Must be currently living in Australia | Between 6 to 12 years |
Non-Contributory Aged Parent Visa 804 | Permanent | AU$4,990 for the main applicant | Must be currently living in Australia | At least 12 to 29 years |
Non-Contributory Parent Visa 103 | Permanent | AU$4,990 for the main applicant | Must be currently living outside Australia | At least 12 to 29 years |
There are benefits to this visa:
Work and study permitted
Access to Medicare
Non-contributory visa means not as expensive as other options
The ability to become a citizen after five years