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.

Conditions of 103 Parent Visa

Processing Time for Visa 103

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.

Visa Fees for 103 Visa

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.

Length of Stay on 103 Visa

This visa is permanent. You can apply for citizenship from this visa after five years.

Eligibility Criteria for Visa 103

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

How To Apply For 103 Visa

  • 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

Not Sure of The Best Visa?

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.

FAQ About 103 Visa

What Is The Difference Between 103 and 804 Visas?

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.

What is the Wait Time for 103 Visa?

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.

Is There a Faster Visa than 103?

Yes, the contributory visas are much faster, but need a substantial financial investment.

What is the Best Parent Visa for Australia?

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

What Are the Benefits of 103 Visa?

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