What is Non Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103) in Australia?

6 days ago
5 min read

The Parent Visa Subclass 103 is a permanent visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. While this visa has a lower application cost compared to contributory parent visas, applicants should be aware that processing times can be extremely long due to limited visa places available each year.

In some cases, sponsors may also be required to provide financial assurances demonstrating their ability to support the parent after arrival in Australia.

Non Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103) in

Can You Apply for a Subclass 103 Parent Visa in Australia?

Generally, the Subclass 103 Parent Visa must be lodged while the applicant is outside Australia. However, there are limited exceptions for certain retirees.

Individuals who currently hold or previously held an Investor Retirement Visa (Subclass 405) or Retirement Visa (Subclass 410) may be eligible to apply while remaining in Australia under special transitional arrangements.

Important: These exceptions apply only to a small number of applicants and specific eligibility requirements must be met.

Eligibility Requirements for Parent Visa Subclass 103

To be eligible for a Parent Visa Subclass 103, you must:

Have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Have an eligible sponsor, usually your child living in Australia.
Meet the Balance of Family Test.
Meet Australian health requirements.
Meet character requirements, including police clearances.
Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arrangements to repay them.
Not have had a visa cancelled or refused in certain serious circumstances.
Sign the Australian Values Statement.
Maintain adequate health insurance while waiting for a visa decision.

What is the Balance of Family Test?

The Balance of Family Test requires that:

At least half of your children permanently live in Australia; or
More of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.

This requirement is one of the key eligibility criteria for most parent visa applicants.

Special Retiree Eligibility for Subclass 103 Visa

You may qualify under special retiree provisions if:

You currently hold or previously held a Subclass 405 or Subclass 410 visa.
You have not held another substantive visa between 8 May 2018 and the date of application.
You are physically present in Australia when applying.

Benefits for Retiree Applicants

Retirees applying under these arrangements do not need to:

Meet the Balance of Family Test.
Obtain an Assurance of Support.
Have an eligible sponsor.

However, retiree applicants remain personally responsible for healthcare expenses while their application is being processed. Private health insurance is strongly recommended.

Documents Required for Parent Visa Subclass 103

Before lodging your application, prepare the following documents:

Identity Documents

Valid passport
National identity card (if applicable)
Evidence of name change (if applicable)

Family and Relationship Documents

Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Divorce certificate (if applicable)
Evidence of a relationship with your sponsor
Sponsor's Form 40

Character Documents

Police Clearance Certificate

Photographs

Provide four recent passport-size photographs (45mm x 35mm) for each applicant. Photos must:

Be taken within the last six months.
Be in colour and of good quality.
Show a clear front-facing image.
Have a plain light-coloured background.

Additional Documents

Certified English translations for all non-English documents.

What Happens After Lodging the Application?

After your Parent Visa Subclass 103 application is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs may request:

Additional documents or information.
Health examinations.
Biometrics such as fingerprints and photographs.

Applicants must also pay the required visa application charges, including the second instalment fee before visa grant.

Parent Visa Subclass 103 Processing Time

Processing times for the Parent Visa Subclass 103 are among the longest in Australia's migration program.

The Department of Home Affairs processes applications in two stages:

Stage 1: Queue Assessment

The Department first assesses whether the application meets the basic requirements to enter the processing queue.

Stage 2: Final Assessment

When a visa place becomes available, the application is removed from the queue and fully assessed.

Because demand significantly exceeds the number of available visa places, exact processing times cannot be guaranteed.

Benefits of the Parent Visa Subclass 103

Once granted, this permanent visa allows you to:

Live permanently in Australia.
Work and study in Australia.
Access Medicare (if eligible).
Travel to and from Australia for a specified period.
Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.

How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help?

Applying for a Parent Visa Subclass 103 can be a complex and lengthy process. Preparing a complete and accurate application is important to avoid unnecessary delays.

The legal team at Emigrate Lawyers can assist with:

Assessing your eligibility.
Preparing supporting documents.
Completing sponsorship requirements.
Lodging your application.
Responding to Department requests.
Providing ongoing legal guidance throughout the process.

FAQs

Q1. How long does a Parent Visa 103 take?

A- The processing time for a Subclass 103 Parent Visa can be extremely long due to high demand and limited annual visa places. The Department of Home Affairs does not provide exact processing times, and applicants may wait many years before a decision is made.

Q2. What is the difference between the 804 and 103 Parent Visa?

A- The Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa is generally for eligible older parents who are in Australia when they apply, while the Subclass 103 Parent Visa is usually for applicants applying from outside Australia. Both are permanent visas but have different eligibility requirements and application locations.

Q3. Does a 103 visa have a Bridging Visa?

A- No, applicants for a Subclass 103 Parent Visa generally do not receive a Bridging Visa because the application is usually lodged outside Australia. Bridging visas are typically associated with onshore visa applications.

Q4. Can you work on a 103 visa?

A- Yes, once the Subclass 103 Parent Visa is granted, you can live, work, and study permanently in Australia. As a permanent resident, you generally have unrestricted work rights.

Final Thoughts on Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

The Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103) offers an affordable pathway for eligible parents to permanently reunite with their children in Australia. Although waiting times can be lengthy, the visa provides a valuable opportunity for families to build their future together in Australia.

If you are considering applying for a Parent Visa Subclass 103, professional legal guidance can help ensure your application is prepared correctly and submitted with confidence. Contact Emigrate Lawyers to discuss your eligibility, understand the visa requirements, and receive experienced legal assistance throughout the application process. Our team is committed to helping families navigate the parent visa journey with clarity and confidence.

The sooner you seek advice, the more options you have. We are here to help!

Reach out to us today through any of the following:

Emigrate Lawyers

Email: info@emigratelawyers.com

WhatsApp: 0458 745 646

Phone: 1300 807 134

Text Us: 0483 959 572

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Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal consultation or to be relied upon for making specific decisions. Laws, regulations, and policies may change over time, and their application can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Writer: Anushka Gurung

Position: Legal Officer at Emigrate Lawyers