Parent Visa - Subclass 103
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. This visa is ideal for parents who wish to reunite with their children living in Australia. It is a family reunion visa that offers parents the opportunity to live and settle in Australia permanently.
The Subclass 103 visa is a permanent visa, which means that once granted, parents can stay in Australia indefinitely. However, the visa has a long processing time, and applicants must be willing to wait for several years before receiving the visa grant.
Key Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 103 Visa
To be eligible for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Sponsor Requirement
You must be sponsored by your child who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Balance of Family Test
You must pass the Balance of Family Test, which requires you to have at least half of your children living in Australia as permanent residents or citizens, or more children living in Australia than in any other country.
Age Requirement
While there is no formal age requirement, applicants must be the parent of a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Health and Character Requirements
You and any family members included in your application must meet health and character requirements, which may include undergoing health checks and police clearances.
Meet Financial Capacity
You must prove that you have enough financial support to cover your stay in Australia. This is to ensure you can support yourself and do not rely on government welfare programs.
Not in Australia
You must apply for the visa from outside of Australia, as you cannot apply while in Australia on another visa.
Age of Dependent Children
If your children are included in your application, they must meet the definition of a dependent and be under the age of 18 or unable to financially support themselves due to a disability.
Key Highlights of the Subclass 103 Visa
- Permanent Residency: This visa provides permanent residency in Australia for parents, allowing them to live in Australia indefinitely.
- Family Reunion: It allows you to reunite with your children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Access to Health Services: Once granted, parents may be eligible for Medicare, Australia's public health insurance system, which provides access to essential healthcare services.
- Work and Study Rights: Parents can work and study in Australia once the visa is granted, providing more flexibility.
- Travel Flexibility: The visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia freely while it is valid.
- Potential Citizenship Pathway: After living in Australia for several years, parents may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if they meet the requirements.
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is an excellent pathway for parents who wish to live permanently in Australia and be close to their children. However, due to the long waiting times, it’s important to plan ahead and consider other options such as the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143), which has a faster processing time but requires a higher fee.
If you are considering this visa, seeking professional guidance from a registered migration agent will help you navigate the application process and ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.