Family · Subclass 103
Parent visa
Permanent parent visa, applied for outside Australia. New applications face a queue estimated at about 42 years.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
Who it is for
Parents of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who meet the balance of family test, applying from outside Australia.
Key eligibility
- Balance of family test: at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or more live in Australia than in any other single country.
- A sponsor, usually a settled child.
- An Assurance of Support, requested later in processing.
- Health (no health waiver) and character.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Outside Australia.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Honest options
Compare queue times and costs with contributory and temporary parent options.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains queues and costs so the family can plan.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Balance of family evidence
Evidence for every child, including step-children.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent calculates the balance of family test carefully.
Lodge online
Applications are lodged online in ImmiAccount. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent lodges a complete application.
Queue
After the core criteria are met you receive a queue date and wait for release.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent keeps the case ready for release.
Final processing
Health, police, Assurance of Support and second instalment.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent coordinates the final steps.
Grant
Permanent residence.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent plans settlement.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| First instalment, main applicant | A$6,600 |
| First instalment, family member 18 or over | A$3,300 |
| First instalment, family member under 18 | A$1,655 |
| Second instalment, each person | A$2,065 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs parent visa queue release dates, as at 31 August 2026. Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Balance of family test not met.
- Health or character.
- Sponsor not eligible.
- Assurance of Support or second instalment not provided.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Parent visa (subclass 103)
- Home Affairs: balance of family test
- Home Affairs: parent visa queue release dates
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.