Subclass 103 Visa: Non-Contributory Parent
A permanent parent visa with a much lower charge, but a queue estimated at around 30 years or more.
Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed
In short: The Parent visa (subclass 103) is a permanent visa for parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. Its charge is far lower than the contributory visa (AUD 8,500–9,000* in total), but new applications are expected to wait about 30 years or more.
Who this visa suits
- Families who cannot afford the contributory charge
- Younger parents prepared to wait a long time
- Families who also plan visits on visitor or 870 visas
| Type | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Typical wait | About 30+ years for new applications |
| Charge | AUD 8,500–9,000* in two instalments |
| Balance of Family | Required |
| Assurance of Support | Required |
Official information: Parent visa (103). Part of our Parent visa services.
Requirements
The main requirements. We check each one against your situation before you apply.
Settled child sponsor
Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Balance of Family
Most of your children live permanently in Australia.
Assurance of Support
An assurer and bond when asked.
Health
Health checks near the decision.
Character
Police certificates.
Patience
A very long queue; plan visits meanwhile.
Document checklist
Most applications need the following. Your exact list depends on your circumstances; we give you a personalised checklist.
- Identity and parent–child relationship documents
- Evidence of each child’s residence
- Sponsor’s status and residence history
- Police certificates and health examinations (when asked)
Costs
| Visa | Main applicant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parent (103) | AUD 8,500–9,000* | First instalment AUD 6,500–7,000*; second AUD 2,000–2,500*. |
*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.
Step by step
- Check Balance of FamilyAll children counted.
- Lodge and pay the first instalmentJoin the queue.
- Plan visitsVisitor (600) or Sponsored Parent (870) visas meanwhile.
- WaitKeep details up to date.
- Checks and Assurance of SupportWhen invited.
- Second instalment and grantWhen asked.
Common mistakes and refusal reasons
- Expecting a decision within a few years
- Losing contact with the Department over a long wait
- Changes in family circumstances affecting Balance of Family
For a faster decision, compare the contributory 143/173; for long stays now, the 870.
Recent changes
1 July 2026: Charges increased across parent visas.
Questions
Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.
Book a free consultationWhy is the 103 queue so long?+
Can I switch from 103 to 143 later?+
Can parents visit while waiting?+
Do I pay everything upfront?+
Talk to us about your visa.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455).
- Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
- Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
- Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
- Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges