Parent Visa
Permanent migration for parents of a settled Australian — with a wait time you need to know upfront.
Overview
The 103 lets a parent join their settled child in Australia permanently — but it's genuinely important to understand before applying: this visa is capped and queued, and current processing for new applications is measured in decades, not years.
Who it's for
- Parents of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Families comfortable with a very long timeline, or comparing it against other options
Key requirements
- An eligible child settled in Australia to sponsor you
- Passing the Balance of Family test
- Health and character requirements, including police checks
- No outstanding debts to the Australian Government
This is the single most important thing to understand about the 103: current processing for new applications runs into decades due to a capped annual quota. The contributory Subclass 143 costs significantly more upfront but is processed far faster. We'll walk you through this trade-off honestly before you commit to either pathway.
Not sure if this is the right visa for you?
Tell us your situation and we'll confirm whether the Parent Visa fits, or point you to the one that does.
Book a free visa assessmentVisa subclasses, eligibility criteria, streams, queues and fees are set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and change periodically, often each July. The information above reflects publicly available guidance as of mid-2026 — your Rigpa House adviser will confirm current figures and eligibility before you apply.