new title
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent residency visa that allows parents to join their children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. While this visa offers a cost-effective option compared to contributory visas, it comes with lengthy processing times. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Subclass 103 visa, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and key requirements.
Are You Interested in This Service?
Key Features of the Subclass 103 Visa
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 103 Visa
To apply for the Parent Visa Subclass 103, you must meet the following criteria:
Eligible Child Sponsor
- Your child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- They must be settled in Australia (living lawfully for at least two years).
Balance of Family Test
- At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia.
- Alternatively, more children must reside in Australia than in any other single country.
Health and Character Requirements
- Meet Australia’s health standards, including medical checks.
- Satisfy the character requirements for you and any accompanying family members.
Assurance of Support
- Provide a financial guarantee from an eligible sponsor to cover public welfare costs.
Benefits of the Subclass 103 Visa
Cost-Effective
Starting from AUD 5,125, the Subclass 103 is one of the more affordable parent visa options.
Family Reunification
Reunite with your children permanently while enjoying full residency rights.
Include Family Members
Add eligible family members to your application, provided they meet health and character requirements.
Healthcare Access
Benefit from Australia’s Medicare system, ensuring affordable healthcare services.
Dreaming of Australia? Let’s Make It Happen!
Costs and Processing Times
| Cost (AUD) | Processing Times |
|---|---|
| From AUD 5,125 (plus additional fees for family members) | Can exceed 20-30 years due to high demand and limited spots. |
Assurance of Support (AoS) for Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
The Assurance of Support (AoS) is a financial commitment required for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103). It ensures that the visa holder does not become reliant on government welfare payments during their initial years in Australia. The AoS covers all applicants included in the visa application and requires the assurer to lodge a refundable bond with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The bond amount depends on the number of applicants and is held for a specific period.
For the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), the AoS period is typically up to 4 years. This period begins either from the date the visa holder arrives in Australia, if applying offshore, or from the visa grant date, if applying onshore. Services Australia, through Centrelink, assesses the AoS application. Providing accurate details promptly, including the assurer’s full name, date of birth, and Customer Reference Number (CRN), is crucial to avoid processing delays.
At the end of the AoS period, the bond can be refunded if the visa holder has not accessed recoverable government welfare payments. The AoS plays a vital role in ensuring financial security for both the visa holder and the Australian government. For personalized assistance with the Assurance of Support process, Sleek Migration is here to help streamline your Parent Visa application.
Application Process
1. Prepare Documents
- Identity and relationship evidence.
- Sponsorship documents (Form 40).
- Assurance of Support documents (unless exempt as a retiree).
2. Submit Application
- Apply online or via paper form if specified.
- Pay the initial installment fee.
3. Queue Placement
- Applications are queued based on the date of submission.
4. Final Assessment
- When a spot becomes available, your application undergoes a final assessment.
5. Decision Notification
- You will receive a written notification of the visa decision.
Item #6
Potential Challenges
Lengthy Processing Times
Due to high demand and capping, the wait time can exceed 20 years.
Eligibility Complexities
Ensuring compliance with the balance-of-family test and sponsorship requirements.
Health and Character Checks
Failing these requirements can delay or deny your application.
Alternative Visa Options
If the Subclass 103 Visa’s lengthy processing time isn’t feasible, consider these alternatives:
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Faster processing but higher cost.
Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
Temporary visa allowing stays of up to five years without permanent residency rights.
Let Sleek Migration Help You Reunite with Your Family!
Navigating the complexities of the Parent Visa Subclass 103 can be daunting. At Sleek Migration, we specialize in guiding families through the visa process with precision and care.
Why Choose Sleek Migration?
- Ensure you meet all criteria before applying.
- We’ll help you compile and verify all necessary paperwork.
- From submission to queue updates, we handle it all.
- If Subclass 103 isn’t the best fit, we’ll recommend suitable alternatives like Subclass 143 or Subclass 870.
- In case of a refusal, our team can assist with the appeals process.
Contact Sleek Migration today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward family reunification in Australia. Let us help you every step of the way!
FAQs
Which Parent Visa is Right for Me?
Choosing the right visa depends on your parents’ age, whether they want permanent or temporary residency, and how quickly they need to move to Australia. The main types include:
- Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143/173, 864/884): Higher fees, but generally shorter processing times (around 10 years).
- Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 103, 804): Lower fees, but very long waiting periods (up to 30 years).
- Sponsored Parent (Subclass 870): Temporary stay for up to 3 or 5 years, with fewer requirements but no direct pathway to permanent residence. Processing can be a few months.
Example Scenario:
Alice wants her 70-year-old mother to move permanently to Australia as soon as possible. She looks into a Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) because even though the cost is higher, the wait time (about 10 years) is still much shorter than the 30-year queue for a non-contributory visa.
What Are the Costs of These Parent Visas?
Costs vary significantly depending on the visa type:
- Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143/173, 864/884): Approx. AUD 50,000 (paid in stages for temporary-to-permanent pathways).
- Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 103, 804): Approx. AUD 5,000, but with very long wait times.
- Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870): Around AUD 6,000 for a 3-year visa and AUD 11,000 for a 5-year visa.
Example Scenario:
John’s parents are relatively young and are not in a rush to move. They choose the Subclass 103 (Parent Visa), paying lower fees of around AUD 5,000, knowing they might have to wait up to 30 years.
How Long Does It Take to Process Each Visa?
Processing times are one of the biggest factors in choosing a parent visa:
- Contributory Parent Visas (143, 864): Around 10 years.
- Non-Contributory Parent Visas (103, 804): Up to 30 years.
- Sponsored Parent Visa (870): Usually a few months.
Example Scenario:
Amelia’s father wants to visit and stay in Australia within a year. Amelia opts for the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa because it can be granted in a few months.
What Is the Balance-of-Family Test?
The Balance-of-Family (BoF) test requires that at least half of the applicant’s children are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, or that more children live in Australia than any other single country.
- Contributory Parent and Non-Contributory Parent Visas: Must satisfy the BoF test.
- Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870): No BoF test required.
Example Scenario:
David has three children: two live in Australia, one lives in Canada. He meets the BoF test because two out of three children are in Australia, so he can apply for a Contributory Parent Visa.
If I Hold a Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent) Visa, Can I Apply for a Contributory Parent Visa?
No. However, it is possible to do the reverse (i.e., have applied for a Contributory Parent Visa and then later apply for a 870 if you meet the eligibility requirements).
