Parent visa 103
Permanent parent visa, applied for outside Australia. New applications face a queue estimated at about 42 years.
In force
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.
Main requirements
- 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 you apply from
Outside Australia.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA 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 helpsA 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 helpsA 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 helpsA registered migration agent calculates the balance of family test carefully. - Lodge online
Applications are lodged online in ImmiAccount.
How a registered migration agent helpsA 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 helpsA registered migration agent keeps the case ready for release. - Final processing
Health, police, Assurance of Support and second instalment.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent coordinates the final steps. - Grant
Permanent residence.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans settlement.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs parent visa queue release dates, as at 31 August 2026. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Estimated time for new applications | 50% in about 42 years, 90% in not published |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Balance of family test not met.
- Health or character.
- Sponsor not eligible.
- Assurance of Support or second instalment not provided.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Parent
- Children
- Sponsor
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.