Eligibility Quiz
Application Process
You submit your application on paper by post or courier to the Department of Home Affairs Parent Visa Centre in Perth. There is no online application option, though from April 2025 you can import your application into ImmiAccount after lodgement to manage documents and track progress more easily.
The process unfolds in two main stages: initial eligibility assessment (approximately 4 weeks) and then queue-based final assessment (typically 20–30+ years). Your application receives a queue date when first assessed, and you wait until that date is released before final processing begins.
Before You Apply
Verify your eligibility. You must have at least one child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia. Check the balance of family test — at least half your children must be in Australia, or more of your children must live in Australia than in any other single country. This test cannot be waived.
Check your passport validity. Your passport must be valid at the time the visa is granted (not just at application).
Appoint a representative if needed. You can appoint a registered migration agent, lawyer, or exempt person to help with your application. This is optional but recommended given the complexity and long processing times.
If you have an existing parent visa application for a different subclass, withdraw it using Part B of Form 47PA before submitting your Subclass 103 application.
Gather All Required Documents
Collect documents in these categories:
Identity documents:
- Current passport pages (photo, personal details, issue/expiry dates)
- National identity card (if you have one)
- Proof of any name changes (marriage/divorce certificate or authority documents)
Sponsorship documents:
- Form 40 — Sponsorship for migration to Australia (completed by your sponsor — your child in Australia)
Balance of family documents:
- Birth certificates for each of your children
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
- Evidence of each child's Australian citizenship or permanent residence
- Death certificates for any deceased children
- Court orders or adoption documents if a child was removed from your custody
Character documents:
- Original police certificates from each country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Do not arrange these until the Department requests them.
Health documents:
- Medical examination results (must be conducted within 12 months of application). Do not arrange these until the Department requests them.
Family composition documents:
- For dependent children under 18: birth certificates, identity documents, character documents
- For dependent children 18–23: proof of financial dependency (tax records, proof of residence, study evidence)
- For dependent children over 23: proof of disability-related dependency
- For a spouse or de facto partner: marriage certificate or evidence of 12+ months de facto relationship (joint bank statements, joint leases, shared address documentation)
Assurance of Support documents:
- The Assurance of Support form will be provided by the Department when requested. You do not need this if you are applying as a retiree.
Photographs:
- 4 recent colour photographs (45mm × 35mm), less than 6 months old, full-face view against a plain light background
Translation and certification:
- All non-English documents must be translated into English by NAATI-accredited translators (if in Australia) or by overseas translators who include their full name, address, phone number, and qualifications on each translation
- All documents except original police certificates must be certified copies
Complete the Application Forms
You must complete three forms in English:
- Form 47PA — Application for a parent to migrate to Australia (completed by you, the applicant)
- Form 40 — Sponsorship for migration to Australia (completed by your sponsor — your child in Australia)
- Form 47A — Details of child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over (one form for each adult family member, whether migrating with you or not)
Fill out all forms carefully and completely. Incomplete or incorrect forms cause delays.
Pay the First Instalment Fee
The first instalment fee is AUD $5,280 for a single applicant. Additional applicants cost AUD $2,640 (18+ years) or AUD $1,325 (under 18 years).
Pay this fee before submitting your application. Include evidence of payment with your application.
Submit Your Application by Post or Courier
Send your completed forms, all required documents, and proof of payment to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth. The address is provided on the application forms. Keep a copy of everything for your records.
After You Submit
Wait for acknowledgement. The Department will send you an acknowledgement letter confirming receipt. This letter includes your application reference number.
Import into ImmiAccount (if eligible). If your application was lodged after November 2018, you can import it into ImmiAccount using your acknowledgement letter. This allows you to attach supporting documents online, view messages from the Department, and update your details.
Respond promptly to requests. The Department may request additional documents or information. Respond as quickly as possible — delays in responding can slow your processing.
Provide health examinations when requested. When the Department asks, you must undergo a medical examination. This must be conducted within 12 months of your application. The examination costs approximately AUD $500–$1,000+ depending on your location and complexity.
Provide biometrics if requested. You may be asked to provide fingerprints and a photo. This may be free or charged depending on your location.
Notify the Department of changes. If your contact details, passport, relationship status, or family composition changes, tell the Department immediately.
Pay the Second Instalment
Before your visa is granted, the Department will invoice you for the second instalment fee of AUD $2,065 (for a single applicant). You must pay this before the visa can be granted.
Receive Your Decision
You will receive written notification of the Department's decision. If your visa is granted, you will receive:
- Your visa grant number
- The visa start date
- Your first entry arrival date (you must enter Australia by this date)
- Any visa conditions
If your application is refused, you will receive reasons for the refusal and information about your review rights. The application fee is not refunded if refused.
Fees
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant — first instalment | $5,280 |
| Main applicant — second instalment | $2,065 |
| Total for main applicant | $7,345 |
| Additional applicant (18+ years) | $2,640 |
| Additional applicant (under 18 years) | $1,325 |
| Assurance of Support bond (1 adult) | $5,000 |
| Assurance of Support bond (2 adults) | $7,000 |
Total estimate for a single applicant: AUD $7,345 in government fees, plus AUD $5,000 Assurance of Support bond = AUD $12,345 minimum.
Additional costs not included in the table above:
- Health examinations: AUD $500–$1,000+
- Police certificates: AUD $50–$200 per country
- Document translation: AUD $100–$500+
- Certified copies: AUD $5–$20 per document
- Migration agent fees: AUD $2,000–$5,000+ (if using professional assistance)
Total estimated cost for a single applicant with partner and dependent child: AUD $12,000–$18,000 including all government fees, bonds, health checks, police certificates, translations, and professional fees.
The Assurance of Support bond is held for up to 2 years and returned if no welfare claims are made during that period.
Processing Time
Overall Timeline
As of March 2026, the estimated processing time for new Subclass 103 applications is approximately 33 years. This is one of the longest processing times in the Australian migration program.
The Department is currently processing applications with a queue date up to July 2013 — meaning applications lodged in 2026 will not be released from the queue for final assessment until approximately 2059.
Processing Stages
Stage 1: Initial Assessment (approximately 4 weeks) Your application is checked for eligibility against core visa criteria. If eligible, you are assigned a queue date and placed in the queue. If ineligible, your application is refused.
Stage 2: Queue and Final Assessment (typically 20–30+ years) Applications are released from the queue in queue date order as places become available. Once released, the Department conducts final assessment of your health, character, and Assurance of Support. Your visa is then granted or refused.
Queue Movement History
The queue has moved very slowly over the past 5+ years:
- September 2020: Queue date up to August 2010
- June 2021: Queue date up to October 2010
- December 2022: Queue date up to August 2011
- September 2024: Queue date up to September 2012
- February 2026: Queue date up to July 2013
This represents approximately 3 years of queue movement over a 5.5-year period.
Factors That Slow Processing
Your application may take longer if:
- Your application is incomplete or forms are filled incorrectly
- Required documents are missing or additional information is needed
- Information takes longer than usual to verify
- External agencies (health, character, national security) take time to provide checks
- You are slow to respond to Department requests
Document Validity Periods
- Passport: Must be valid at the time the visa is granted
- Medical examination: Must be conducted within 12 months of application
- Police certificates: Must be original documents; do not arrange until the Department requests them
Mortality Risk
A significant concern is applicant mortality during the extended waiting period. Approximately 2,300 applicants have died while waiting for parent visas since 2012. You and your sponsor should carefully consider whether you can realistically wait 30+ years for the visa to be granted.