Eligibility Quiz
Requirements
Who Qualifies
You can apply for Subclass 103 if you meet all of the following:
Core Eligibility:
- You have at least one child who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident usually resident in Australia, or an eligible New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia
- You meet the balance of family test (see below)
- You are 18 years or older
- You are outside Australia when the visa decision is made (unless applying as a retiree)
- You have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- You have not had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused (with limited exceptions)
- You meet health requirements (cannot be waived)
- You meet character requirements
- You sign the Australian Values Statement
Balance of Family Test (Mandatory):
This test cannot be waived under any circumstances. You meet it if at least half of your children and stepchildren are eligible children, OR if more of your eligible children live in Australia than in any other single country.
An eligible child is one who is:
- An Australian citizen, OR
- An Australian permanent resident usually resident in Australia, OR
- An eligible New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia
Children not counted toward the balance of family test include:
- Deceased children
- Children removed from your exclusive legal custody by adoption, court order, or operation of law
- Children registered as UNHCR refugees living in UNHCR camps
- Children living in countries where they suffer persecution or human rights abuse and cannot be reunited with you elsewhere
- Stepchildren from polygamous or concurrent relationships
Eligible New Zealand Citizens are those who:
- Arrived in Australia on a New Zealand passport and were in Australia on 26 February 2001 as a Special Category Visa (SCV) holder, OR
- Were in Australia for a total of 12 months in the 2 years immediately before 26 February 2001 and returned after that date, OR
- Were assessed as a protected SCV holder before 26 February 2001
Retiree Exception
If you held or previously held an Investor Retirement (Subclass 405) or Retirement (Subclass 410) visa on 8 May 2018, and have not held any other substantive visa between that date and your application, you can apply as a retiree. Retirees do not need to:
- Meet the balance of family test
- Have a sponsor
- Obtain an Assurance of Support
- Include dependent children in their application
Sponsor Requirements
Your sponsor (usually your Australian citizen or permanent resident child) must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Usually settled in Australia (generally at least 2 years of residence)
- Approved by the Department before your visa can be granted
If you are under 18, an eligible relative or community organisation can sponsor you instead.
Who Does Not Qualify
You cannot apply for Subclass 103 if you:
- Do not have an eligible child in Australia
- Fail the balance of family test (unless applying as a retiree)
- Have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
- Cannot meet health or character requirements
- Have had a visa cancelled or previous application refused (with limited exceptions)
Conditions & Warnings
Processing time is approximately 33 years from application to decision. As of February 2026, the Department is processing applications with queue dates up to July 2013. Applicants should consider the realistic possibility that they or their parents may not survive to see the visa granted.
The balance of family test is mandatory and cannot be waived under any circumstances, even in compelling or exceptional circumstances. At least half of your children must be in Australia, or more of your children must be in Australia than in any other single country.
Health requirements cannot be waived. If your health condition exceeds Australia's Significant Cost Threshold (AUD $86,000 over your estimated remaining lifespan), your visa will be refused unless you obtain a health waiver.
You must be outside Australia when the visa decision is made (unless applying as a retiree). You do not receive a bridging visa, so if your temporary visa expires while waiting, you must hold another valid visa to remain lawful.
Ministerial intervention is now extremely limited (as of September 2025). You can only request ministerial intervention if you are the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident child (minor at time of request) and meet strict criteria. Requests lodged before 12 April 2023 are no longer considered.
Qualifications
Fees
Paid in two instalments: AUD $5,280 (first) + AUD $2,065 (second). Additional applicants 18+ cost AUD $2,640; under 18 cost AUD $1,325. Assurance of Support bond (AUD $5,000–$7,000) held for up to 2 years.