Parent visa (subclass 103, non-contributory)
The low-cost permanent parent visa - cheap to apply for, but with an extraordinarily long queue.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
Parents of an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen who want permanent residence and are willing to wait many years rather than pay the contributory amount.
Eligibility requirements
- Have a child who is a settled Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen acting as sponsor.
- Meet the 'balance of family' test.
- Provide an Assurance of Support before grant.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Be prepared for an extremely long processing queue.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Because the parent program is capped (~8,500 places/year, mostly going to contributory applicants), the non-contributory 103 has a waitlist measured in decades. Many families instead use the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) to live in Australia for up to 5 years at a time while waiting.
Other Australia routes
Partner visa - onshore (subclass 820/801)
PathwayTwo-stage onshore route for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian, leading to permanent residence.
Partner visa - offshore (subclass 309/100)
PathwayThe offshore equivalent of the partner route: a provisional 309 first, then the permanent 100.
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
TemporaryThe 'fiance(e)' visa: enter Australia to marry your intended Australian partner, then apply for a partner visa.
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
PermanentThe faster (but very expensive) permanent parent visa for parents of Australians willing to pay a large contribution.