Subclass 103 Parent Visa ( Offshore )

Subclass 103 – Parent Visa

The Subclass 103 Parent Visa allows parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. This visa is designed to reunite families and allow parents to be with their children who are Australian citizens or residents. The application process involves meeting specific criteria, including sponsorship and public interest requirements.

Key Features

• Permanent Residency: Successful applicants and their family members are granted permanent residency in Australia.
• Family Reunification: Allows parents to live with their children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Sponsorship Requirement: Applicants must be sponsored by their child or another eligible sponsor.
• Balance of Family Test: Applicants must meet the balance of family test, ensuring that more of their children live in Australia than outside it.

Eligibility Criteria

1. 1. Primary Criteria:
   • The applicant must be a parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
   • The applicant must be sponsored by the child (if the child is over 18) or by the child’s spouse or guardian.
   • The applicant must meet the balance of family test, which ensures the parent’s children living in Australia outnumber those living abroad.
   • If the applicant held a Subclass 405 (Investor Retirement) or Subclass 410 (Retirement) visa on 8 May 2018, specific conditions regarding visa history apply.
2. 2. Secondary Criteria (for family members):
   • Applicants must be a member of the family unit of the primary applicant and make a combined application.
   • They must be sponsored by the same sponsor as the primary applicant.
   • Public interest criteria and special return criteria may apply.

Secondary Applicant Requirements

• Secondary applicants must be part of the family unit of the primary applicant and must meet certain public interest criteria, including criteria 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004, 4005, 4009, 4010, 4020, and 4021.
• If they are under 18, they must also meet public interest criteria 4015 and 4016.
• Family members who are not applying for the visa must also satisfy public interest criteria 4005 and other relevant criteria.

Application Process

1. 1. Application Submission:
   • Complete and submit the Subclass 103 visa application form along with all required documents, including proof of relationship to the sponsoring child and evidence of settlement status of the child in Australia.
2. 2. Sponsorship:
   • Ensure that the sponsor (the child or a relative/guardian of the child) meets the required criteria for sponsorship. The sponsorship must be approved by the Minister.
3. 3. Public Interest and Health Requirements:
   • Meet all relevant public interest and health criteria.
4. 4. Visa Fee Payment:
   • Pay the visa application charge, which includes a second instalment payable before visa grant.
5. 5. Visa Processing:
   • Wait for visa processing, which includes background checks and health assessments. The applicant must be in or outside Australia when the visa is granted.

Visa Conditions

• First Entry Requirement: If granted outside Australia, the applicant must enter Australia by a date specified by the Minister.
• Other Conditions: Conditions 8502 and 8515 may be imposed on the visa holder, restricting certain activities while in Australia.

Validity and Benefits

• Permanent Residency: The Subclass 103 visa provides the holder with permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
• Travel Facility: The visa allows the holder to travel to and from Australia for up to five years from the visa grant date.
• Family Reunification: Enables parents to live with their children who are settled in Australia, improving family life and support networks.
• Healthcare: Visa holders may be eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, depending on their specific circumstances.

Summary

This visa is ideal for parents who wish to reunite with their children and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency in Australia. Applicants must carefully meet all eligibility requirements and ensure that they are sponsored by an eligible individual or organization.