Can I stay in Australia while my Parent visa (subclass 103) is being processed?

The subclass 103 does not automatically allow you to remain in Australia during the long wait. You can be in or outside Australia when you apply (but not in immigration clearance), and in or outside Australia when the decision is made.

Because processing can take many years, many families consider other options to spend time together in the meantime, such as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870), which lets parents visit their children for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, to a maximum of 10 years. Note you cannot hold or have applied for a subclass 870 visa at the time you apply for the subclass 103. The Department is clear that you should not make permanent arrangements until the 103 is granted.