Parent and Relative Visas
The Department of Home Affairs has released more information over the weekend on migration planning levels for the remainder of current financial year with particular focus on mature visa applicants.
In summary, the maximum number of classes of parent visas granted in the financial year 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 will be as follows:
- Contributory Parent Visas – 7175
- Parent Visas – 1500
- Other family visas including Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative – 500
According to the Departmental website the current processing timeframe for Contributory parent visas is currently at 41 months. The processing timeframe for other parent visas is not published, however, it is believed to be in excess of 25 years.
Remaining relative visas are taking 50 years to process according to the latest processing timeframes published on Departmental website and the same processing timeframe apply to aged dependent relative. An applicant for an aged dependent relative must be someone who would qualify for an Australian aged pension (which is 67 years of age).
Source: The relevant legislative instrument can be found here: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2018L00683
Temporary Parent Visas:
In lieu of permanent options, the Government confirmed that subject to the passage of relevant legislation, the temporary sponsored parent visa will be introduced during the 2017-18 Migration Programme year.
The temporary sponsored parent visa is designed to allow the parents of Australians to spend longer periods of time with their children in Australia without placing additional burden on Australia’s health care system.
The introduction of the temporary sponsored parent visa is subject to passage of the Migration Amendment (Family Violence and other Measures) Bill 2016 (the Bill) through Parliament.
The new visa will allow Australians to sponsor their parents to stay in Australia for up to five years at a time. This new visa arrangement does not replace the existing Parent category visas.
According to the government, the new visa provides an important cultural link for children of Australian migrants, while recognising the social benefits afforded through parent reunification, such as assistance with minding of grandchildren. This new visa arrangement is for parents (biological or adoptive) and step-parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand Citizens.
The visa application charge for:
- a five year visa will be AUD10,000
- a three year visa will be AUD5,000
Further migration planning levels are expected to be made available in relation to other visa categories in the coming weeks.