The Gillard Government will extend tourist visas for parents of
Australian citizens and permanent residents to enable them to visit
their family in Australia for longer, the Minister for Immigration and
Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today.
'I know that many people are patiently waiting in the queue for a
parent visa so we want to provide more generous tourist visas to enable
regular extended family visits,' Mr Bowen said.
'The government will grant five-year tourist visas with a 12-month
stay on each entry to suitable applicants who have applied for a parent
visa outside Australia.
'The government will also consider tourist visas of up to three years
with a 12-month stay on each entry for people not currently in the
parent visa queue.
'These changes recognise the valuable role parents play in assisting
their children and grandchildren in Australia and the social benefits
such visits provide.'
The changes are expected to be in place by the end of this year.
'Tourist visa grants will be considered on a case-by-case basis and
will enable parents to spend more time in Australia with their families
while they wait for a parent visa,' Mr Bowen said.
'To be granted a tourist visa, applicants must meet Australia’s
health and character requirements, have access to adequate funds, have
health insurance to cover any healthcare costs during their stay, and
intend a genuine visit to Australia.'
Tourist visa holders will be subject to a visa condition limiting
applications for further visas while they are in Australia. As with all
tourist visa holders, they will be expected to spend some time outside
Australia between visits to their families.
For more information on the changes visit DIAC's website,
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