Government extends tourist visas for parents of Australians

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,

Australian Parent Visa Options

If you are in Australia
Aged parent visas
These visas are for parents whose age is equivalent to a person who is eligible for an Australian Age pension.

An aged parent making a parent visa application will not immediately be entitled to an Age pension after being granted a permanent visa. All new Australian permanent residents must wait 10 years before being eligible to receive the Age pension (unless there is a reciprocal agreement with another country that pays you a pension) or Disability pension.

Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 804)
A permanent visa for aged parents to remain in Australia. Applicants must have children who are living in Australia.

Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864)
A permanent visa for aged parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the aged parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864).

Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (from subclass 884 to subclass 864)
For holders of a temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884), to apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864).

Other parent visas
Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from subclass 173 to subclass 143)
This visa is for holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

If you are outside Australia
Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 103)
A permanent visa for parents who have children living in Australia.

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 143)
A permanent visa for parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the Parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can then apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from subclass 173 to subclass 143)
This visa is for holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

For up to date information , please refer : http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/family/family-visas-parent.htm