DIAC Extends Tourist Visa For Parents Of Migrants

06 Sep 2012

Australian Government will extend its tourist visa for parents of migrants who are Australian citizens and permanent residents by this year end. This visa will allow them to visit and stay with their family for a longer time in Australia.

Peter Varghese, Australia's High Commissioner to India has welcomed the decision and said: "Each year our immigration office in New Delhi receives visitor visa applications from more than 35,000 Indian parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents. Parents have told us that they would like to spend longer periods of time with their families in Australia and this office has tried, where it can, to facilitate these requests within the existing policy guidelines. The Australian Government has listened to these requests and responded. These new arrangements, once in place, will provide Indian parents wishing to visit their children settled in Australia with greater options."

The announcement was made on 4^th September and the changes will be in place by the end of 2012. This rule will be applied across the world. Chris Bowen MP, Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, said "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.”.

Visa Features:

• Suitable Applicants will be granted 5 year tourist visas with a 12-month stay permit on each who have applied for a parent visa outside Australia.

• Government will also grant tourist visas of up to 3 years with a 12-month stay on each entry for people who are not now in the parent visa queue.

Visa Eligibility

Applicants should satisfy certain criteria for availing this visa. The eligibility required are:

• You should meet Australia's health and character requirements

• You must have sufficient funds to sustain in Australia

• You must have a health insurance to cover any healthcare costs during your stay

• Your visit should be genuine

All the visas will be considered on a case to case basis. The tourist visa holders will not be allowed for applying for any more visas during their stay in Australia. The tourist visa holders can spend time outside Australia between visits to their families.

Check your eligibility for tourist visa by filling a simple FREE Evaluation Form. Call us on 1800 103 1555 or sms “VISA” to 56263 for more information.