Return of the non contributory parent, aged parent, aged dependent relative, remaining relative and carer visas

The contents of this article are correct as at 1 October 2014.

We refer to our May 2014 article regarding a number of family visa subclasses which were closed to new applications on 2nd June 2014. On 25 September 2014 these family visas subclasses were re-introduced. Accordingly, it is possible for people meeting the relevant criteria to apply for the below visas:

Parent (subclass 103)
Aged Parent (subclass 804)
Aged Dependent Relative (114)
Remaining Relative (115)
Carer (116)
Remaining Relative (835)
Carer (836)
Aged Dependent Relative (838)

It should be noted that there is currently no indication how long these subclasses will remain open. The Immigration Department and the Minister for Immigration may make further moves to close the above visa subclasses. This may occur at a moment’s notice. It should also be noted that processing times for above visa categories may exceed 25 years. For that reason, applicants who wish to apply for permanent residency through the parent visa scheme may wish to consider the following faster (but unfortunately more expensive) alternatives:

Offshore Contributory Parent Visa: subclass 143
Contributory Parent Visa two stage pathway: subclass 175/143
Onshore Aged Contributory Parent Visa: subclass 864
Onshore Aged Contributory Parent Visa two stage pathway: subclass 884/864

The processing times for the above visa subclasses are currently 18-24 months. Applicants who apply for any of the above visas must satisfy the balance of family test and must be sponsored by an eligible Australian child. Of course, applicants under the age of 50 and who are skilled may wish to consider their permanent residency options under the skilled migration program including:

General Skilled Migration
Employer linked visas
Business visas

Please do hesitate to click this link to contact Visa Lawyers Australia if you would like further information regarding the applicable criteria for the above visa subclasses and the costs involved.