Parent visas – Applications from outside Australia – Health & Character requirements have changed.

As from the 14th July 2008, The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC for short), has changed the procedure as far as queuing is concerned for those apply for the Parent visa from outside Australia.

Up until the 14th July, all applicants were required to obtain their Health & Character checks prior to lodging their application with DIAC. Once the application was lodged, it was in the “queue”.

The Queue

The queue for Parent visas is currently approximately18-19 years from lodgement to when the application is picked up by DIAC and reviewed for either grant or refusal. For Contributory Parent visa applications, the queue is approximately 3-4 years. The difference between the queue times is due to the fact that DIAC fees are Parent visa – at lodgement -$1,420.00, at review – $1,235.00; Contributory Parent visa – at lodgement – $1,420.00, at review – $31,555.00. These figures are acurate as at 26th September 2008.

As from 14th July 2008

Now, all Parent visa applications which are lodged from outside Australia will no longer have to complete the Health & Character checks before lodgement and queuing.

Therefore, those applying from outside Australia, must still comply with all other core requirements, such as Balance of Family and Sponsorship. Of course, this does not mean that the applicant does not have to take these checks at all, but they will be necessary closer to the time of review.

This will create a more efficient process as those applying for the Parent visa in particular, the application can be lodged quicker, which will help both the applicant and the sponsor, and will give DIAC a far more acurate check of the applicant.

Applications from inside Australia

Those applicants applying from within Australia, the criteria has not changed. The applicant must complete both Health & Character checks proir to lodgement and queuing.

This information is current as at 26th september 2008.