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.

Increases in the Visa Application Charges (VAC)

for Tourist Visa Applications Lodged in Australia

and Contributory Parent Category Visas

Contributory Parent category visas

Each year the second instalment of the Visa Application Charge (second VAC) for the Contributory Parent visa category is increased by a figure known as the Contributory Parent Visa Composite Index (CPVCI) as published by the Australian Government Actuary (AGA).

As a result the second VAC for Contributory Parent category visas will increase from 27 October 2008 as per the following tables.

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 143)

Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from subclass 173 to subclass 143)

If applicant holds a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa

Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864)

Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)

Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (from subclass 884 to subclass 864)

If applicant holds a Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa

Tourist visas

In line with the Department’s Financial Health Review completed by the Department of Finance and Deregulation, the VAC for Tourist (Subclass 676) visa applications lodged in Australia from 27 October 2008 will increase from $215 to $240.

This article was received from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship

]]> http://www.emigrateaustralia.com.au/australian-contributory-parent-visa-and-tourist-visa-application-fee-change.htm/feed 0