Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, said the government intends to make changes to allow further temporary concessions for Parent visa applicants.
He said in a written statement, “Morrison Government continues to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on visa holders and is actively reviewing the settings for various visas in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 on an ongoing basis.”
In November the federal government announced visa changes to support applicants in five Family visa subclasses impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“The Government is pursuing changes to allow certain Parent visa applicants who have applied for their visa outside Australia to be granted that visa while in Australia during the COVID-19 period,” Minister Hawke said.
The changes would apply to:
- Parent (subclass 103) visa
- Contributory Parent (subclass 173) visa
- Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa.
The minister said, “This temporary concession would apply to Parent visa subclasses and will allow eligible applicants who are in Australia and unable to travel offshore due to COVID-19 impacts to be granted that visa.”
The current processing arrangements and timeframes for Parent visa applications will not be impacted.
These changes are to take effect in the first quarter of 2021. Those unable to depart should refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ website for information about options for remaining lawfully in Australia.
Information about the measures the Government has taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is regularly updated and available on the Department’s website at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/.