A new instrument confirming the maximum number of parent visas and other family visas that can be granted for this program year was registered today with a 15 per cent cut for both contributory and non-contributory parent visas while other family visas increased 12 per cent.

While there are a few ways to categorise permanent parent visas such as whether it is an aged or not aged, temporary (leading to permanent) or permanent, a major distinction is whether it is a contributory or non-contributory parent visa. The “contribution” comes in the form of a pricey second visa application charge, payable after all other regulations have been met and just prior to visa grant, that in the end runs into the tens of thousands of dollars.

The main benefit of this contribution is the reduction of processing times from 30 years for non-contributory parent visas, down to approximately 52 months according to the Department of Home Affairs’ website. Given the instrument which sets the maximum number of parent visa applications that can be approved this program year (up to 30 June 2020), the wait list for both contributory and non-contributory can expect to grow.

Comparing figures with the previous year:

• Contributory parent visas (Subclass 143 - Contributory Parent visa, Subclass 173 - Contributory Parent (Provisional) visa, Subclass 864 - Contributory Aged Parent visa, Subclass 884 - Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa) have been reduced from 7,175 to 6,096 visas, of which the maximum number of “retiree pathway” Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent visas set at 125 visas;

• Non-contributory parent visas (Subclass 804 - Aged Parent visa and Subclass 103 - Parent visa) have been reduced from a maximum of 1,500 to 1,275 visas;

• Other family visas, which consists of the Subclasses 114 and 838 – Aged Dependent Relative visas, Subclasses 115 and 835 – Remaining Relative visas, and Subclasses 116 and 836 – Carer visas have increased from 500 to the “lofty” number of 562 visas.

Processing times for carer visas are stated to be 4.5 years, while aged dependent relative and remaining relative visas are an eye-watering approximate of 50 years after being queued.

The reduction in permanent parent visa numbers should not come as a shock. Since the commencement of the Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, the push to divert applications from permanent to temporary was always going to be a priority for the government. More 870 visa applications means a more successful policy initiative.