The latest news on Australian immigration, including changes to regulations, government policy announcements, and analysis of media releases affecting current and future applications.
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From today, concessions are available for many parent visa subclasses so they can be granted whether the visa applicant is either inside or outside Australia.
Read MoreThe number of permanent parent visas that can be granted this program year has been cut by 15 per cent for both the contributory and non-contributory parent visas. Other family visas, which include aged dependent relatives, remaining relatives and carer visas increased by 12 per cent, however, this will probably do little in arresting their processing times. There is one very good political reason for these changes.
Read MoreA new legislative instrument keeps the parent visas that can be granted the same for this program year, however, retirement visas take a small bite out of these numbers.
Also, read why the parent visa queues for contributory and non-contributory parent visas are expected to grow and how many parent visa applications the Department of Home Affairs have on hand.
Read MoreA bill that was passed last week has created the framework for family visa sponsors, which include Australian citizens and permanent residents, to apply to be approved sponsors before a corresponding visa application can be made. This could create problems for onshore visa applicants, especially those wishing to lodge a partner visa, if processing times for these sponsor applications are lengthy. This legislation is also a precursor to the introduction of the proposed temporary parent visa.
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