The government has announced the commencement of the much-awaited long-stay parental visa.
The new visa program will allow people to pay tens of thousands of dollars for their migrant parents to stay in Australia for a relatively long time period.
Migration expert, Navjot Singh Kailay told SBS Punjabi that the new visa arrangement will be a two-step process.
“Sponsorship applications can be lodged from 17 April 2019. When a sponsor has been approved, the visa applicant will then be able to lodge their visa application,” Mr Kailay said.
“Visa applications must be lodged within six months of sponsorship approval and cannot be lodged until a sponsor has been approved.
Mr Kailay said that it is still a temporary visa and it does not provide pathways for permanent residence in Australia like a permanent Parent visa.
"The visa provides parents with a new pathway to temporarily reunite with their children and grandchildren in Australia," he adds.
Many young families seek family reunification in an affordable manner. Source: Getty Images
Number of places available
Up to 15,000 visas may be granted each program year (from 1 July to 30 June).
But the government doesn't want elderly migrant parents to be a financial burden on the taxpayer.
So their children will be legally required to buy private health insurance for their parents and promise to cover any extra healthcare costs.
Visa cost
Mr Kailay said the 'high fees' for this visa are still a matter of concern.
Applicants can seek a three-year visa for $5,000 or a five-year visa for $10,000, with the opportunity of a single renewal for another five years at the same price.
The visa application charge is payable in two instalments, with one payment at time of application and the remainder paid prior to visa grant.
The visa application fee will be $420.
Additional features of this visa:
Here are some additional features of this visa:
- No Balance of Family test will be applied
- 'No work' conditions will be applied
- Requires health insurance
- Must provide evidence of access to funds
Benefits of the new pathway
The visa allows parents to remain in Australia for a longer period of time, up to five years at a time without departing.
It provides an alternative option to Visitor visas which only allow shorter periods of stay. Parents are still eligible to apply for Visitor visas and/or permanent Parent visas.
