Parent Visas, Temporary and Permanent - Introduction

New Visa regulations came into effect on 1st July, 2003 to cater for a larger entry of parents.  1000 places will be available each year for the parent visa classes, and 3,500 for the contributory parent visa classes. It is hoped that this extra provision for parent migrants will clear the waiting list, and allow families to be reunited.  Parent visas in the contributory classes will be processed faster.

Also, anyone who has applied before 1st July 2003, and is waiting in the queue, can apply for a new Contributory Parent Visa without having to pay a further first visa application charge, and will receive priority processing.

Temporary Parent Visas

This is the first time temporary visas have been introduced into the  Parent Family Program.  The temporary visa is not linked to the permanent one, as for example they are in the Spouse Visa application. There are two temporary visas with 2 years validity. You must apply for another substantial - temporary or permanent - visa before your temporary visa expires if you wish to remain in Australia.

• Temporary Contributory Parent Visa - Class UT (Subclass 173).
  This visa can be applied for either inside Australia or overseas. It has full working rights.
   
• Temporary Contributory Aged Parent - Class UU (Subclass 884).
  This visa is for application in Australia, by Aged Parents only.

Permanent Parent Visas

• Parent Visa - Class AX (Subclass 103).
  This is the existing visa. Parents are not limited on age if they apply outside Australia.
   
• Aged Parent Visa - Class BP (Subclass 804).
  This is the existing visa for Aged Parents, and is available only for  Aged Parents to apply onshore in Australia.
   
• Contributory Parent - Class CA (Subclass 143).
  Parents are not limited on age if they apply outside Australia.
   
• Contributory Aged Parent - Class DG (Subclass 864).
  This visa is for onshore application, and is available only to retirement-aged parents - Aged Parents.

Check this table to see if you can apply for the Aged Parent Visa. If you are applying as a couple, only one of you need be over the retirement Age, and classified as 'Aged'.

All men over 65 years qualify as Aged. Women's qualifying age is slowly moving up to give them equality with men. It is dependent on date of birth. Born before 1 July 1935, you must be 60 years of age to qualify as Aged.
 

Born between this Period	Retirement Age
1 July 1935 - December 1936	60˝
1 January 1937 - 30 June 1938	61
1 July 1938 - 31 December 1939	61˝
1 January 1940 - 30 June 1941	62
1 July 1941 - 31 December 1942	62˝
1 January 1943 - 30 June 1944	63
1 July 1944 - 31 December 1945	63˝
1 January 1946 - 30 June 1947	64
1 July 1947 - 31 December 1948	64˝
1 January 1949 and all years after this	65