Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Australia Extends Tourist Visas for Parents of its Citizens

The Gillard Government will relax tourist visa rules for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents so that they can visit their family in Australia for longer, according to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP.

"I know that many people are patiently waiting in the queue for a parent visa so we want to provide more generous tourist visas to enable regular extended family visits," Mr Bowen said.

The Minister also said that the government would grant five-year tourist visas with a 12-month stay on each entry to suitable applicants who had applied for an Australian parent visa outside the country.
"The government will also consider tourist visas of up to three years with a 12-month stay on each entry for people not currently in the parent visa queue," added Mr Bowen.

These changes will take effect by the end of 2012 and recognise the valuable role parents play in assisting their children and grandchildren in Australia and the social benefits such visits provide.

The government will consider granting tourist visa on a case-by-case basis and will allow parents to spend more time staying in Australia with their families while they wait for a parent visa.
"To be granted a tourist visa, applicants must meet Australia's health and character requirements, have access to adequate funds, have health insurance to cover any healthcare costs during their stay, and intend a genuine visit to Australia," the Minister said.

However, Australian tourist visa holders will be limited from further applications for visas while they are in Australia and they will be expected to spend some time outside Australia between visits to their families.

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