If you’ve applied for a contributory parent visa in Australia on or after 2019, you might have recently received a request from the Department of Immigration to complete a health examination and provide police clearances. This development may make you wonder if your visa application is nearing its conclusion and if you’ll soon be granted your visa. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case.

Changes in the Processing Approach for Parent Visas

The Australian Department of Immigration has modified its approach to processing parent visas. The aim now is to assess core eligibility criteria earlier in the application process. This means that the department is focusing on crucial requirements such as health and character checks at an earlier stage than before. If an applicant fails to meet these requirements, the visa will likely be refused outright.

This shift is primarily designed to reduce the backlog of visa applications by eliminating those that would inevitably be refused later in the process due to failure to meet health or character standards. It’s an efficiency move, but it does mean that passing these preliminary checks does not necessarily indicate an imminent visa grant.

What Happens After Submitting Health and Police Reports?

Once you have complied with the request for health and police reports, you will receive confirmation of your queue date. It’s important to note that your visa application will then be processed based on this queue date. Currently, as of today, the processing queue for these visas includes applications filed as far back as 2017. Consequently, applicants can expect a waiting period of about seven to eight years for the processing of a contributory parent visa.

What Can You Do?

If you are concerned about passing the health examination or if there are other issues that might complicate your application, it’s crucial to seek guidance. Contact immigration services or legal advisors who can provide personalized advice and explore alternative options that may be available to you under your specific circumstances.

In Conclusion

The processing of contributory parent visas in Australia is a lengthy and detailed procedure. Understanding the new changes to how these applications are processed can help set realistic expectations and prepare you for the steps you need to take. If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding your application, do not hesitate to reach out for professional advice.

For more information and updates on parent visa processing times and requirements, keep an eye on official communications from the Department of Immigration or consult with a qualified immigration expert.

What the parent can do once the visa is granted

• Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses
• Work in Australia
• Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible
• Travel to and from Australia is permitted for five years from the date the visa is granted—after that, they will need another visa to enter Australia.
  
  More about Family Visas read here.