Changes to the Family Stream in the Migration Programme

At the start of June 2014, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection permanently closed a number of visas in the Migration Programme’s Family Stream.

Visa applications are no longer be accepted for the following visas:

- Parent visa (subclass 103)

- Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)

- Aged Dependent Relative (subclasses 114 and 838)

- Remaining Relative visa (subclasses 115 and 835)

- Carer visa (subclasses 116 and 836)

What visa options are currently available for your family members wanting to migrate to Australia?

Parents can still apply for the Contributory Parent (subclasses 173 and 143), and Aged Contributory Parent (subclasses 884 and 864) visas.

It is important that families considering a Contributory Parent visa are aware of its great expense. Applying for the temporary visa initially, allows the lodgement fees involved, to be staggered. However, it is also worth considering that you will pay less overall, if you skip the temporary option and apply for the permanent visa first.

Other family members (who are not a child, partner or parent) have limited options, and will most likely have to apply for a Skilled Migrant visa.

Published: 13 July 2014