Processing priority shake up: offshore application woes
/New ministerial directions benefiting onshore visa applications for skilled and family visas came into effect on 25 July 2026.
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New ministerial directions benefiting onshore visa applications for skilled and family visas came into effect on 25 July 2026.
Read MoreThe number of permanent parent visas that can be granted this program year has been cut by 15 per cent for both the contributory and non-contributory parent visas. Other family visas, which include aged dependent relatives, remaining relatives and carer visas increased by 12 per cent, however, this will probably do little in arresting their processing times. There is one very good political reason for these changes.
Read MoreA new legislative instrument keeps the parent visas that can be granted the same for this program year, however, retirement visas take a small bite out of these numbers.
Also, read why the parent visa queues for contributory and non-contributory parent visas are expected to grow and how many parent visa applications the Department of Home Affairs have on hand.
Read MoreContributory parents visa have been capped for this financial year in what is probably the first time ever. Non-contributory parent visas, and other family visas have had their numbers slightly reduced. The good news is that the April 2018 hike to salary requirements for an Assurance of Support, which is mandatory for some visas including parent visas, has been scrapped, reverting to the old formula.
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