A press release from Minister Coleman has announced that the new Temporary Long Stay Parent Visa will become available in the first half of 2019. 

The Senate passed the Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2016 which includes provisions to introduce the new visa that will allow parents to visit their families in Australia for a continuous period of up to five years.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said the new visa demonstrates the Government’s commitment to migrant communities.

“This new visa will help families reunite and spend time together,” Mr Coleman said. “It will provide a new pathway for parents and grandparents to visit their families in Australia, which will deliver great social benefits to the Australian community.

“It is astounding that the Labor Party voted against this important legislation. Bill Shorten needs to explain to communities why he instructed his Senators to stand in the way of this reform.”

The new Temporary Sponsored Parent visa will assist families to reunite while ensuring that taxpayers are not required to cover additional costs.

Measures have been put in place to strengthen the visa framework requiring Australian sponsors to act as a financial guarantor for any outstanding public health costs incurred by the visa holder whilst in Australia.

“This new visa will ensure family reunions are possible for many migrant families across Australia, while protecting taxpayers with strict guidelines to ensure all public health debts including hospital and aged care fees are recovered by the Australian Government,” Mr Coleman said.

Source: minister.homeaffairs.gov.au