Australia Relaxes Tourist Visa Rules for Parents of Citizens and Residents

Chris Bowen MP, the Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, announced a change to the rules that will enable the parents of naturalized Australian citizens and permanent residents to obtain a 5 year tourist visa. Parents who are waiting for a parent visa, for which there is a long waiting list, can apply. ‘I know many people are waiting patiently in the queue for a parent visa so we want to provide more generous tourist visas to enable regular extended family visits,’ he said.
Applicants who fulfil certain criteria will be granted the five year visa. It will allow them to visit Australia as often as they like with a maximum stay of 12 months on any visit, Mr Bowen said on 4th September 2012.