Contributory Parent Visa Changes

From 1 July 2009, the legislation changed to prevent persons who were granted a permanent Contributory Parent category visa from sponsoring their partner or fiancé for a Partner or Prospective Marriage visa for five years from the day of their visa grant, if they:

- Were granted their permanent Contributory Parent category visa on or after 1 July 2009; and
- Were in a Spouse or De facto Partner or Fiancé relationship on or before the date their permanent Contributory Parent category visa was granted and now wish to sponsor their partner or fiancé.

This legislation changed effectively closes the loophole which permitted one parent to apply for the Contributory Parent visa and then when the visa was granted sponsor their spouse to Australia. Such a strategy saves tens of thousands of dollars. It will now be necessary to include both parents in the Contributory Parent application from the outset and pay the additional substantial filing fees.

If you have any queries regarding the Family Visa Stream or these recent changes please contact us.