Yes, in some cases, your parents’ tourist visa can be extended. However, whether they can apply for an extension depends on the conditions of their current visa.
- Health and Character Requirements: If they are applying for a new visa, they may need to meet health and character requirements again.
- No Further Stay Condition (8503): If their visa has condition 8503, they cannot apply for another visa while in Australia unless they request and receive a waiver.
- Visa Expiry Date: Your parents must apply for a new visa before their current one expires to avoid unlawful status in Australia.
Understanding the Australian Tourist Visa
The Australian government offers various types of tourist visas under the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (ETA – Subclass 601), and eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651). These visas typically allow stays of up to three, six, or twelve months, depending on the conditions attached to the visa granted.
Types of Tourist Visas for Parents
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): Available in different streams, including the Tourist Stream (for individuals visiting family and friends), Sponsored Family Stream (for those sponsored by family members), and the Frequent Traveller Stream.
- Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601): Available to passport holders from certain countries, allowing short visits for tourism or business.
- eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651): Available to citizens of specific European countries for short-term visits.
How to Extend a Parents’ Tourist Visa in Australia
Step 1: Check Visa Conditions
Before proceeding, check the visa conditions attached to your parents’ current visa using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) on the Australian Home Affairs website.
Step 2: Determine the Best Visa Option
If their current visa does not allow an extension, they may need to apply for a new visa. The best option depends on how much longer they wish to stay and their circumstances.
- Apply for a New Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Onshore Application): If eligible, they can apply for another tourist visa while in Australia.
- Request a No Further Stay Waiver (If Applicable): If their visa has condition 8503, they must apply for a waiver before applying for a new visa.
Step 3: Submit an Application for a New Visa
Your parents will need to submit a new visa application online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Required Documents:
- Passport details
- Evidence of financial capacity (bank statements, sponsor details, etc.)
- Travel itinerary
- Health insurance proof
- Reason for extending their stay
- Sponsorship details (if applicable)
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
The application fee for a new tourist visa varies depending on the stream. As of 2024, the fee for a Subclass 600 visa starts from AUD 190.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Processing times for new visitor visas depend on various factors but typically range from 3 to 6 weeks. Your parents must remain lawful in Australia while waiting for a decision.
What Happens If the Visa Expires?
If your parents’ visa expires before they apply for a new one, they may face:
- Bridging Visa E (BVE): If they apply for a new visa after their current visa expires, they may receive a BVE while waiting for a decision. However, staying unlawfully may affect future visa applications.
- Re-Entry Ban: Overstaying can lead to a ban on returning to Australia for a set period.
Alternative Options: Long-Term Stay for Parents
If your parents wish to stay in Australia for extended periods, consider the following visa options:
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
- Allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to stay for up to 5 years at a time.
- Requires sponsorship by an eligible Australian child.
- Costs AUD 5,000 for 3 years or AUD 10,000 for 5 years.
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
- A permanent visa option for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Long processing times (up to 30 years in some cases).
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143/173)
- Faster processing (approximately 4-6 years).
- Higher costs (AUD 48,000+ per applicant).
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Your parents’ visa extension or new visa application may be refused due to:
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Previous overstays in Australia
- Health issues
- Intentions that do not align with a visitor visa (e.g., attempting to stay permanently)
- Failure to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
Extending your parents’ tourist visa in Australia is possible, but it depends on visa conditions, eligibility, and compliance with immigration laws. If their current visa allows an onshore application, they may apply for a new visa before their existing one expires. Otherwise, they might need to leave Australia and apply from overseas.
For complex cases, seeking advice from a registered migration agent can help ensure a smooth application process.
If you’re considering long-term stay options for your parents, exploring permanent or long-term temporary visas may be beneficial.
Need Help with Your Parents’ Visa?
At My New Australian Life, we provide expert advice on visa applications, extensions, and pathways for parents visiting Australia. Contact us today for assistance in securing the best option for your family!
