Since Australia's international borders shut in March 2020, only immediate family members and critical occupation workers have been able to qualify for exemption to enter Australia. But parents were excluded from the “immediate family member” classification, leading to a campaign for change.
Now, more than 18 months later, and in what is becoming increasingly better news for the return of immigration to Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday that parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents will now be classified as immediate family, allowing them to travel to states and territories that have reached 80 per cent double-dose vaccination targets.
The decision to classify the parents as immediate family, opening the door for them to travel into the country, has been met with relief and much excitement. Nearly half of all Australians were either born overseas or had at least one parent who was.
In New South Wales, it will mean parents will be allowed to enter Sydney from 1 November if they are fully vaccinated, and they will not have to undergo hotel quarantine.
While this is terrific news for those parents wishing to visit their family in Australia, there is a wider benefit to parents over 65 who may be eligible for a bridging visa if they apply for a parent visa while onshore in Australia. In doing so, those parents may be able to remain in Australia with their families indefinitely while the main visa is processed and then after it has been granted.
As I have said repeatedly, things are improving and will continue to do so rapidly over the coming months. If immigration is on your (or your parents) minds and you would like to explore your options, now is the time to reach out - before the herds start to arrive and places fill. Drop me an email at david@pathwaylawyers.com
