Barriers to Parent Visa Category to Reduce

The Government is increasing the number of Parent Resident Visas granted each year from 1,000 to 2,500 and reducing income thresholds for sponsors.

The income threshold for sponsors will reduce to 1.5 times the median wage supporting one parent, and 2 times the median wage for joint sponsors. Previously the threshold was 2 times the median wage for a single sponsor or 3 times the median wage for joint sponsors.

Resuming selections from the existing Expressions of Interest queue is to become a priority, with selections resuming on 14 November. Up to 2,000 visas per year will be granted to people with existing expressions of interest.

Any new expressions of interest submitted will enter a ballot, rather than add to the existing queue. This will result in avoiding a lengthy queue and people will be eligible for selection for two years after submitting their expression of interest. An additional 500 visas per year will be granted from the ballot, beginning with the first selection in August 2023.

See more information on the Parent Resident Visa.