A question we are often asked relates to the period of stay in Australia that is allowed to applicants for an offshore subclass 103 Parent visa.

Parents would usually apply for a tourist visa, typically an eVisitor where the parent is the holder of an eligible passport, such as a UK passport.

Department of Immigration policy guidance advises:

Officers are encouraged to consider granting offshore applicants who are in the parent queue an FA-600 (Tourist stream) visa with five year validity, 12 month stay and multiple entry so they can come and visit their family for longer periods on regular occasions.

Also:

For parents who are onshore, de facto residence is considered to be more than 12 months in an 18 month period. It is expected that parents will spend no more than this amount of time in Australia but if this occurs they should depart and wait for six months offshore before seeking to re-enter Australia. Note: Each case will be considered on its merits and each person’s individual circumstances must be taken into account when a decision is made.