Substituted Subclass 600 Visa Exemptions & Parent Visa
Big Changes for Aged Parent Visas: What You Need to Know
The Australian government has made important changes to Aged Parent visas. These changes will help some parents stay with their families in Australia.
Under the new Migration Amendment (Substituted Subclass 600 Visa Exemptions) Regulations 2025, parents who hold a Substituted Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa can now apply for an Aged Parent visa, even if they don’t meet the usual age requirement.
This is great news for families looking to reunite with their parents in Australia! Here’s everything you need to know about these changes.
What’s Changing?
Previously, applicants for the following visas needed to be an “aged parent”, meaning they were old enough to qualify for an age pension in Australia:
- Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
- Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884)
Now, there’s an important exemption:
If you have a Substituted Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa, you do not need to meet the aged parent requirement. This means you can apply for these visas without that condition.
This means more parents can stay in Australia with their families instead of being forced to leave due to strict age rules.
What is a Substituted Subclass 600 Visa?
A Substituted Subclass 600 visa is a Visitor visa granted under ministerial intervention in special cases. This happens when:
- The Minister for Immigration steps in to grant a more favorable decision.
- The decision is made under sections 351, 501J, or the repealed section 417 of the Migration Act 1958.
If you or your parent got a Substituted Subclass 600 visa, you may be able to apply for an Aged Parent visa. This will let you stay in Australia legally.
Who Benefits from This Change?
This update is a big win for families who were previously stuck in a difficult situation.
- Parents who have been granted a Substituted Subclass 600 visa can now apply for Aged Parent visas.
- Families who want to stay together in Australia will have a better chance of doing so.
- The change applies retroactively from 17 December 2024, so if you applied partner visa after this date, you can still benefit!
Why Did the Government Make This Change?
The Australian government introduced this amendment to:
- Support family reunification – Parents who have already been allowed to stay in Australia under ministerial intervention can now apply for permanent residency through an Aged Parent visa.
- Align with human rights laws – This change supports Article 17(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects families from forced separation.
- Streamline visa processing – The new rule makes it easier and less complicated for parents to apply for a visa.
The government decided to introduce this as a regulation instead of a law. This choice allows for more flexibility in managing visa rules.
What Should You Do Next?
If you or your parent hold a Substituted Subclass 600 visa and want to apply for an Aged Parent visa, this is your chance!
- Check your eligibility under the new rules.
- Gather your supporting documents and ensure your visa history is clear.
- Apply for the right subclass (Subclass 804, 864, or 884).
Navigating visa changes can be confusing, so seeking professional legal advice is highly recommended.
Need Help? Talk to a Migration Expert Today!
At Emigrate Lawyers, we specialize in Aged Parent visa, Ministerial Intervention cases, and Complex Migration Appeals.
Why Choose Emigrate Lawyers?
- Experienced Migration Lawyers – We understand Australia’s complex visa system.
- Proven Success – We have helped countless families reunite in Australia.
- Personalized Legal Support – We assess your situation and guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait—take action today and give your family the best chance to stay together in Australia!
Source: Migration-Amendment-Substituted-Subclass-600-Visa-Exemptions-Regulations-2025.pdf and Migration-Amendment-Substituted-Subclass-600-Visa-Exemptions-Regulations-2025—explanatory-statement.pdf
