Nannycarol

We have currently applied for Contributory Parent Visa 173 (in June 2016). At that time the processing time was 18-24 month and has now increased to 34-36 months!
Would it be possible to re-apply as Aged Parents (both over 70)? The problem seems to be that we have to apply 'onshore'. I have read that it is illegal to travel to Aus with the intension of applying for this (quicker) Visa. How, then, do we get there - how does anyone apply onshore if they do not have permission to be there?

Pollyana

The key is in the word 'intention'.
What one 'intends' to do when one arrives and what one actually does after changing one's mind once onshore, can be two different things........

Nannycarol

I suppose our intension would be obvious, having already applied!
We have a 5 week holiday in December so if we decide not to return to UK we could re-apply then?

Pollyana

As you have already applied, and then decided to get a visitors visa, unless you say otherwise it appearances you intend to visit, then return home and wait for the grant of the partner visa.
Of course if you turn up with all your goods and chattels they will know you intend to stay...