Alan Collett

Then you should be in good hands!

Best regards.

Blueray

I have a question if anyone can help me please. While paying the 2nd VAC do we pay the current year increased VAC or the VAC at the time of the visa application?

Alan Collett

The 2nd VAC is locked in at the rate pertaining when the visa application was lodged with DIAC - which is why at this time of year intending CP visa applicants are best advised to lodge their visa application before the start of the new program year (1st July), when VACs almost always increase.

Best regards.

Blueray

Thank you very much Alan. I have already applied this year but I was a little confused.

Alan Collett

A quick note to say (as I always do at this time of year) that those who are contemplating lodging a Contributory Parent visa application should do so on or before the 30th of June to lock into the current Visa Application Charges: the second (and main) VAC is based on the scale of VACs payable when the visa application is lodged with DIAC.

The 2nd VAC for CP visa applications tends to increase by at least a couple of $'000 per applicant each year - it started at $25k when the visa was first introduced some 7 or 8 years ago. We're now at $42,220 per applicant.

To lodge a valid CP visa application all you need do is lodge forms 47PA and 40, and pay the first VAC.

For those contemplating lodging an application in time to lock in at the current scale of Charges, a migration agent's fee will probably be less than the anticipated increase in the 2nd VAC.

Best regards.

Cynth

I was rushing to finalise my mum's application for the offshore CPV (contributory parent) before fees increase in July but after reading this thread I am very confused.

My mum is 71 yo and would qualify for an onshore CAPV (contributory aged). It seems from this forum that CAPVs are currently being processed up to one year faster than CPVs?!?

She is in good health right now but I'm concerned she may get sick while waiting so I think my priority would be time over costs. She has come to Oz several times already and never had a "No further stay" condition placed on her tourist visa. Would a CAPV application be the best option in this case, even if she can only come for a next visit in September?

campervanfan

I was about to ask if there was any way she could visit before the 1st July cost changes- would be a bit of a rush I suppose! but then she could have applied onshore with you able to support her through it. I haven't seen any reports that it's a quicker process onshore though - maybe someone else might confirm if that's the case . I believe it only takes 15 months or so anyway, & in the latest info on www.immi.gov.au/parents (read Booklet 3) they cite around 12 months for a Contributory PV, so it should be a fairly smooth process if the Balance of Family, Medical test etc is met.

Cynth

That would be the best option but it would be too stressful and virtually impossible for her to be ready with tourist visa, flight tickets and all necessary arrangements to stay for at least 6 months, and still arrive here before July.

Cynth

I was referring to a recent post by "tinaj" saying that her mother got the CPAV (onshore) in a total 7 weeks. That would be a big difference compared with 15 months for the CPV...

On the one hand, if I apply now I can lock in the fees and be "election-proof". On the other hand, if I want until she visits in September for the onshore application, the process can be faster and there is less risk of her presenting any health issues while waiting. Can't decide what is better.

Alan Collett

Cynth

I recommend an offshore subclass 143 visa application: processing times for the offshore 143 and the onshore 864 are about the same.

See also the tracker for CP visa applications here: http://www.chireckles.com/cpv/tracker.php

Best regards.

campervanfan

oh you found it! I remembered later that I had seen a post but couldn't remember who...& I did ask the agents here about it & got no reply sounds like it's worth a try to me if she's coming over anyway- you can at least be in a position to try it out- let us know how it goes

scrudu

Just wondering, so the exchange rates for paying your AUD fees are set twice a year (Jan & Jul). The EUR-AUD rate has dropped significantly in the past weeks so I'd imagine the rate come 1st July will be significantly better for them than the rate from 1st Jan. My parents are likely to get the request to pay their 2nd VAC soon. Can they wait till post Jul 1st to pay the fee?

On a similar note, is it possible for pay the exact AUD fee directly in AUD to Immigration in Australia rather than accepting the crappy Immigration defined exchange rates and paying from Europe?

DaveandLinda

When they receive the request for the 2nd VAC they should get 28 days to pay it, so they should be OK for after 1st July.

Most people arrange to pay the 2nd VAC in Oz dollars by transferring the money to their offspring's account using HiFx or some other currency exchange company. The offspring then need to arrange a bank draft drawn on their bank to pay DIAC. Instructions are usually sent with the VAC request.

scrudu

Fantastic news! I thought you had to use the rates as per the Immi website which are dismal. Thanks so much!!

piramida

Hello,
I have a question if anyone can help me please. I waiting for Parent visa Subclass 173. CO contact me in Feb. and I made Medical 18. Feb. I did not made online, I bought to Australian Embassy. I still waiting request for 2nd VAC. Please can anyone tell me if know will everybody get visa before 30. Jun, before and of financial year. How long time is maximum waiting period for Parent visa. Next mount will be exactly 18 mount from Acknowledged Date 19. January 2012. Thank you very much