If your parents were physically present in Australia on 26 March 2026 — the day the Arrival Control Determination commenced — the restriction does not apply to them at all; they need neither a Permitted Travel Certificate nor a discretionary exemption request. They may travel to Australia again for as long as that same multiple-entry subclass 600 visa remains valid.
Dr Cyrus Ahmadi, an Australian migration lawyer holding MARA registration number 0854826, focuses on one point when assessing these matters, and it settles the answer: the operative date is not “the outbreak of the conflict”, but the date the determination commenced — 26 March 2026. The restriction operates by class, and targets only holders of a Visitor visa (subclass 600) associated with an Iranian passport who are outside Australia; for that group, the visa temporarily ceases to be in effect unless an exemption applies.
Accordingly, parents who were in Australia on 26 March 2026 and have since returned fall into the “not covered” category. If, however, they departed Australia before 26 March 2026, they are caught by the determination and will require a Permitted Travel Certificate in order to travel — a certificate assessed case by case and issued only in very limited circumstances. Once granted, the visa is again in effect and travel becomes possible within the visa’s validity period. The published list of exemptions covers, in addition to “a person who was in Australia at the time the determination commenced”, the spouse or de facto partner and dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent visa holders and residents without restriction, as well as the parents of a child under 18 who is present in Australia.
One key point must not be overlooked: this determination does not suspend or “freeze” the validity of the visa. If the subclass 600 visa, or its travel-by date, expires during the restriction period, fresh action and a new application will be required. The “we’ll simply wait until the ban is lifted” strategy therefore only works if the visa is still valid at that time. Lodging a new visa application from outside Australia is not prohibited either, and such applications are assessed on their own merits.
Practically speaking, even those who are not covered or who are exempt should check their position through the Department of Home Affairs’ Arrival Control Determination Portal before purchasing tickets and before check-in, and should carry documents establishing that the restriction does not apply to them. The same portal is also the avenue for applying for a PTC. In addition, the determination was set to run for six months from 26 March 2026, and its current status — expired, extended or remade — should be confirmed directly with Home Affairs before any travel decision is made.
If your parents’ situation sits at precisely this pressure point and you would like to make decisions calmly, on the basis of accurate dates and documents, please contact Dr Cyrus Ahmadi’s office for personal guidance and a tailored assessment of your visa position.
This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on September 29, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Dr. Sirous Ahmadi Registered Migration Agent 0854826
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.