Sponsored Parent Visa Subclass 870
What is the Sponsored Parent Visa?
The Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live temporarily in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years without the need to leave the country. This visa offers a flexible long-term stay option for parents wishing to spend extended time with their families in Australia.
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we provide expert guidance through every stage of the process, from assessing eligibility to final visa submission, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Key Features of the Sponsored Parent Visa
Long-Term Stay
The visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, with a maximum total stay of 10 years.
No Work Rights
While you cannot work in Australia, you are free to stay and spend time with your family for the duration of your visa.
No Balance of Family Test
Unlike some other parent visas, the Balance of Family Test is not required for the Subclass 870 Visa.
Renewable
You may reapply for this visa after the initial visa period ends, but the total cumulative stay cannot exceed 10 years.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870), both the parent and sponsor must meet the following criteria:
Parent Requirements
- You must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- You must pass the health and character checks required by the Department of Home Affairs.
- You must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Sponsor Requirements
- The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has not been unlawful or held certain bridging visas in the last 4 years.
- The sponsor must meet the income threshold to demonstrate they can financially support the parent during their stay.
- The sponsor must be approved before the parent’s visa application can be lodged.
Sponsorship Requirements
To apply for the Sponsored Parent Visa, the sponsoring child must first lodge an approved sponsorship application. Key points include:
Financial Obligations
Sponsors must demonstrate that they can financially support the parent during their stay in Australia. This includes meeting the household income threshold and providing ongoing financial assistance. In most cases, the sponsor approval will meet the financial assistance requirement.
Health Insurance
The sponsor must ensure that the parent holds adequate health insurance for the entire duration of the visa.
Sponsorship Approval
The sponsorship application must be approved before the visa application can be lodged. The sponsor is also responsible for meeting all ongoing support obligations.
The Application Process
1
Sponsorship Application
The sponsor must lodge a sponsorship application demonstrating that they meet the requirements.
2
Visa Application
- Once the sponsorship is approved, the parent can lodge their visa application, including health checks, police clearances, and other required documentation.
- The parent must be outside of Australia at time of application unless special permission is granted to lodge when inside of Australia. Special permission may be obtained by the sponsor upon request.
3
Health and Character Checks
The parent must complete the required health checks and submit police clearance certificates for any country where they have lived for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.
4
Visa Decision
The Department of Home Affairs will assess the visa application. If granted, the parent can stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years, depending on the visa period chosen.
Application Fees
When applying for the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870), the following fees may apply:
Visa Application Fee
- 3-year visa: AUD 5,895
- 5-year visa: AUD 11,785
Sponsorship Application Fee
AUD 1,180
Health Checks and Police Clearances
Additional fees apply for required medical exams and police certificates
Document Translations
If applicable, fees for translating documents not in English apply
Visa Conditions
Holders of the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) must adhere to the following conditions:
No Work Rights
The visa does not grant permission to work in Australia.
Health Insurance
Visa holders must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Maximum Stay of 10 Years
The total period of stay on this visa cannot exceed 10 years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete Documentation
Ensure that all required documents, including sponsorship approval, are submitted to avoid delays or refusals.
Lodging the application within the given timeframe
Ensure the visa application is prepared and lodged before the sponsorship expires. Sponsorship expiry is between 60 days when applying on shore with special permission or 6 months for all other offshore applications.
How Can We Help?
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we provide personalised assistance throughout the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) application process. With extensive experience handling complex cases, we ensure that your application is well-prepared, improving your chances of approval and ensuring peace of mind throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my sponsor's circumstances change?
If your sponsor’s circumstances change, they must notify the Department of Home Affairs immediately, as it may affect the visa.
Can I extend my stay beyond my visa validity?
You may reapply for another Sponsored Parent Visa, but your total stay in Australia on this visa cannot exceed 10 years.
Can I work in Australia on this visa?
No, the Subclass 870 Visa does not grant work rights in Australia.
How long can I stay on the Sponsored Parent Visa?
You can stay for up to 3 or 5 years per visa, with a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years.
Can I include my spouse in my visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse in the application, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
