Subclass 870 - Sponsored Parent Visa (Temporary)
Offshore Visa
About this visa
The Subclass 870 visa offers parents the opportunity to stay in Australia for an extended period. There are two streams available: one allows for a maximum stay of up to 3 years per visa grant, and the other permits a stay of up to 5 years per visa grant. In total, parents can stay for up to 10 years, with multiple entries into Australia during that time.
Eligibility for Applicant
Age:
18 years of age or older.Location:
Applicants must be outside Australia when applying for the visa.Family Balance Requirements:
There are no specific family balance requirements for this visa.Health and Character:
Applicants must meet the health and character requirements as specified by the Australian government.Debt to the Australian Government:
Applicants must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
Eligibility for Sponsor
Relationship
The sponsor must be an eligible child of the parent visa applicant. An eligible child is usually an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.Age:
18 years of age or older.Visa History
Past Visa Compliance: The sponsor must have adhered to Australian immigration laws, with no overstayed visas in Australia for the past four years.
No Bridging Visas: The sponsor must not have held any bridging visas during the same four-year period, indicating stable immigration status and responsible support for the visa applicant.Income Test
Minimum Income Threshold: The sponsor must earn at least AUD 83,454.80 to support their visiting parent(s) in Australia.
Joint Income Option: If the sponsor’s income is below AUD 83,454.80, they can combine it with their partner’s or the parent’s other children’s income to meet this requirement, allowing shared financial responsibility for supporting the visiting parent(s).Settlement Assurance:
The sponsor may need to provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) to assure the Australian government that the parent will not rely on social welfare once in Australia. This typically involves financial support for the parent and any family members included in the visa application.Residency:
The sponsor must be an Australian resident, typically residing and working in Australia for at least 2 years.Legal Obligations:
The sponsor is required to meet all legal obligations associated with being a sponsor, including providing financial support and ensuring the parent complies with visa conditions.
Sponsorship Consideration
Subclass 870 Visa Sponsorship Options
Under the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa, a sponsor can support visa applications for up to two parents. This includes combinations such as:
- Both biological parents.
- Both parents-in-law.
- One biological parent and one parent-in-law.
Visa Validity Alignment
If only one parent is initially sponsored and granted a visa, any subsequent visa for the other parent must expire by the same date as the first.
Example: If your mother’s 870 visa expires on 1st December 2029, any visa granted to your father or parent-in-law must also expire by 1st December 2029.
Application Limitations
After applying for the Subclass 870 visa, sponsors cannot apply for other parent migration visas, making this an important consideration in the visa selection process.
Stay Period
upto 3 years or 5 years
You can stay for a maximum of 10 years cumulatively. To extend your stay in Australia, you must stay outside Australia for at least 90 days before applying for another Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870), unless you have Permission to Apply in Australia.
Cost
Sponsorship Application Fee
AUD $420
Visa Application Fee
3 years: AUD $5,735 (including first instalment AUD $1,145, second instalment AUD $4,590)
5 years: AUD $11,470 (including first instalment AUD $1,145, second instalment AUD $10,325)
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Processing time
50% processed in 74 days
90% processed in 6 months
The Australian Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications, and it’s essential to provide all required documents with your application. Please note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times than the estimated duration. Additionally, processing times are subject to change and should be used as a general reference only.
Benefits
- Work in Australia: No working rights.
- Study: You can pursue further studies or enroll in courses in Australia, which can enhance your skills and qualifications.
- Family Sponsorship: The applicant cannot include eligible family members.
- Multiple Entries: Enjoy multiple entries to and exits from Australia for a period of up to five years, allowing for flexibility in travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Subclass 870 visa?
The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa is a temporary visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for extended periods.
Who can apply for the Subclass 870 visa?
Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens can sponsor their parents to apply for this visa.
Can I work in Australia with a Subclass 870 visa?
No, you cannot work if you hold 870 visa.
How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 870 visa?
You can stay for up to 3 or 5 years on this visa, depending on your sponsor’s choice. You can apply for the Subclass 870 visa twice, with each application allowing you to stay in Australia for up to 10 years. However, there must be a minimum 90-day period spent outside Australia and you need to submit the 870 visa application while you are outside Australia.
Can I extend my stay in Australia on a Subclass 870 visa?
You can apply for a second Subclass 870 visa to extend your stay by an additional 3 or 5 years, but this option is available only once.
Can I apply for permanent residency with a Subclass 870 visa?
No, this visa is temporary and does not lead to permanent residency.
What are the financial requirements for sponsors?
Sponsors must meet specific income requirement which is AUD 83,454.80.
Can I bring my dependent children with me on a Subclass 870 visa?
No, this visa is for parents only. Dependent children can apply for separate visas.
Can I travel in and out of Australia on a Subclass 870 visa?
Yes, you can travel multiple times as long as your visa is valid.
What is the Assurance of Support (AoS) requirement?
An AoS is a legal commitment from a sponsor or their partner to financially support the visa holder.
Do I need health insurance for a Subclass 870 visa?
Yes, you must have adequate health insurance for your stay in Australia.
Can I apply for a Subclass 870 visa from within Australia?
No, you must apply from outside Australia.
How long does it take to process a Subclass 870 visa application?
Processing times can vary, but it generally takes several months.
Can I include my spouse on my Subclass 870 visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse if you are applying as a couple.
What happens if my sponsor’s circumstances change?
If your sponsor’s circumstances change, it may affect your visa.
Do I need to take a health examination for this visa?
Health examinations are required, and the results can affect your application.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
No, there is no specific age limit for applicants.
Can I apply for other visas while holding a Subclass 870 visa?
Yes, you can apply for some other visas while holding this visa.
What happens if my visa expires?
If your visa expires, you must leave Australia.
Can I study in Australia on a Subclass 870 visa?
Yes, you can study, but you are not eligible for government funding.
Can I apply for a permanent parent visa while on a Subclass 870 visa?
You cannot apply for permanent parent visas, such as the Subclass 103 or 143 when you are holding 870 visa.
Can I apply for Australian citizenship with a Subclass 870 visa?
No, this visa does not lead to Australian citizenship.
What if my sponsor refuses to support me?
The Assurance of Support (AoS) is a legal commitment, and refusal to support can have consequences.
What happens if my circumstances change after receiving a Subclass 870 visa?
You must notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your circumstances.
Can I apply for a Subclass 870 visa if I have health issues?
Health issues can affect your visa application, but it depends on the specific circumstances.
What should I do if my Subclass 870 visa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you can seek a review of the decision or reapply if your circumstances change.