You can stay for up to 5 years on a single visa, with the option to apply for a second visa, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa - Subclass 870
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) provides an excellent opportunity for parents to live with their children and grandchildren in Australia for up to 5 years without needing to meet the balance-of-family test required for other parent visas. It allows parents to temporarily reunite with their families, offering more extended stay options compared to standard visitor visas.
Key Features of the Subclass 870 Visa
- Extended Stay:
- Stay in Australia for up to 5 years per visa, with the option to reapply for a second visa for a total of 10 years.
- No need to meet the balance-of-family test.
- Pathway for Parents: Allows parents to stay temporarily while their permanent parent visa is being processed.
- Family Connection: Spend quality time with children and grandchildren living in Australia.
- No Work Rights: This visa does not grant work rights; it is strictly for family reunification.
Eligibility Criteria
For Sponsors
- Relationship Requirements: Sponsors must be biological, adoptive, or stepchildren of the visa applicant.
- Residency Status: Sponsors must be:
- Australian citizens,
- Australian permanent residents, or
- Eligible New Zealand citizens who have been residing in Australia for at least 4 years.
- Financial Capacity: Sponsors must meet a minimum household income threshold to ensure they can support the parent(s).
- No Debts: Sponsors must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
- Sponsorship Obligations:
- Provide financial support, accommodation, and access to healthcare for their parents.
- Must not have breached previous sponsorship obligations.
For Visa Applicants
- Authorized Sponsor: Must have an approved sponsor who meets all sponsorship criteria.
- Outside Australia:
- Applicants must be outside Australia when applying.
- If holding a prior Subclass 870 visa, applicants must have been outside Australia for at least 90 days before applying for another visa.
- Health and Character Requirements: Must meet Australia’s health, character, and national security standards.
- Financial Documentation: Provide evidence of sufficient funds and comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Relationship Proof: Must prove they are the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsor.
Visa Duration and Conditions
- Length of Stay: Stay for 5 years on a single visa. Parents can reapply for a second visa, allowing a total of 10 years in Australia.
- Gap Between Applications: Parents must be outside Australia for a minimum of 90 days between consecutive Subclass 870 visa applications.
- Work Restrictions: This visa does not permit any work in Australia.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
- Sponsorship Approval:
- The eligible child or sponsor must submit a sponsorship application and receive approval before the parent can lodge a visa application.
- Sponsorship applications remain open and must be approved before proceeding with the visa application.
- Submit Visa Application: Once sponsorship is approved, parents can lodge their visa application
- Provide Supporting Documents: Submit health insurance proof, financial documents, and identity details.
- Await Processing: Processing times vary depending on:
- Completeness of the application.
- Promptness in responding to additional requests.
- The number of applications lodged.
Benefits of the Subclass 870 Visa
- Family Time: Allows parents to enjoy extended visits with their children and grandchildren in Australia.
- No Balance-of-Family Test: No requirement to meet the balance-of-family test, making it more accessible than other parent visas.
- Flexible Stay Options: Option for 5-year visas with potential to reapply for a second 5-year stay.
- Transition Period: Stay in Australia while waiting for a permanent parent visa application to be processed.
Limitations
- No Work Rights: You cannot work while on this visa.
- Temporary Visa: It does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Ready to Reunite with Your Family?
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) is a fantastic solution for parents wishing to spend more quality time with their children and grandchildren in Australia without the long wait times of other parent visas.
Contact Global Vision Migration today for expert guidance on your sponsorship and visa application process. Let us help you reunite with your loved ones!
Disclaimer: This content is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870).
Schedule a Consultation with Global Vision Migration for Expert Immigration Advice and Assistance
7 FAQs for Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa - Subclass 870
No, the balance-of-family test is not required, making this visa more accessible compared to permanent parent visas.
No, this visa strictly prohibits any form of employment or paid work in Australia.
This visa does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency, but you can apply for a permanent Parent visa separately if eligible.
Your sponsor must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Lawfully residing in Australia for at least 4 years
- Earning above the minimum taxable income threshold
Yes, if you are applying for a second Subclass 870 visa, you must remain outside Australia for at least 90 days before lodging a new application.
Our migration experts provide tailored consultation, document preparation, sponsorship guidance, and ongoing support to maximize your chances of success. We navigate the complexities so you don’t have to!