Everything You Need to Know About the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
The Sponsored Parent Visa enables parents of Australian citizens, PR or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years, helping families reunite. This guide will cover the visa’s benefits, eligibility, and application steps.
Key Takeaways
The Sponsored Parent Visa allows parents to stay in Australia for 3 to 5 years, with the possibility of renewing for a maximum of 10 years, offering a longer stay compared to Visitor visas.
Eligible sponsors must meet specific financial criteria, including a minimum taxable income, and are responsible for any debts incurred by their sponsored parents, ensuring financial accountability.
The visa application fee is a crucial part of the financial requirements, with different amounts charged based on the visa duration. Additional costs such as medical testing and police clearances may also apply.
Applicants must maintain compliance with visa conditions, which include obtaining health insurance and demonstrating a genuine temporary stay intent, preventing transitions to permanent residency.
Overview of the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa, also known as Subclass 870, is a type of temporary parent visa established to tackle the issue of limited availability and extensive wait times for permanent parent visas. This visa type enables parents to remain in Australia considerably longer than a standard visitor visa would permit, with options for either three or five-year stays. An important benefit of this particular visa is that it provides an extended visitation period, which is especially valuable to those who fail the Balance of Family test mandatory for other types of parent visas.
Upon receiving this visa, parents are granted an initial stay of either three or five years, with the option to apply for additional time, allowing for a total stay of up to ten years. This duration far surpasses what is typically available through standard visitor visas, providing an ideal solution for parents wishing to spend extended time with their children and grandchildren in Australia. While the visa may come with a high price tag, it remains an appealing option for individuals who do not meet the stringent requirements of permanent parent visas.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 870 Visa
Visa applicants aiming to obtain the subclass 870 visa need to fulfill specific eligibility criteria. Initially, securing an approved parent sponsor is mandatory prior to submitting their visa application. Visa applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old and hold one of various relationships with the child sponsoring them, such as being biological, adoptive or legal parents including step-parents or parents-in-law.
For a child to qualify as an approved sponsor for the Sponsored Parent visa, they are required to meet defined conditions which include satisfying an income test and maintaining residency in Australia for at least four years. It’s imperative that sponsors have settled any outstanding Commonwealth debts or public health-related debts by arranging repayment plans and prove they have earned a taxable income not less than $83,454.80.
These stipulations serve as assurance regarding the sponsor’s financial capability when supporting their parents during their stay under the subclass 870 visa program.
Application Process for the Sponsored Parent Visa
Securing the temporary sponsored parent visa (Subclass 870) involves several critical steps. Once sponsorship approval has been granted, individuals have up to six months to lodge their application for the Parent Temporary Visa Subclass online through ImmiAccount. Applicants can also apply for further visas to extend their stay up to 10 years if needed. This platform simplifies submission and enables applicants to conveniently monitor the progress of their permanent parent visa application.
For those applying from within Australia, it is necessary to obtain permission first and ensure that their application is submitted no later than 60 days following sponsorship approval. They are required to compile and submit a comprehensive set of supporting documents as evidence for their application. An initial fee must be paid when lodging the application, with an additional payment due prior to issuance of the visa.
Key Requirements for Sponsors
In the procedure for obtaining a Sponsored Parent Visa, the role of a parent sponsor is crucial as they must adhere to defined criteria, including lodging a sponsorship application and meeting specific sponsorship requirements such as an income test. They have an obligation to fulfill their sponsorship duties, and any violation can lead to repercussions enforced by the Department. Sponsors may be held financially accountable if their sponsored parent accumulates public health debts in Australia. These obligations are enforceable through legal action by creditors.
Sponsors should be capable of meeting financial commitments and are permitted under the subclass 870 visa framework to support no more than two parents at one time. They need to consent to disclose their personal details with those they sponsor (visa applicants), which supports transparency while also aligning with national security protocols.
Financial Obligations and Visa Fees
The Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) entails multiple financial requirements, firstly the sponsorship fee of $420. This amount represents the total cost for the sponsorship aspect per parent. When submitting their visa application, an initial visa application fee of AUD 1180 is required upfront, followed by a second instalment that must be paid before visa issuance and varies from AUD 4717 to AUD 10605, depending on the length of the visa requested.
Applicants should also anticipate expenses beyond these fees, such as charges related to health examinations and securing police clearance certificates. Making payments using certain credit cards could attract a surcharge rate of up to 1.4%.
Health Insurance and Other Conditions
Visa condition 8501 stipulates that individuals holding a subclass 870 visa must possess adequate health insurance. Policies should offer extensive coverage similar to what Medicare provides, including expenses for medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency services. This stipulation is in place to prevent subclass 870 visa holders from imposing financial strains on the healthcare system of Australia.
It is crucial for applicants seeking the 870 visa to satisfy certain health and character prerequisites. Maintaining continuous health insurance during their stay in Australia is imperative not only for adhering to regulations but also to circumvent any potential issues that may arise due to non-compliance.
Duration and Limitations of the Subclass 870 Visa
The Parent Visa (Subclass 870) is designed to permit parents of Australian permanent residents or citizens the opportunity to reside in Australia for a period of up to five years for each visa issued. Over multiple visas, these parents can achieve an aggregated stay totaling ten years. In most situations, once their current 870 visa has expired, parents are expected to apply for a subsequent one from outside the country’s borders. There are certain conditions under which this may not be necessary.
Individuals on this specific subclass of visa are prohibited from undertaking employment in Australia unless they obtain express written authorization. The duration of their authorized stay is clearly indicated within the visa grant letter itself so as to maintain transparency regarding how long they can remain in the country legally. Such stipulations strive to find equilibrium between allowing families reunification and adhering strictly to Australian immigration rules and regulations.
Pathway to a Permanent Parent Visa
While the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia, it can serve as a valuable stepping stone for parents who aspire to eventually secure a permanent parent visa. Parents who wish to transition from a temporary visa to a permanent parent visa must meet specific criteria, including the balance of family test and the assurance of support.
The balance of family test stipulates that at least half of the parent’s children must be permanent residents in Australia, or more of their children should reside in Australia than in any other single country. This test ensures that the majority of the parent’s family ties are within Australia, justifying their need for a permanent parent visa.
Additionally, the assurance of support is a financial commitment provided by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This assurance acts as a guarantee that the parent will not rely on government welfare payments and will have adequate financial support during their initial years in Australia.
By meeting these requirements, parents on a subclass 870 visa can strengthen their case for a permanent parent visa application. Although the subclass 870 visa itself is temporary, it allows parents to spend extended time with their families in Australia, providing an opportunity to prepare for a future permanent residency application.
Maintaining Compliance with Visa Conditions
Compliance with visa conditions is essential to avoid cancellation of the sponsored parent visa. Visa holders must adhere to the condition prohibiting work in Australia. They must also comply with the conditions of their last substantive visa and any bridging visa to qualify for the subclass 870 visa.
Sponsors’ obligations continue even after the sponsorship ends, especially regarding any health debts incurred by the visa holder. If a sponsor withdraws their sponsorship, the visa holder must find a new sponsor within a specified timeframe to maintain their visa status.
It is vital to inform authorities of any changes in circumstances to maintain compliance and avoid visa complications.
Genuine Temporary Stay Intent
Individuals applying for the subclass 870 visa are required to show a true intention to reside in Australia on a temporary basis. This particular visa is not designed as a pathway to obtaining permanent parent residency, thereby preserving its temporary status. Those who hold an 870 visa cannot settle permanently in Australia while awaiting the outcome of their application for a permanent parent visa.
Those granted the 870 visa must abide by all relevant Australian laws and fulfill the specific stipulations attached to their given type of visa. By establishing that they plan only a short-term stay, applicants contribute towards upholding the credibility of Australia’s immigration system and ensure they meet all conditions linked with their respective visas.
Processing Times and Approval Rates
Processing times for subclass 870 visa applications can fluctuate depending on a variety of elements such as the current number of applications being considered and how comprehensive the provided documentation is. If an application is not complete, it might cause delays since there may be requests for more information.
Understanding these variables allows applicants to better prepare themselves, contributing to a more seamless experience when applying for their subclass 870 visa.
Summary
The Sponsored Parent (Subclass 870) Visa, a type of temporary parent visa, provides parents with the chance to spend extended time with their children and grandchildren in Australia. To take advantage of this opportunity, it’s crucial for applicants to comprehend eligibility requirements, follow the correct application procedures, and abide by all visa conditions, successfully steering through the intricacies of immigration regulations. This particular visa offers an alternative that facilitates longer durations of stay than standard visitor visas can offer – catering specifically to those seeking temporary but prolonged family reunification.
In conclusion, obtaining a subclass 870 parent visa is beneficial for many families seeking extended visits while adhering to Australian immigration regulations. Applicants should carefully assess their financial obligations and health insurance requirements, ensuring that their stay in Australia is genuinely temporary. By doing so, they not only comply with legal requirements but also enjoy precious moments with their family in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum stay duration allowed under the subclass 870 visa?
The maximum stay duration allowed under the subclass 870 visa is up to 5 years at a time, with a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years through multiple consecutive visas. Applicants can apply for further visas to extend their stay up to 10 years if they meet the necessary conditions.
What are the financial requirements for sponsors of the subclass 870 visa?
Sponsors of the subclass 870 visa must be approved parent sponsors with a minimum taxable income of $83,454.80 and must also fulfill all financial obligations, including any public health debts incurred by the visa holder.
Can subclass 870 visa holders work in Australia?
Subclass 870 visa holders are generally not permitted to work in Australia unless they obtain written permission. Therefore, it is essential to seek the necessary approvals if you wish to engage in employment.
What health insurance requirements must subclass 870 visa holders meet?
Subclass 870 visa holders must maintain adequate health insurance that covers medical expenses, hospital stays, and emergency services, comparable to Medicare.
This ensures that they have access to essential healthcare services while residing in Australia.
How long do applicants need to stay outside Australia before reapplying for another subclass 870 visa?
Applicants must stay outside Australia for at least 90 days before reapplying for another subclass 870 visa.
