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Sponsored Parent Visa Subclass (870)

Get expert advice from our registered migration agents

Parent Visa subclass 870 enables application for one or both parents to join in Australia for 3-5 years, with processing times often longer than expected. A meticulous application is crucial, making legal guidance from Australian Migration Lawyers highly recommended.

Contact us at Australian Migration Agents to start your journey.

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What is the sponsored parent visa (subclass 870)?

If you're an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen, you might qualify to sponsor your parent/s temporarily to live in Australia. The Parent Visa Subclass 870 facilitates parents joining their children in Australia for 3-5 years, with the possibility of extending the stay for up to 10 years.

It's important to note that this visa doesn't lead to permanent residence, and your parents cannot apply for other parent visas while holding a Subclass 870 visa. Moreover, they are not permitted to work while in Australia on this visa.

Eligibility requirements for a sponsored parent visa subclass 870

Seeking advice from an experienced registered migration agent is crucial to determine your eligibility for a visa and explore your options. At a high level, the main requirements for the Subclass 870 visa include:

  • Sponsor must be at least 18 years old
  • Sponsor must be the biological, adopted, or step-child of the prospective visa applicant
  • Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident residing in Australia for at least 4 years, or eligible New Zealand citizen residing in Australia for at least 4 years
  • Sponsor must not have been unlawful or held certain bridging visas in the last 4 years
  • Sponsor must meet a minimum income threshold
  • Sponsor must meet character requirements and have no debt to the Australian government
  • Sponsor must have met any prior sponsorship obligations
  • Additionally, the sponsor must agree to provide evidence and documentation to the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies and comply with sponsorship obligations.

It's important to note that a sponsor's household is limited to one sponsorship at a time. The sponsorship can cover up to 2 parents per household, and a sponsor cannot lodge a new sponsorship application until their current approved sponsorship ends. For instance, if you wish to replace a parent, you need to withdraw your sponsorship for one parent first before applying to add another parent to your sponsorship.

At Australian Migration Agents, we will collaborate with you to compile evidence for a valid application for a Subclass 870 visa, adhering to the following criteria requirements for the parent (as applicant):

  • Sponsored by an approved Parent Sponsor
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Outside Australia when applying for this visa, unless granted Permission to Apply in Australia
  • Able to demonstrate genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily
  • Able to provide evidence of access to sufficient funds
  • Holder of private health insurance
  • Meeting health and character requirements
  • Able to provide evidence of never breaching any previous visa obligations and having no debt to the Australian government.

Benefits of a sponsored parent visa

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent visa offers eligible parents the principal benefit of reuniting with their children and grandchildren in Australia for up to five years, surpassing the stay duration of a Subclass 600 Visitor visa.

Additionally, Subclass 870 visa holders can reapply to extend their stay for a cumulative maximum of 10 years, provided they meet certain requirements such as spending at least 90 days outside Australia before lodging a new application, unless granted Permission to Apply in Australia due to exceptional circumstances.

  • Unlike some other parent visa options, the Subclass 870 visa does not require applicants to meet the balance of family test or have an assurance of support.
  • Benefits of holding a Subclass 870 visa include its cost-effectiveness compared to other parent visas, shorter processing times, exemption from the balance of family test and assurance of support requirements, and the freedom to live, study, work, and travel without restrictions during the temporary visa grant period.

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Sponsored parent visa checklist

The application process for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa requires extensive documentary evidence to satisfy the Australian government regarding your relationship with the prospective visa applicant and your ability to fulfill sponsorship obligations.

Your parent must also demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily and depart before the visa expiry date, which can be challenging to prove.

To assist you in meeting these requirements, Australian Migration Agents provide comprehensive checklists for both sponsors and visa applicants. These checklists cover various documents such as personal and financial information, evidence of family relationships, financial documents including tax assessments, and character documents such as police and military records.

  • Personal documents, including identity and financial information
  • Relationship documents, demonstrating family relationships
  • Financial documents, such as a copy of the Notice of Assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office for the most recent taxable income year
  • Character documents, including police and military documentation
  • Personal documents, including identity and financial information
  • Evidence demonstrating genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily, such as a Genuine Temporary Statement along with supporting documents
  • Character documents, including police and military documentation

How the sponsored parent visa works?

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent visa offers temporary residency in Australia, but navigating the application process can be complex. Seeking guidance from a migration lawyer can streamline and clarify the process.

Here are some steps to enhance your chances of success:

  • Step 1: Ensure you have an approved sponsor. Without an approved sponsor, you cannot proceed with the application. Once approved, you can lodge your application within 6 months.
  • Step 2: Seek professional assistance. Consulting with a migration lawyer can provide insights into your specific situation and what to expect in the application process.
  • Step 3: Gather necessary information. Your lawyer can advise on the essential information required for a robust application, including personal, financial, and health-related details.
  • Step 4: Lodge your application and await the outcome.

We encourage you to reach out to us for assistance at any stage of the process, as we're here to help navigate your journey smoothly.

Future visa pathways

The Subclass 870 visa offers temporary residency in Australia and does not lead to permanent residence. If your parents intend to stay permanently, alternative options such as the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa or Subclass 103 Parent visa should be considered. Australian Migration Agents can discuss long-term migration strategies and eligibility requirements for these visas.

While the Subclass 870 visa provides a valuable pathway for family reunification, it's important to explore permanent visa options while awaiting decisions on permanent visa applications.

Benefits of using Australian Migration Agents for your visa

Due to the popularity of parent visa applications, the number of places available in Australia for people to utilize the Subclass 870 visa is capped at 15,000 primary applications each financial year. Therefore, it’s vital to get the right support to increase your chances of obtaining a visa.

  • The team at Australian Migration Agents is made up of qualified professionals who draw on their knowledge of relevant legislation and case law in advising you on your visa application, and other migration options and strategies available to you.
  • As registered migration agents, we have an obligation to advise you on your eligibility for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa and alignment with all legislative requirements.
  • We assist you with preparing your primary application and are available to assist you with advice and support at any stage whilst you wait for your visa to be granted, including working with you to action any additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

Sponsored parent visa subclass 870 costs

There are two main costs associated with a Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa application.

1. Professional fees payable to Australian Migration Agents to prepare your primary applicationsome text

Our fees vary depending on the complexity of your application. We offer fixed-fee options to provide clarity on costs. Book a consultation to understand your eligibility and associated costs. {Book a consultation}

2. Department fees: As of 1 July 2023, Department of Home Affairs fees for the Subclass 870 visa include:some text

  • Sponsorship application fee: $420
  • Visa application fee:
    Up to 3 years: $5,735, up to 5 years: $11,470

These fees must be paid upfront at the time of lodgement and the Department does not accept split payments. Payment methods include debit/credit card, PayPal, UnionPay, and BPAY.

Australian visa application steps

The application process can be a complex and time-consuming journey, with strict eligibility criteria and a certain amount of evidence required to support your application. A registered migration agent can help you gather the correct documents and improve your chances of visa success. 

Book a consultation

Step 1

Initial consultation

Book a free consultation with one of our registered migration agents, where we’ll discuss your situation and see how we can help you move forward.

Step 2

Application preparation & submission

Your Australia visa agent will prepare a submission to support your application, tailored to your unique situation and backed by all the documents required. Once completed, we’ll submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.

Step 3

Visa outcome

We’ll be in touch once the Department has come to a decision. If the application isn’t granted, we can appeal on your behalf.

Sponsored parent visa subclass 103 processing times using Australian Migration Agents

The processing times for a Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa can vary depending on several factors. At Australian Migration Agents, we keep you updated throughout the process. Processing times for the sponsorship step by the Department of Home Affairs range from approximately 25 to 77 days, while visa application processing times can be between 35 days to 6 months. These times depend on case complexity, application completeness, and Department workload. Our aim is to submit high-quality applications to minimise delays.

Sponsored parent visa considerations: Timing & location

At Australian Migration Agents, our team consists of registered migration agents specialising in Australian migration law. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of your Parent visa application, we provide expert advice and support based on our expertise:

  • We aim to make our services accessible:
  • Initial consultations are usually free.
  • We offer fixed-fees for recurring services.
  • Our online consultations allow you to connect with us from anywhere in Australia.
  • We provide assistance at any stage of the Parent visa process.

Australia-wide services

Our skilled team offers in-person and virtual appointments, which means we can provide immigration assistance and advice regardless of where you live in Australia.  

Frequently asked questions

Read our most commonly asked questions about the subclass 103 visas

What is the minimum income to sponsor parents in Australia?

Sponsors must meet specific criteria, including having a taxable income of at least $83,454.80

How long does it take to get a sponsored parent visa subclass 870?

The sponsorship step by the Department of Home Affairs typically takes approximately 25 to 77 days, while visa application processing times range from 35 days to 6 months.

Book a consultation

Tell us a little about your situation, and one of our agents will get back to you as soon as possible.

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