The Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) offers parents a new way to temporarily reunite with their children and grandchildren in Australia. This visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of holding multiple visas for a total stay of up to 10 years.
Sponsorship Applications
On March 2019, Minister Coleman announced that sponsorship applications to sponsor a parent for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa would be open from 17 April 2019.
Visa Applications
Once a sponsorship application is approved, the sponsored parent can apply for a Temporary Sponsored Parent visa. Visa applications are intended to open from 1 July 2019.
Benefits of this Visa
- Parents can stay in Australia for up to five years at a time without needing to depart.
- The total stay in Australia can be up to 10 years.
- After staying for five years, parents must leave Australia for at least 90 days before applying for another Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870).
- This visa provides a longer stay option compared to Visitor visas, which only allow shorter periods of stay.
- Parents are still eligible to apply for Visitor visas and/or permanent Parent visas.
- Must be the parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must have a sponsor who is an approved parent sponsor.
- Must meet health and character requirements.
- Must provide evidence of health insurance and have no outstanding public health debt.
- Sponsors need a taxable income of at least $83,454.80.
For detailed eligibility and exemptions:
- Visa application charges vary depending on the length of stay (3 or 5 years).
- Processing Time: Relatively fast compared to other parent visas.
- Additional costs include health assessments, police certificates, and biometrics (if applicable).
Parent Visa Assessment
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for a parent category visa if:
- Your child is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Your child has lawfully lived in Australia for at least 2 years prior to your visa application.
- You have a sponsor.
- You meet the Balance of Family test criteria.
- You meet health and character requirements.
Sponsorship
To apply for a parent category visa, you need a sponsor who must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- At least 18 years old.
- Lawfully resident in Australia for at least 2 years before the parent’s visa application.
- Special provisions exist for sponsors under 18 years old.
Duration of Stay
A parent category visa permits you to:
- Reside in Australia for up to 2 years as a temporary resident, or
- Live in Australia as a permanent resident
Balance of Family Test
Applicants must meet the balance of family test, which determines your links to Australia. You qualify if:
- At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
- More of your children live permanently in Australia than any other country.
Parent Visa Processing, Support, and Costs
Processing Times for Family Visas
Processing times depend on several factors, including demand and planning levels. Parent and Aged Parent category visas are subject to capping, whereas Contributory Parent visas are not. If a visa type reaches its cap, applicants must wait in a queue until more places become available.
Assurance of Support (Bond)
An assurance of support is an agreement to financially assist a migrating family if necessary, to minimize costs to Australian taxpayers. The assurer agrees to repay any social security payments claimed by the visa applicant or migrating family members.
Parent Visa Application Process and Costs
Parent Visa costs can range from $5,000 to $20,000+. It is essential to receive an individual assessment. Contact us for detailed information on parent visa application costs and to discuss your specific situation.
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