Australia Visa – Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870

1. What is the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?


The Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870 is a temporary visa that allows parents to visit and stay with their children who are permanent residents or citizens of Australia. It was introduced in 2019 and allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, without having to leave the country.

2. How is the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa different from other parent visas?

The Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa is different from other parent visas in several ways:

– It is a temporary visa, whereas other parent visas offer permanent residency.
– The visa can be applied for and sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen (while other parent visas require sponsorship by an Australian PR or citizen).
– The application process is less complex and expensive compared to other parent visas.
– The visa has a shorter processing time compared to other parent visas.

3. Who is eligible for the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa?

To be eligible for the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

– Be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who meets certain financial and character requirements.
– Have at least half of your children residing permanently in Australia.
– Meet health and character requirements.
– Have adequate health insurance during your stay in Australia.

4. Can I work on the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa?

No, this visa does not allow you to work in Australia. It is a visitor visa intended for parents who wish to spend time with their family in Australia.

5. Is there any limit on the number of times I can apply for this visa?

Yes, you can only hold this visa once every three years. If you have already held this visa once, you will need to wait for three years before applying again.

6.Could I include my partner/spouse on my application?

No, this visa only allows sponsorship of one parent at a time. If you and your partner both wish to visit Australia, you will need to apply for separate visas.

7. Can I include my children on my visa application?

Yes, dependent children under 18 can be included in the visa application. They must be financially dependent on their parent and not have a partner or spouse.

8. How long is the processing time for this visa?

The processing time for the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa varies, but it may take up to a few months.

9. Do I need to provide any proof of funds for this visa?

No, there is no requirement to provide proof of funds for this visa. However, you may be asked to provide evidence of financial capacity if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

10. Can I apply for permanent residency while on this visa?

No, this visa does not lead to permanent residency. If you wish to stay in Australia permanently, you will need to apply for another type of parent visa. However, you cannot do so while on the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?

3. How long is the processing time for the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?
4. Can I work in Australia with the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?
5. What are the financial requirements for the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?
6. Is there an age limit for applying for the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?
7. Can I include my spouse or children on my application for the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?
8. Are there any special eligibility requirements for this visa if I am from a designated country?
9. What evidence do I need to provide to show that I am financially stable to sponsor my parent on this visa?
10. How many times can my parent enter and exit Australia on the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?

3. How long does the application process take for the Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?

The estimated processing time for the Subclass 870 Parent Visa is between 18 to 24 months. However, this can vary depending on various factors such as the completeness of the application, individual circumstances, and demand for the visa. It is recommended to submit a complete and accurate application to ensure timely processing.

4. Can I work in Australia with a Parent – Sponsored Parent Visa 870?

No, the Parent-Sponsored Parent Visa 870 does not allow the visa holder to work in Australia. This visa is designed for parents who wish to spend time with their children and grandchildren in Australia without needing to work.

5. Is there a limit on the number of Parent Visas that can be granted each year?


Yes, there is a limit on the number of Parent Visas that can be granted each year. The number of visas granted varies each year and is determined by the Australian government’s migration program planning levels. In 2019-2020, a total of 7,371 Parent Visas were granted.

6. What are the financial requirements for the sponsorship of a parent under this visa category?


To sponsor a parent for a visa under the Family Stream Parent category, the sponsor must meet the following financial requirements:

1) Meet the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR): The sponsor’s household income must be at least equal to or greater than the MIR set by the Australian government. This amount is determined each year and varies depending on the number of people in the sponsor’s household.

2) Provide financial support: The sponsor must provide a written undertaking to provide accommodation and financial support to their parent for their first two years in Australia.

3) Cover certain expenses: The sponsor must cover certain expenses such as medical and hospital costs incurred by their parent during their stay in Australia.

4) Pay any outstanding debts: The sponsor must pay all outstanding debts owed to the Australian government. This includes any child support payments, health debts, or outstanding migration debts.

5) Demonstrate stable financial standing: The sponsor must demonstrate that they have a stable financial standing and are able to financially support themselves, their family, including their sponsored parent.

It is important for sponsors to note that meeting these financial requirements does not guarantee that their parents will be granted a visa as there are other eligibility criteria that need to be met.

7. Can I include my partner or other dependents on my application for a Sponsored Parent Visa 870?

Yes, you can include your spouse or de-facto partner as well as any dependents under the age of 18 on your application for a Sponsored Parent Visa 870. However, they will also need to meet the eligibility requirements and provide all necessary documentation. They will also need to have health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia.

8. Is there an age limit for parents who can apply for this visa?


Yes, the Australian parent visa (subclass 103) has an age limit for parents who can apply. Applicants must be at least 65 years old and meet certain criteria to be eligible for this visa. Additionally, their child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

9. Can I apply for permanent residency in Australia through this visa?


No, the Visitor visa (subclass 600) does not lead to permanent residency in Australia. It is a temporary visa that allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three, six, or 12 months. If you wish to apply for permanent residency in Australia, you will need to explore other visa options such as skilled migration visas, family-sponsored visas, or humanitarian and refugee visas.

10. Do I need to provide evidence of health insurance as part of my application for this visa?


Yes, evidence of health insurance is a requirement for all Australian visas. You will need to provide proof of adequate health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in Australia. This can include policies with coverage for medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Failure to provide this evidence may result in your visa application being denied.

11. What are the processing fees associated with applying for this visa?

The processing fees for a Tier 1 visa can vary depending on the country where the application is being made. In the UK, the current fees are:

– Standard processing fee: £575
– Priority processing fee: £1,275
– Super Priority (24-hour) processing fee: £3,655

Additional fees may apply for services such as biometric enrollment and courier service. It is recommended to check with the relevant government website for up-to-date information on fees.

12. Will my parent need to undergo any health examinations before being granted a Sponsored Parent Visa 870?


Yes, your parent will need to undergo health examinations in order to be granted a Sponsored Parent Visa 870. This is to ensure that they do not have any medical condition that could pose a significant cost or risk to the Australian community. The health examination requirements may vary depending on your parent’s age and country of citizenship.

13. How long is this visa valid for?


The validity of this visa depends on the country issuing it and the purpose of travel. It can vary from a few months to several years. Generally, tourist visas are valid for 3-6 months, while student or work visas can be valid for longer periods of time. It is important to check the expiration date of the visa before traveling and to adhere to any specified entry and exit dates.

14. Am I allowed to leave and re-enter Australia while on a Sponsored Parent Visa 870?

Yes, you are allowed to leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish while on a Sponsored Parent Visa 870. This visa allows for multiple entries during its validity period, which is typically 3 or 5 years, depending on the length of the sponsorship. However, each entry must occur within the specified validity period of your visa.

It is important to note that if you are outside of Australia for more than 12 continuous months, your visa may be cancelled. Additionally, if you are planning to stay in Australia for an extended period of time during a single visit (e.g. more than 12 months), you will need to apply for a separate visitor visa.

Before leaving and re-entering Australia, it is important to ensure that your visa is still valid and that you meet all entry requirements. You may need to obtain any necessary visas or permits for the country you are travelling to.

If your Sponsored Parent Visa 870 expires while you are outside of Australia, you will need to apply for a new visa before returning. This may require a new sponsorship and application process.

It is always recommended to check with the Department of Home Affairs before making any travel plans while on a Sponsored Parent Visa 870. They can provide up-to-date information and guidance on any travel restrictions or requirements.

15. What happens if my sponsor withdraws their sponsorship during the application process or after the visa has been granted?


If your sponsor withdraws their sponsorship during the application process, your visa application will likely be cancelled. You may be able to apply for a new visa with a different sponsor, but this will depend on the specific details of your case.

If the visa has already been granted and your sponsor withdraws their sponsorship, you may lose your immigration status and have to leave the country. It is important to inform the immigration authorities about any changes in sponsorship as soon as possible. If you are unable to find another sponsor, you may face deportation proceedings. It is best to consult with an immigration lawyer in this situation.

16. Can I change my sponsor after being granted a Sponsored Parent Visa 870?


Yes, you can change your sponsor after being granted a Sponsored Parent Visa 870. However, you will need to apply to the Department of Home Affairs for permission and provide a valid reason for the change. The new sponsor must also meet all the eligibility criteria and provide a sponsorship letter confirming their willingness to support you during your stay in Australia.

17. Are there any restrictions on what my parent can do while in Australia on this visa?


Yes, your parent cannot work or engage in any business activities while in Australia on this visa. They are only allowed to visit and spend time with their family.

18.Could having an outstanding criminal record affect my eligibility to sponsor a parent under this visa category?

Yes, having an outstanding criminal record could affect your eligibility to sponsor a parent under this visa category. The sponsor must meet certain character requirements and must pass the character assessment in order to be eligible to sponsor a parent. This assessment includes providing police certificates from any country in which the sponsor has lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. If the sponsor has an outstanding criminal record, it is likely that they will not pass the character assessment and therefore will not be eligible to sponsor a parent. Additionally, if the sponsored parent has a criminal record, this could also potentially affect their eligibility for the visa. It is important to disclose any relevant information about criminal records during the application process.

19.How will changes in Australian immigration policies affect applications for the Sponsored Parent Visa 870?


The recent changes to Australian immigration policies may have an impact on applications for the Sponsored Parent Visa 870. Some potential effects could include:

1. Tighter eligibility criteria: The new policies may make it more difficult for some applicants to meet the eligibility requirements for the visa, as they now need to have a higher level of income and financial stability.

2. Limited number of places: With the introduction of a cap on the number of Sponsored Parent Visas that can be granted each year, there may be increased competition and longer processing times for applicants.

3. Higher application fees: The cost of applying for the visa has significantly increased, with a base fee of $5,000 per parent and an additional $420 for health insurance per parent. This may deter some potential applicants from pursuing the visa.

4. Stricter scrutiny of sponsor’s finances: Sponsors will now need to provide evidence of their financial capacity, including tax returns, bank statements and payslips. This will likely be examined closely by immigration officials, resulting in stricter scrutiny of sponsors’ finances.

5. Changes to temporary residency period: Under the new rules, sponsored parents can only stay in Australia on this visa for a maximum period of five years at a time with no possibility for renewal. This may impact long-term plans or arrangements made by families.

Overall, these changes may make it more challenging for applicants to obtain the Sponsored Parent Visa 870, but it is still possible under the new policies. It is important to carefully review all requirements and prepare a strong application to increase chances of success under the revised rules.

20.Can I convert my visitor visa into a Sponsored Parent Visa 870 while in Australia?


No, you cannot convert a visitor visa into a Sponsored Parent Visa 870 while in Australia. The Sponsored Parent Visa 870 is a temporary sponsored visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years. It must be applied for and approved while the parent is outside of Australia. If you are currently in Australia on a visitor visa, you will need to return to your home country and apply for the Sponsored Parent Visa 870 from there.