Australian Visa Subclass 870: Who Qualifies and How to Apply | Lex Move

The Australian Visa Subclass 870, also known as the 870 Temporary Parent Visa, provides an excellent opportunity for parents to join their children in Australia temporarily without committing to permanent residency. The Australian government designed this visa to facilitate family reunions, allowing parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents to live in Australia for up to 5 years. Here’s a comprehensive guide on who qualifies for the Parent Visa Subclass 870 and the steps required to apply.

Who Qualifies for the Australian Visa Subclass 870?

To be eligible for the Subclass 870 visa, both the applicant (the parent) and the sponsor (the child) must meet specific criteria:

1. Sponsorship by an Eligible Child
   • The visa applicant must be sponsored by their child, who must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
   • The child sponsoring the applicant must be at least 18 years old and meet minimum income requirements.
   • Each sponsor must also be approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and demonstrate a commitment to supporting their parent financially during their stay in Australia.
2. Character and Health Requirements
   • Applicants must meet health and character requirements, including a medical examination, and submit police clearances from each country they have resided in for a specific period.
3. Age Limit and Relationship
   • There is no specific age limit for the visa, but applicants must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsor.
4. Financial Proof
   • As a contributory visa, the 870 Temporary Parent Visa has associated fees to fund public services and support systems. Visa applicants and their sponsors must show financial capacity to cover the visa costs and ensure adequate health insurance during their stay.
5. No Prior Debt to the Australian Government
   • Both the applicant and sponsor should not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government. If there are any debts, they must be paid in full before applying.

How to Apply for the Australian Visa Subclass 870

The application process for the Parent Visa Subclass 870 consists of two main stages: sponsorship approval and the visa application itself.

Step 1: Sponsorship Application

Before the parent can apply for the visa, the child (or another eligible relative) must apply to become an approved sponsor. Applicants can submit this application online on the Department of Home Affairs website.

1. Complete Sponsorship Application: The sponsor must provide their identity, financial information, proof of citizenship or residency, and proof of relationship to the applicant.
2. Pay Sponsorship Fee: There is a sponsorship application fee (currently AUD 420), and it must be paid to submit the sponsorship application.
3. Await Sponsorship Approval: Approval may take several months, and once granted, the parent can proceed with their visa application.

Step 2: Visa Application

Once the parent receives approval for the sponsorship, they can submit their visa application.

1. Gather Necessary Documents: The applicant will need identity documents, relationship evidence, health and character documents, and proof of financial capability.
2. Submit Visa Application and Pay Visa Fee: Visa fees vary based on the duration of the stay:
   • AUD 5,090 for a 3-year visa
   • AUD 10,180 for a 5-year visa
3. Wait for Processing: Processing time can vary, so applicants should plan accordingly and keep track of updates from the Department of Home Affairs.

Benefits of the Australian Visa Subclass 870

The 870 Temporary Parent Visa is one of the few visas that allow parents to stay in Australia for an extended period without committing to permanent residency. It enables parents to live in Australia for up to 5 years with the option to reapply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Unlike other parent visas, the Subclass 870 has a shorter processing time, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a temporary solution.

Lex Move: Your Guide to Australian Visa Subclass 870

Applying for the Australian Visa Subclass 870 can be complex, with requirements for sponsorship, documentation, and fees. Lex Move is here to simplify the process, providing expert assistance with application preparation, eligibility checks, and document submission. Contact Lex Move today for guidance on bringing your family closer with the Subclass 870 Temporary Parent Visa.

Read More: Australian Visa Subclass 870: Who Qualifies and How to Apply | Lex Move