Introduction

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) offers parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens the chance to visit Australia for a duration of 3 or 5 years. This comprehensive article provides an in-depth overview of the visa process, requirements, and responsibilities for both applicants and sponsors.

Process for Applicants

1. Eligibility: To be eligible for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa, applicants must be the biological, legal, step-parent, or parent-in-law of the Parent Sponsor and be at least 18 years old.

2. Sponsor Approval: Prior to applying for the visa, applicants must have a Parent Sponsor who has been approved by the Australian authorities.

3. Lodging the Visa Application: Applicants are required to submit their visa application online within 6 months of receiving sponsorship approval, or within 60 days if they have Permission to Apply in Australia.

4. Visa Duration: The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa allows applicants to visit Australia for a maximum period of 3 or 5 years per visa, with the option to stay for a total of 10 years in Australia.

5. Visa Cost: The visa fee for a duration of up to 3 years is AUD5,735, while the fee for a duration of up to 5 years is AUD11,470.

6. Visa Processing Time: The processing time for the visa may vary, and applicants can check the estimated processing time using the visa processing time guide tool.

Benefits for Applicants

1. Reuniting with Children: The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa allows parents to reunite with their children who are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

2. Extended Stay: Applicants have the opportunity to visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa and can reapply for further Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visas, allowing them to stay for a maximum period of 10 years in Australia.

3. Limitations: It's important to note that while holding this visa, applicants are not permitted to work in Australia.

Process for Sponsors

1. Eligibility: Sponsors must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents residing in Australia for at least 4 years, or eligible New Zealand citizens residing in Australia for at least 4 years.

2. Sponsor Obligations: Sponsors are required to provide financial support and accommodation for the sponsored parent, notify authorities of any changes or events, and settle any outstanding health debts incurred by the sponsored parent in Australia.

3. Sponsorship Application: Sponsors must submit an online application to become an approved Parent Sponsor before the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa application can be lodged.

4. Sponsorship Duration: The sponsorship remains valid until the granted Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa expires or is revoked.

5. Changes to Sponsorship: Sponsors have the flexibility to add, remove, or replace a parent in their sponsorship by submitting a new sponsorship application.

6. Sponsor Obligations: Sponsors must fulfill their sponsorship obligations, as failure to do so may lead to cancellation of the sponsorship or being barred from sponsoring parents in the future.

Conclusion

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) presents an excellent opportunity for parents to spend an extended period with their children in Australia. The visa application process requires applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria, secure an approved Parent Sponsor, and submit the visa application within the designated timeframe. Sponsors also have important obligations, including providing support and accommodation to the sponsored parent. By understanding the process and requirements outlined in this article, both applicants and sponsors can navigate the visa application successfully.