This form advises how to sponsor a parent, aged dependent relative, remaining relative or carer to migrate to Australia. The following form is to be completed by a prospective sponsor with reference to the relevant visa information available on the Departments website www.homeaffairs.gov.au;
What is the 870 Visa?
The Sponsored Parent (Subclass 870) Visa, often referred to as the 870 visa, is a temporary Australian visa designed to enable parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to temporarily reside in Australia for family reunification. This visa offers a pathway for parents to spend quality time with their children and grandchildren in Australia, providing a temporary alternative to the longer-processing permanent Parent visa options. The 870 visa allows parents to stay in Australia for a period of up to three or five years, offering a significant opportunity for family bonding and creating lasting memories.
The 870 visa is a temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residency in Australia. It is important to note that the visa does not allow the applicant to work in Australia during their stay.
Eligibility Criteria for the 870 Visa
To be eligible for the 870 visa, you must meet the following criteria⁚
- Be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This means you must have a child who is either an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Be outside Australia when you apply for the 870 visa, unless you have Permission to Apply in Australia. You must be outside Australia at the time of application, unless you have been granted Permission to Apply in Australia. This permission is typically granted when the sponsoring child requests it during their sponsorship application process.
- Be able to demonstrate financial support. You must be able to provide financial documents demonstrating your ability to support yourself financially during your stay in Australia. This is typically achieved by proving sufficient funds in your bank account or through a combination of savings and income sources.
- Meet health and character requirements. You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. This involves undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates from all countries where you have resided for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
- Hold a valid passport. You must possess a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Australia.
It is essential to thoroughly understand the eligibility requirements and gather all necessary documentation before applying for the 870 visa.
Sponsorship Requirements
Before your parents can apply for their 870 Visa, you have to apply for the right to sponsor them in the first place. To apply for sponsorship, you have to⁚
- Log in to your ImmiAccount. This is an online account managed by the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Complete the electronic application form for Sponsorship for a Family Member (870). This form will require you to provide details about yourself, your relationship with your parent, and your ability to support them financially.
- Attach the required documents. This includes evidence of your Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand citizenship, proof of your relationship with your parent, and financial documents demonstrating your ability to support them financially.
- Pay the Sponsorship application fee (AUD 420). This fee is non-refundable, even if your sponsorship application is unsuccessful.
Once you have submitted your sponsorship application, it will be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. If your application is approved, you will be notified by email.
How to Apply for Sponsorship
The process for applying for sponsorship for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa involves several key steps⁚
- Submit a Sponsorship Application⁚ The sponsor must first apply for approval from the Department of Home Affairs to become a family sponsor. This application can be lodged online and includes providing evidence of income, relationship, and other eligibility criteria.
- Complete the electronic application form for Sponsorship for a Family Member (870). This form requires you to provide personal details, relationship information, and financial documentation to demonstrate your ability to support your sponsored parent.
- Attach the required documents. These documents may include proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency, evidence of your relationship with your parent, and financial records showing your capacity to support them.
- Pay the Sponsorship application fee. The current fee is AUD 420, which is non-refundable.
Once the application is submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will review it and make a decision. If your application is approved, you will be notified via email. After approval, the sponsored parent can then apply for the 870 visa within 6 months of the sponsorship approval or 60 days if they have been given Permission to Apply in Australia.
Completing the 870 Visa Application Form
The 870 Visa application form is a comprehensive document that requires detailed information about the applicant and their sponsor. It’s important to complete the form accurately and provide all the necessary supporting documentation. The form typically covers the following key areas⁚
- Personal details⁚ This section includes information about the applicant’s name, date of birth, passport details, and contact information.
- Family details⁚ You’ll need to provide details about your family members, including their names, dates of birth, and current residency status.
- Health and character⁚ The application form requires information about your health and character, including any criminal convictions or health conditions that may affect your visa application.
- Financial details⁚ You’ll need to provide evidence of your financial capacity to support yourself in Australia. This may include bank statements, income tax returns, and other relevant documents.
- Sponsor details⁚ You will need to provide information about your sponsor, including their name, address, and contact information.
- Relationship details⁚ You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship with your sponsor, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other relevant documents.
It’s crucial to review the form carefully and ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete. You can find detailed instructions and guidance on completing the application form on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Required Documents
To support your 870 Visa application, you’ll need to provide a range of documents that verify your identity, relationship with your sponsor, and financial capacity. These documents are essential for the Department of Home Affairs to assess your eligibility for the visa. Here are some of the key documents you’ll need⁚
- Passport⁚ A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining. Ensure you have sufficient blank pages for visa stamping.
- Birth certificate⁚ Your original birth certificate, as well as the birth certificates of any dependent children included in your application.
- Marriage certificate⁚ If applicable, your original marriage certificate.
- Proof of relationship⁚ This may include photos, letters, emails, or other documents demonstrating your relationship with your sponsor.
- Financial documents⁚ Bank statements, income tax returns, and other documents to demonstrate your financial capacity to support yourself in Australia.
- Police clearance certificate⁚ This certificate confirms you have no criminal convictions. It’s usually required for applicants aged 16 and over.
- Health examination⁚ A health examination conducted by a registered medical practitioner is required for all applicants.
It’s essential to check the specific document requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website, as they may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Ensure that all documents are translated into English if they are in another language.
Processing Times
The processing time for a 870 visa application can vary significantly, depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the Department of Home Affairs. It’s crucial to understand that these times are estimates and can be affected by various factors, including the completeness of your application, the need for further information or documentation, and the volume of applications being processed.
Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 to 9 months for the Department to process a 870 visa application. This includes the time taken for the sponsorship application to be approved, followed by the processing of the main visa application.
You can track the progress of your application online through your ImmiAccount. It’s advisable to keep your contact details updated with the Department to ensure you receive any communication regarding your application.
If you have any specific concerns about processing times or require information about your particular application, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs directly for assistance.
Visa Conditions
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa comes with specific conditions that visa holders must adhere to during their stay in Australia. These conditions are designed to ensure that visa holders comply with the terms of their visa and maintain their legal status in the country.
One of the key conditions is that visa holders must maintain their health insurance coverage throughout their stay in Australia. This ensures that they have access to necessary medical care in case of any health issues.
Another condition is that visa holders must not engage in any work activities in Australia. The 870 visa is specifically for temporary stay and family reunification, not for employment purposes.
Visa holders must also ensure that they comply with all Australian laws and regulations. This includes abiding by traffic rules, respecting local customs, and refraining from any illegal activities.
It’s important for visa holders to familiarize themselves with these conditions to avoid any potential breaches that could lead to visa cancellation or other consequences.
If you have any questions or require clarification regarding the visa conditions, it’s advisable to contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for guidance.
Alternatives to the 870 Visa
While the 870 visa offers a temporary pathway for parents to reunite with their children in Australia, there are alternative visa options that individuals may consider depending on their specific circumstances and long-term goals.
For those seeking a permanent residency pathway, the Parent visa options are a viable alternative. These visas allow parents to live permanently in Australia with their children and grandchildren. However, it’s important to note that the waiting times for Parent visas can be quite lengthy due to the high demand.
If the applicant’s primary motivation is to work in Australia, the skilled migration pathways might be a better fit. These programs assess applicants based on their skills, qualifications, and work experience, and offer permanent residency to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.
Another option is the Partner visa, which is available to individuals who are in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows partners to live, work, and settle permanently in Australia.
Ultimately, the best alternative to the 870 visa will depend on individual circumstances and aspirations. It’s recommended to consult with a registered migration agent to explore all available options and determine the most suitable pathway for your specific needs.
Contact Information
For comprehensive information and assistance regarding the 870 visa sponsorship application process, individuals are encouraged to contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The Department provides a range of resources and support services, including⁚
• Website⁚ www.homeaffairs.gov.au – The Department’s website offers a wealth of information on visas, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and required documents.
• Phone⁚ 131 881 – The Department’s national contact center can answer inquiries regarding visa applications and provide general guidance.
• Email⁚ The Department provides specific email addresses for various visa types and inquiries. These can be found on their website.
• Visitor Centers⁚ The Department maintains visitor centers in major cities across Australia, where individuals can receive personalized assistance and guidance.
For specialized advice and support, individuals may also consider consulting with a registered migration agent. These professionals are qualified to provide expert guidance on immigration matters and can assist with complex applications.
Remember that the information provided above is intended to be a general overview and may not be comprehensive. It is essential to refer to the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information and guidance.