If you’re considering bringing your parents to Australia, the 10 Year Parent Visa Australia, officially known as the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa, might be an ideal option. This visa allows parents to stay in Australia for an extended period of time, providing flexibility for families who want to spend more time together.
Here, we will delve into the key details, eligibility requirements, costs, and other essential information about this visa, ensuring you are fully prepared before applying.
Understanding the Subclass 870 Visa
The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa is an ideal option for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who wish to live in Australia for an extended period without pursuing permanent residency. Here’s a closer look at how this visa works:
- Temporary stay: This visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to five years at a time. After completing a five-year period, the parent must leave Australia for at least 90 days before applying for another visa of this type. This provides flexibility for families while ensuring compliance with immigration rules.
- Cumulative stay: With the Subclass 870, parents can accumulate a total of up to 10 years of stay. This makes it a great option for families who want their parents to spend extended periods in Australia over a decade, without needing to commit to permanent residency.
- No pathway to permanent residency: A key consideration is that this visa does not offer a pathway to permanent residency. Once the parent reaches the 10-year stay limit, they must either leave Australia or explore other visa options if they wish to remain longer.
This visa is perfect for families looking for a temporary solution that allows parents to regularly visit and stay in Australia for long periods. It’s particularly suited for those not seeking permanent settlement but who want the flexibility of extended visits without the complexities and costs of permanent visas.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship
Before you can sponsor your parents for the Subclass 870 Parent Visa Australia, both you as the sponsor and your parents must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include:
- Sponsorship limits: You are only allowed to sponsor up to two parents at any given time. This ensures that the visa is manageable for both the family and the Australian government.
- Sponsor requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old to qualify as a sponsor.
- You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- You need to have been living in Australia for at least four years, providing stability and demonstrating a long-term commitment to the country.
- Your household income must meet the required threshold, ensuring that you can financially support the visa applicant during their stay.
- You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government, as any unpaid obligations can disqualify you from being a sponsor.
- Legal obligations as a sponsor:
- You are required to provide police clearances as part of the sponsorship application.
- You must agree to share certain information with the visa applicant to ensure transparency and compliance.
- A sponsorship fee of $420 AUD is payable at the time of application.
These requirements ensure that sponsors are capable of supporting their parents during their stay in Australia.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 870 Visa?
To apply for the Subclass 870 Parent Visa, there are specific requirements that applicants must meet to ensure eligibility. Below are the key criteria:
- Age: The parent applying for the visa must be at least 18 years old at the time of the application. This ensures that only adults are eligible for this temporary visa.
- Sponsorship: The applicant must be sponsored by an approved parent sponsor, who is typically an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must have approval from the Department of Home Affairs before the visa application can proceed.
- Previous visa holders: If the applicant has held a Subclass 870 visa previously, they are required to remain outside Australia for at least 90 days before reapplying. However, exceptions can be made if the Department of Home Affairs specifically invites the parent to apply while in Australia.
- Financial capability: The applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Australia, covering living expenses without relying on public assistance.
- Health insurance: Applicants are required to maintain valid health insurance for the entirety of their stay to cover any potential medical costs during their time in Australia.
- No public health debts: It is essential that the applicant has no outstanding unpaid public health debts or, if they do, they must have formal arrangements in place to pay them off before applying for the visa.
Visa Duration and Cost
The Subclass 870 Parent Visa Australia offers two main duration options:
- Three-year visa: Costs $5,000 AUD.
- Five-year visa: Costs $10,000 AUD.
These fees are paid in two instalments. The first instalment is due when you submit your visa application, and the second instalment is required just before your visa is granted.
Comparison with Other Parent Visas
Australia offers several parent visa options, each with distinct features and requirements. Understanding how the Subclass 870 visa compares to other parent visas is crucial when deciding which option suits your family best. Here’s a comparison:
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Contributory Parent Visa allows parents to live in Australia permanently, offering a pathway to citizenship. However, it comes with a significantly higher cost, currently around $47,755 AUD.
While this option grants permanent residency, the processing time can still take several years, and the upfront financial commitment can be a burden for many families. For those seeking permanent settlement, it is a reliable but costly choice.
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
The Parent Visa offers permanent residency for parents who wish to live in Australia. However, the waiting time is a major disadvantage, with some cases facing waiting periods of over 30 years.
Given this extended processing time, it is not a practical option for families hoping to reunite in the near future. The Subclass 103 visa is often seen as an outdated option due to its long delays.
Subclass 870 Temporary Parent Visa
The Subclass 870 stands out as a more immediate and cost-effective solution compared to the permanent options. Although it is a temporary visa (lasting up to 10 years), it allows parents to spend significant time in Australia without the heavy financial commitment or lengthy processing times associated with permanent visas.
Additionally, it does not require the balance of family test, making it more accessible to parents whose children are not primarily based in Australia.
Each visa has its pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for. The Subclass 870 is ideal for families who want a temporary solution without the financial burden of other parent visas.
Advantages of the 10 Year Parent Visa Australia
Opting for the 10-Year Parent Visa Australia (Subclass 870) offers numerous benefits for families seeking extended time together without the complexities of permanent residency. Here are the key advantages:
- Flexibility: The Subclass 870 visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 10 years, giving families ample time to bond and spend time together without the pressure of long-term commitments. This extended stay option is ideal for those who wish to be involved in family life without a permanent relocation.
- No balance of family test: Unlike many other parent visas, the Subclass 870 does not require parents to pass the balance of family test. This test can be restrictive for some families, as it mandates that the majority of the parent’s children must reside in Australia. The 870 visa removes this hurdle, making it more accessible.
- No permanent commitment: For families that aren’t seeking permanent residency, this visa provides a cost-effective way to spend extended periods in Australia. It offers the freedom of long-term visits without the financial commitment or paperwork associated with permanent visas.
- Faster processing times: Compared to permanent parent visas, the Subclass 870 is processed much more quickly. This means families can reunite sooner, avoiding the lengthy delays often associated with other visa types.
Disadvantages of the 10 Year Parent Visa Australia
While the 10-Year Parents Visa Australia (Subclass 870) provides extended stay options and flexibility, there are several important disadvantages to keep in mind:
- Temporary nature: The Subclass 870 visa is strictly temporary, with no pathway to permanent residency. Once the 10-year limit is reached, parents will need to leave Australia unless they apply for a different visa. This limitation can be particularly challenging for families seeking long-term reunification.
- Cost: Although it is more affordable compared to some permanent parent visas, the Subclass 870 visa is still relatively expensive. Families opting for the full 10-year stay may find the cost burdensome, especially since the visa fees are paid in two instalments—one at the time of application and the other before the visa is granted.
- No work rights: One significant drawback of the 10-Year Parent Visa is that it does not grant any work rights. Parents on this visa are not allowed to engage in paid employment while in Australia. This can limit the financial flexibility of parents who may want to contribute to their family’s expenses during their stay.
How to Apply for the Subclass 870 Visa
Applying for the Subclass 870 Parent Visa in Australia is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid delays or complications. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
- Sponsorship approval: Before applying for the visa, the sponsor must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs. This involves ensuring the sponsor meets all the eligibility requirements, such as being an Australian citizen or permanent resident and demonstrating the financial capacity to support the parent applicant.
- Visa application: Once the sponsorship has been approved, the parent can proceed with the visa application. This application is submitted online via the Department of Home Affairs’ website, and it’s important to ensure all necessary documentation is included to avoid delays.
- Processing time: The processing time for the Subclass 870 visa can vary depending on the volume of applications. Generally, the visa can take several months to be processed, so applicants should apply well in advance.
- Payment: The visa fee is paid in two instalments. The first instalment is required when submitting the application, and the second is due just before the visa is granted.
Is the 10 Year Parent Visa Australia Right for You?
The 10 Year Parent Visa Australia is an excellent option for families who want to reunite without committing to permanent residency. It offers flexibility and a long-term solution for parents who wish to spend significant time in Australia but do not wish to settle permanently.
While it comes with some limitations, such as no work rights and high costs, the visa provides a practical option for temporary stays.
Get Expert Help from Longton Migration
If you’re considering applying for the 10 Year Parent Visa Australia, or if you need help navigating other parent visa options, Longton Migration can provide expert guidance throughout the process. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with your visa needs and help bring your family together in Australia.
*Disclaimer: This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*
