Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870): Benefits and Limitations
What is a Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)?
The Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) offers a valuable opportunity for the parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents to live in Australia temporarily. This visa facilitates family reunification by allowing parents to stay up to 5 years while enjoying the flexibility to travel in and out of the country.
We explore the key features of the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870), including its benefits and limitations, to help you determine if this visa is the right choice for you and your family.
What are the Advantages of getting a Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)?
Balance of Family Test - Applicants do not need to meet the balance of family tests, allowing more parents to qualify.
Aged Parent Visa Cost - The application costs for the Sponsored Parent Visa (SC 870) are generally lower than other parent visa options.
Processing Times - This visa typically has faster processing times than the other parent visa categories, enabling families to reunite more quickly.
Reapplication Opportunity - Parents can reapply for this visa, allowing them to stay in Australia for an additional five years.
Freedom to Travel - Visa holders are not required to depart Australia during the validity of their visa and can travel in and out of the country as they wish.
Alternative Options - The Subclass 870 visa is a longer-term alternative to short-stay visitor visas.
Adoptive and Step-Parents Can Be Included - This visa allows its eligibility for both adoptive parents and step-parents can be sponsored.
What are the Disadvantages of getting a Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)?
Temporary Visa Status - The SC 870 visa is temporary and valid for 3 to 5 years. There is no direct pathway to permanent residency after the visa expires.
Limited Reapplication Opportunity - Applicants can only reapply once and cannot stay longer than 10 years on this visa.
Two-Step Application Process - The application process requires two steps:
First, the sponsor must be approved;
Then, followed by the visa application itself.
No Inclusion of Other Family Members - Applicants cannot include other family members in their applications, although those family members may apply for similar or alternative visas based on eligibility.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
The Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) provides a valuable option for parents wishing to live in Australia temporarily. If you are considering applying for a Sponsored Parent (Subclass 870) visa or seeking professional assistance, contact us at any time. You can book a Migration Planning Session with one of our immigration lawyers to seek professional advice by calling +612 8310 5230 or emailing us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.