870 Visa Sponsorship Application⁚ Key Aspects
The initial step involves lodging a sponsorship application, requiring an ImmiAccount login. The sponsor must complete an electronic form for family member sponsorship (870), attach necessary documents, and pay the AUD 420 fee. This is crucial before parents can apply for their 870 visa.
Sponsorship Eligibility for 870 Visa
To be eligible to sponsor a parent for the 870 visa, you must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. You must also have been residing in Australia for a minimum of four years. It’s crucial to note that the sponsor must be the child of the parent applying for the visa. The sponsor must also be at least 18 years of age. They must also demonstrate they can financially support their parents during their stay in Australia. Further, the sponsor needs to have a clear record, meaning no adverse information or criminal history that could impact the sponsorship approval. The Department of Home Affairs will assess various factors to determine if the applicant meets these criteria. This includes reviewing their financial stability and ensuring they can meet their obligations as a sponsor. This assessment is a vital part of the overall 870 visa application process. Failure to meet these requirements will lead to the rejection of the sponsorship application. Therefore, it’s recommended to carefully review all criteria before submitting an application.
How to Apply for 870 Sponsorship
The application process for 870 sponsorship begins with logging into your ImmiAccount. Once logged in, you need to locate and complete the electronic application form specifically designed for Sponsorship for a Family Member (870). This form will require detailed information about yourself and your parents. Ensure all fields are accurately filled and that you provide all the information requested, because this is a vital part of this process. After completing the form, you will need to attach all the necessary supporting documents, which may include proof of your identity, residency status, and financial capacity. It is essential that the attached documents meet the standards required. Finally, you must pay the sponsorship application fee of AUD 420. This payment is mandatory for the application to be processed. Once the application is submitted, it undergoes assessment by the Department of Home Affairs. Keep in mind that the visa application can only be lodged after the sponsorship is approved. The sponsorship approval is a prerequisite for the subsequent visa application by your parents. It is therefore necessary to complete this step carefully and correctly.
Required Documents for Sponsorship Application
When applying for 870 visa sponsorship, it is crucial to gather all the necessary documents to support your application; These documents serve as evidence of your eligibility and will help ensure a smoother processing of your application. You must provide certified copies of your passport pages, that clearly show your personal information, photograph, and the issue and expiry dates. Evidence of your Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand citizenship is also needed. This might involve a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or residency visa. Furthermore, you may have to provide proof of your relationship with your parents, such as birth certificates or other legal documentation. Financial information may also be required to demonstrate your ability to support your parents during their stay in Australia. This could include bank statements or tax returns. It’s critical to ensure all documents are current, valid, and translated into English if they are in another language. Failing to provide all the required documents may lead to a delay in the processing of your application, or even refusal.
Sponsorship Application Fee Details
The sponsorship application for the 870 visa involves a specific fee that must be paid at the time of lodging the application. The current sponsorship application fee is AUD 420. This fee is non-refundable and covers the cost of processing your sponsorship request. It is important to note that this fee is separate from the actual visa application fee for your parents. It is crucial to ensure that you have sufficient funds available to pay the sponsorship fee before you begin the application process. You can typically pay the fee online through the ImmiAccount portal using a credit card or other accepted payment methods. It’s vital to check the latest fee amount on the official Department of Home Affairs website because fees are subject to change. Failing to pay the sponsorship fee or making an incorrect payment will result in delays to the processing of your application. Be sure to keep a record of your payment confirmation for future reference. This fee is applicable for each sponsorship application.
870 Visa Application Process for Parents
Once a parent’s sponsorship has been approved, they can proceed with their 870 visa application. This process is separate from the sponsorship application and requires parents to lodge their own application. The visa application must be submitted within six months of the sponsorship being approved. Parents are required to complete an online visa application form, typically through the ImmiAccount portal. They must provide comprehensive personal information, including passport details and travel history. Supporting documents, such as evidence of their relationship to the sponsor, health insurance details, and passport copies are mandatory. It’s important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up to date to avoid delays or rejection of the application. Parents must be outside Australia when they apply unless granted permission to apply onshore. The visa application also involves a fee, which varies based on the duration of stay requested (either three or five years). Health insurance covering their entire stay in Australia is also a requirement. The application must be accompanied by proof of this insurance.
Visa Application Form for 870 Visa
The 870 visa application form is an essential part of the process for parents wishing to visit Australia. This form is available online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. Applicants must complete it carefully, providing accurate information. Key details include personal information, such as passport details, date of birth, and contact information. The form also requires information about the applicant’s family members, including their relationship to the sponsor. It is crucial to answer all questions truthfully and thoroughly to prevent delays or potential rejection. The form will also ask about travel history, any previous visa applications, and any criminal records. It is important to disclose all relevant information, even if it may be unfavorable. Evidence of the sponsor’s approval must also be included. The form requires applicants to state their intended duration of stay in Australia, either three or five years. Confirmation that the applicant has adequate health insurance covering their entire stay is mandatory. All required fields must be completed before the form can be submitted. The applicant must also sign a declaration confirming the accuracy of the information provided.
Health Insurance Requirements for 870 Visa
Adequate health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all applicants of the 870 visa. This is crucial as the visa is temporary, and the Australian government does not want to burden the public healthcare system with the medical expenses of visa holders. Applicants must obtain private health insurance that provides sufficient coverage for the duration of their stay in Australia. This insurance needs to cover a wide range of medical needs, including hospital visits, doctor consultations, ambulance services, and prescription medications. It is important to ensure that the policy covers pre-existing medical conditions, as well as any unforeseen medical expenses that may arise during their stay. Visa applicants must provide proof of their health insurance when they lodge their visa application. The insurance must remain valid for the entire time the visa holder is in Australia. The specific policy should meet the minimum requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It is advisable to compare different health insurance policies to find one that best fits their needs and budget. Failure to maintain valid health insurance can lead to visa cancellation, and it is the responsibility of the visa holder to ensure they are adequately covered.
870 Visa Processing Times
The processing times for the 870 visa can vary, but current estimates suggest that it typically takes between 6 to 8 weeks for a decision to be made on the visa application. However, it’s important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual processing time may differ based on several factors. One of the main factors that influence the processing time is the volume of applications received by the Department of Home Affairs at any given time. If there is a high volume of applications, the processing times may be longer. Another factor that can affect the processing time is the completeness and accuracy of the application. Any missing or incorrect information can cause delays, as the Department may require further clarification or additional documents. It is therefore essential to carefully prepare all the required documents and provide accurate information. The complexity of the case can also impact processing times. More complicated applications may take longer to process. Additionally, during certain times of the year, processing times may fluctuate. Applicants are encouraged to check the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information on processing times before submitting their applications.
Duration and Extension of 870 Visa
The 870 visa, known as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, allows parents to stay in Australia for either a three-year or five-year period. This temporary visa does not grant permanent residency, and the maximum total stay allowed is ten years. If your parents wish to remain in Australia beyond the initial visa period, they must apply for a new 870 visa before the current one expires. This involves re-applying for sponsorship and lodging a new visa application. It’s crucial to note that the visa can be extended in increments of three or five years, but the total time spent in Australia cannot exceed ten years. It is important to plan accordingly if your parents intend to stay for the maximum allowed duration. Sponsors must also re-apply for sponsorship when their parent’s visa is due to expire, as sponsorship approval is not automatically extended. The process to extend the visa involves completing the required application forms, providing relevant documentation, and paying the necessary fees again. The Department of Home Affairs will assess the new application before granting an extension. It is advised to begin the extension process well in advance of the current visa’s expiration date to avoid any issues with your parents’ stay in Australia.
Restrictions and Conditions of 870 Visa
The 870 visa, being a temporary visa, comes with several restrictions and conditions that both the sponsored parent and the sponsor must adhere to. Firstly, and importantly, the 870 visa does not allow the visa holder to work in Australia. This means parents visiting under this visa cannot engage in any form of employment, paid or unpaid, during their stay. Secondly, visa holders are required to maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. This insurance must cover any healthcare costs incurred while they are in the country, ensuring they do not burden the Australian public healthcare system. Furthermore, it is a condition of the visa that the visa holder must leave Australia before the visa expires. The 870 visa does not lead to permanent residency. Parents who wish to remain in Australia for longer than the initial 3 or 5 years must apply for a new visa and sponsorship before the expiry of their current visa. Additionally, family members cannot be included in the 870 visa application. It’s important for sponsors to understand their obligations and ensure their parents comply with all the visa conditions. Failure to do so may result in visa cancellation or other penalties.
