The 870 Visa Sponsorship Application Form PDF is essential for sponsoring parents under the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870), streamlining the process with accurate details.
1.1 Overview of the 870 Visa Program
The 870 Visa Program, also known as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870), allows eligible parents to visit and stay with their children in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years. Designed for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, this visa provides a pathway for temporary family reunification. It is particularly beneficial for parents who cannot meet the Balance of Family test or prefer a temporary stay. The program was introduced to address the growing demand for family reunification while ensuring that additional costs to taxpayers are minimized. Applications for this visa opened on 1 July 2019, making it a popular choice for families seeking to reunite temporarily;
1.2 Importance of the Sponsorship Application Form
The 870 Visa Sponsorship Application Form PDF plays a crucial role in the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa process. It serves as the primary document for initiating the sponsorship request, ensuring all necessary details are accurately captured. The form streamlines the application process by requiring essential information about both the sponsor and the parent(s) being sponsored. Completing this form correctly is vital for approval, as it verifies the eligibility of both parties and ensures compliance with visa requirements. A properly filled-out form also facilitates faster processing and reduces the likelihood of delays or rejections. It is the first step toward reuniting families under this visa program.
Eligibility Criteria for the 870 Visa Sponsorship
Eligibility requires sponsors to meet income thresholds, be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and limit sponsorship to two parents per household. Parents must be biological, adoptive, or parents-in-law of the sponsor, enabling temporary reunification in Australia for up to five years.
2.1 Sponsor Requirements
Eligible sponsors must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Sponsors must meet specific financial requirements, with an annual income of at least AUD 83,454.80. They must also obtain approval before lodging the visa application. Sponsors are limited to supporting two parents per household and must agree to financial responsibilities for the sponsored parents during their stay in Australia. Additionally, sponsors must provide proof of their relationship to the applicant and meet character and legal requirements. The sponsorship process is strictly online, and approval is necessary before the parent can apply for the visa.
2.2 Applicant Requirements
Applicants for the 870 Visa must be biological, adoptive, step-parents, or parents-in-law of an approved sponsor. They must meet health and character requirements and demonstrate a genuine intent to stay temporarily in Australia. Applicants are required to provide proof of their relationship to the sponsor and other supporting documents. The visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years, with the option to extend their stay by applying for a new visa. However, applicants must leave Australia or apply for another visa once the maximum cumulative stay of 10 years is reached;
Step-by-Step Application Process for the 870 Visa
The process involves lodging a sponsorship application, preparing documents, and submitting the visa application online. Sponsors must be approved before parents can apply within six months.
3.1 Lodging the Sponsorship Application
Lodging the sponsorship application is the first step in the 870 Visa process. The sponsor must submit the application online, ensuring all details are accurate and complete. A sponsorship application fee of AUD 420 applies, which covers the processing of the request. The sponsor must meet eligibility criteria, such as being an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and demonstrate financial capacity to support the parent(s). Once lodged, the application is processed by the Department, and approval is required before the parent can proceed with their visa application. Approved sponsors receive notification, enabling the parent to apply within six months.
3.2 Preparing Required Documents
Preparing the required documents is crucial for a smooth 870 Visa application process. The sponsor must provide proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and evidence of their relationship to the parent, like marriage or birth certificates. Financial documents, including bank statements and tax returns, are needed to demonstrate the sponsor’s ability to support the parent financially. Additionally, the sponsor must provide proof of their Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand citizenship. The parent must also submit their own identity documents and any relevant visa history. Ensuring all documents are accurate and complete is essential to avoid delays.
3.3 Submitting the Visa Application
Once the sponsorship is approved, the parent can lodge the visa application online. Applications must be submitted within six months of sponsorship approval. The parent can apply while in Australia or overseas, but onshore applicants may need permission due to COVID-19 restrictions. The visa application charge is AUD 1,000 per applicant, plus additional fees for dependents. Required documents include proof of identity, relationship evidence, and health exams. The parent must also meet character and health requirements. After submission, processing begins, and the parent will receive updates via their online account. Approval allows the parent to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years, with the option to extend their stay.
Fees and Charges Associated with the 870 Visa
The 870 Visa involves a sponsorship application fee of AUD 420 and a visa application charge of AUD 1,000 per applicant, with additional fees for dependents.
4.1 Sponsorship Application Fee
The sponsorship application fee for the 870 Visa is AUD 420, covering the processing of the sponsor’s application. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused. Additional surcharges may apply, such as a payment processing fee. The sponsor must pay this fee when lodging the sponsorship application form. It is essential to ensure the payment is made in full and through an accepted method, as incomplete payments may delay processing. This fee does not include the visa application charges, which are separate and must be paid by the applicant. The sponsor should review the payment instructions carefully to avoid any issues.
4.2 Visa Application Charges
The visa application charges for the 870 Visa vary based on the number of applicants and the validity period. The main applicant is charged AUD 1,000, with an additional AUD 1,000 for each adult dependent and AUD 500 for each child dependent. A payment surcharge may also apply. The visa can be granted for 3 or 5 years, with higher charges for the longer validity period. Payment must be made online using a credit or debit card. These charges are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. It is important to review the payment confirmation and ensure all fees are paid before submitting the application.
Processing Times and Key Dates
Processing times for the 870 Visa vary, but sponsorship approval typically precedes visa lodgment. Visa applications must be lodged within six months of sponsorship approval, with a deadline of 1 July 2019 for initial applications.
5.1 Timeline for Sponsorship Approval
The sponsorship approval timeline for the 870 Visa typically begins once the sponsorship application is lodged. Applications opened on April 17, 2019, with processing times varying based on completeness and complexity. The Department of Home Affairs processes applications in Perth, and while timelines are not fixed, they generally aim for efficient turnaround. A sponsorship application fee of AUD 420 applies, covering the assessment process. Once approved, the sponsored parent can proceed to lodge their visa application. It is crucial to ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays, as incomplete applications may extend processing times. Accuracy and timeliness in submission are key to a smooth approval process.
5.2 Visa Application Lodgment Deadline
The visa application for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870) must be lodged within six months of sponsorship approval. This deadline ensures timely processing and alignment with program guidelines. Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their visa application promptly after sponsorship approval to avoid missing the lodgment window. If the deadline is missed, the sponsorship approval may lapse, requiring a new sponsorship application. Additionally, parents who have held the visa for the maximum cumulative period (up to 10 years) must either depart Australia or apply for another visa. Adhering to the lodgment deadline is crucial for maintaining eligibility and ensuring uninterrupted family reunification opportunities.
Benefits and Limitations of the 870 Visa
The 870 Visa allows parents to reunite with their children in Australia for up to 5 years, offering a pathway for temporary family reunification without requiring the Balance of Family Test. However, it imposes a two-parent-per-household sponsorship limit and requires sponsors to meet specific income requirements, ensuring financial responsibility. While it provides flexibility for parents to stay with their families, it does not offer a pathway to permanent residency, making it a temporary solution for family visits.
6.1 Advantages for Parents and Sponsors
The 870 Visa offers parents the opportunity to reunite with their children in Australia for up to 5 years, providing a flexible and temporary solution for family visits. It allows parents to spend extended periods with their families without requiring the Balance of Family Test, making it accessible for those with children overseas. Sponsors benefit from a streamlined process, ensuring they can support their parents’ visits while maintaining financial responsibility. The visa also provides clarity and certainty for both sponsors and parents, allowing for meaningful family time without long-term immigration commitments.
6.2 Restrictions and Conditions
The 870 Visa has specific restrictions to ensure its purpose is maintained. Parents can stay for up to 3 or 5 years but cannot work or access public healthcare. Sponsors must meet income requirements and can only sponsor two parents at a time. The visa does not lead to permanent residency, and parents must leave Australia when it expires unless they apply for another visa. Additionally, parents cannot be sponsored if they have other visa options or if the sponsorship is deemed not in the best interests of the program. These conditions ensure the visa remains a temporary family reunification pathway without burdening public resources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Application Process
Common mistakes include incomplete or inaccurate sponsorship forms, missing required documents, and failing to meet income requirements. Ensure all details are correct to avoid delays.
7.1 Avoiding Errors in the Sponsorship Form
To ensure a smooth application process, it is crucial to avoid errors in the sponsorship form. Common mistakes include typos, missing signatures, and incomplete sections. Always double-check financial details and ensure all information aligns with supporting documents. Additionally, verify that the sponsor’s identity and eligibility criteria are accurately stated. Submitting unsigned or undated forms can lead to delays or rejection. Ensure all required fields are filled correctly, and avoid altering the form’s structure. Providing clear and legible documentation is essential; Careful preparation and review of the sponsorship form can significantly reduce the risk of errors and improve the likelihood of a successful application.