Bringing your parents closer and reuniting as a family in Australia is an exciting opportunity made possible by the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) commonly known as the “10-year parent visa”. While the total stay can add up to 10 years over multiple visits, it’s important to note that the visa does not allow a continuous 10-year stay in one go.
This visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for extended periods—up to 3 or 5 years at a time.
While this visa offers a way for parents to stay in Australia, the fees and other expenses involved can be surprising. The total expense can seem overwhelming, from application fees to extra costs like medical exams and document certifications. Knowing these costs in advance helps avoid unexpected financial strain and supports better planning.
In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the full “Australia’s Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa’s (subclass 870) cost,” including both the mandatory government fees and additional expenses. Covering each aspect will give you the clarity needed to make informed financial decisions as you move forward with your family’s plans.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
What Makes the 10-Year Parent Visa Special?
The 10-year parent visa offers a unique chance to bring your parents closer, allowing them to stay for an extended time and actively participate in family life. The Subclass 870 is a particularly lucrative option for parents who do not meet the “balance of family test” required for most of the other parent visas.
Grant Period:
The visa can be granted for 3 years or 5 years per application, requiring reapplications to reach the cumulative 10-year limit. Families can choose the option that best fits their budget and needs.
Separate Applications:
Each parent must apply individually, and costs are calculated separately for each application.
Sponsor Requirements:
Sponsors must pass an income test to demonstrate financial stability and provide support for their parents.
The Visa Application Costs
The first major expense for the 10-year parent visa is the application fee, which is paid directly to the Australian government. This fee is necessary to start the application process and is usually required upfront. However, understanding the breakdown and potential changes in these fees can make a big difference in your planning.
Breakdown of Application Fees
The application fees for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) are paid in two installments. Currently, the application fee is AUD 5,895 for a 3-year visa or AUD 11,785 for a 5-year visa.
- The first installment is due when you submit your visa application.
- The second installment is required when the Department of Home Affairs requests it, typically before your visa is granted.
- This second payment is generally higher than the first installment, so it’s important to be prepared for this additional cost.
These fees vary depending on the specific circumstances and processing times. Checking the latest information on official government websites or consulting with a visa expert can provide the most accurate figures.
Please Note: It’s also worth noting that visa application fees can change over time due to policy updates, inflation adjustments, or administrative changes. This means that even if you’re budgeting for the current fees now, there could be an increase by the time you submit your application.
With the main visa application fees understood, it’s also important to know how to handle the payment process itself and what to expect in terms of refund policies.
Payment Process and Refund Policies
When you’re applying for the 10-year parent visa, understanding the payment process and refund policies can make everything feel more manageable. Let’s break down the available payment options, when you might be eligible for a refund, and what to do if you have any issues with your payment.
Visa Fee Payment Methods
Australia’s visa fees can be paid in several convenient ways.
- Credit or Debit Card – This is the fastest and most common way to pay, but will incur transaction charges.
- BPay – BPay is available and there are no transaction charges so you can save money, but the payment processing and application acceptance may take a couple of days.
- Paypal – PayPal might let you link payment types that are not available in Australia to your PayPal account. See the PayPal website in your country for more information. A surcharge of 1.01% applies.
- Union Pay – Immigration department accepts UnionPay for online payments in ImmiAccount. Surcharge of 1.90% applies on this payment
It’s best to double-check your chosen payment method’s acceptance on the official Department of Home Affairs website, as options may vary slightly based on where you’re applying from.
Refund Conditions
Visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is denied. But there are a few cases where you could get your money back:
- Duplicate Payments: If you accidentally pay the fee twice, you can request a refund for the extra payment.
- Government Error: If there’s an error on the government’s side, such as overcharging or technical issues, they might issue a refund.
- Specific Cancellations: In rare cases, if the government cancels your application for specific reasons, they might offer a partial refund.
If you think you qualify for a refund, it’s best to check directly with the Department of Home Affairs or a migration agent.
Resolving Payment Issues or Disputes
If you run into any problems with your visa fee payment, like a technical error or an extra charge, take these steps:
- Check Your Statements: Look at your bank or credit card statement to see if the payment went through.
- Contact the Department: If you see an error, reach out to the Department of Home Affairs for help, as fast as you can.
- Keep All Records: Save any payment confirmations and emails. They’re useful if you need to resolve a dispute.
- Migration Agent: If you’re working with a migration agent, they can assist in navigating any payment issues and save you the hassle of handling it alone.
Understanding these payment and refund guidelines can give you peace of mind as you work through the visa application process. With the right preparation, you can handle any payment issues smoothly and stay focused on your goal of reuniting with family in Australia
With a clear understanding of the payment process and refund policies, it’s also essential to look at the financial responsibilities expected from your sponsor.
Financial Requirements for Sponsors
To sponsor a 10-year parent visa, sponsors must meet certain financial criteria. This includes a minimum income requirement and, in some cases, a financial guarantee that the government might request to ensure the sponsor can cover potential costs.
1. Minimum Taxable Income Requirement
One of the main criteria is that the sponsor must have a minimum taxable income. Your taxable income for the most recently completed taxable income year prior to the date of lodging the sponsorship application must be at least AUD 83,454.80 or greater.
If you do not meet the income test requirement on your own, you can combine your taxable income with your partner’s and/or another child of the prospective visa applicant who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. When combining income, your taxable income must be at least 50% of the specified taxable income amount to pass the income test.
This requirement is set to confirm that the sponsor can provide adequate financial support.
- Financial Guarantees
In some cases, the government may ask for a financial guarantee or bond. This guarantee acts as a form of insurance, ensuring that if any unexpected costs arise, they won’t fall solely on the applicant or the Australian healthcare system. It’s better to check with the Department of Home Affairs or consult a migration expert to understand if this applies to your situation.
Meeting these financial requirements ensures that your sponsor is fully prepared to support your stay in Australia without placing extra strain on government resources. However, there are also additional costs to consider that may arise during the application process.
Additional Costs to Consider Beyond Application Fees
Apart from the main application fees, the 10-year parent visa process comes with a range of additional costs that can add up. These expenses often include essential steps like health checks and document certifications, as well as some potential hidden fees that families might not anticipate.
1. Medical Exams and Police Checks
All applicants must undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates to meet Australia’s health and character requirements. These are mandatory parts of the application and usually come with separate fees:
- Medical Exams: The cost of medical exams varies depending on the applicant’s country and specific medical requirements but can range from [insert approximate cost if available].
- Police Checks: Police clearance certificates are required from each country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. The cost of these documents varies based on the country and processing time.
Being prepared for these health and character requirements and their associated fees, can help ensure a smoother application process and avoid any unexpected delays.
2. Document Translation and Certification
If any required documents are in a language other than English, they must be translated and certified to meet Australian standards. This step adds further costs:
- Translation Fees: Translation costs vary depending on document length and language, with an average fee ranging from [insert approximate cost if available].
- Certification Fees: Some documents may also need certification by an authorized professional, adding a small but essential expense.
Ensuring all documents meet Australian standards through translation and certification can help your application stay on track.
3. Potential Travel and Administrative Fees
Applicants may need to budget for travel costs, especially if attending appointments or gathering documents from different locations. Some families also opt for professional visa assistance, which can simplify the process but adds extra administrative fees.
4. Costs for Getting or Updating Health Insurance
Health insurance is often required for visa applicants. If you don’t already have a policy that meets Australia’s requirements, you’ll need to get one, which adds to your expenses. If you already have health insurance, you may still need to update it to meet visa standards, which could also add extra costs.
Please Note:
- Families opting for the 3-year visa should plan for earlier reapplications, which involve additional costs for medical exams, police clearances, and document translations.
- The 5-year visa minimizes the frequency of reapplications, helping reduce these recurring expenses.
These additional and sometimes hidden costs are important to consider when budgeting for the 10-year parent visa, especially if you’re planning to extend your stay and need to factor in potential reapplication and renewal fees.
Reapplication and Renewal Fees
If you’re considering renewing your 10-year parent visa, it’s important to know that you’ll need to apply for a new visa rather than renewing the current one. When reapplying for Australia’s Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870), you can choose between a 3-year or 5-year extension. Reapplying comes with its own set of fees and requirements, so planning ahead can make a big difference.
Reapplication Fees
When reapplying for the 10-year parent visa, you’ll need to pay the application charges again. Currently, the fees are as follows:
Reapplying for the 3-year visa multiple times to reach the 10-year limit could cost more in the long run than opting for two 5-year visas upfront.
The 5-year visa reduces the frequency of reapplications, saving time and minimizing additional costs for health checks, police clearances, and other administrative requirements.
New Additional Costs to Consider
Apart from the reapplication fees, you may come across other costs, which can include:
- Health Examinations: New medical exams may be required, and they come with their own expenses.
- Police Checks: Updated police clearance certificates might also be needed, depending on your situation.
- Document Translations: Any new documents in a language other than English will need certified translations.
These additional costs can add up, so it’s helpful to budget accordingly if you’re planning for a longer stay.
Please Note: Visa fees and requirements may change based on Australian government policies. The costs provided here are approximate and may vary. For the most current information, please refer to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a migration specialist.
Tips for Managing the 10-Year Parent Visa Process
Applying for the 10-year parent visa involves several steps and costs, but a few simple strategies can help make the process smoother and more manageable. Here are some practical tips:
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Start Early and Stay Organized
Gathering required documents, scheduling health exams, and securing police clearances can take time, especially if you need documentation from different countries. Starting the process early and organizing documents as you go can help avoid last-minute stress.
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Stay Updated on Visa Fees
Since visa fees can change due to policy adjustments, check the latest rates on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying or reapplying. This can help you budget accurately and avoid unexpected surprises.
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Budget for Additional Expenses
While you might know the primary application fees, make sure to set aside extra funds for potential costs like medical exams, police checks, and document translations. A buffer in your budget will help cover any additional expenses along the way.
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Seek Professional Assistance if Needed
If the application process feels overwhelming, consider consulting with a migration agent like Knowbal. They can guide you through the requirements, help avoid costly mistakes, and keep your application on track.
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Keep Copies of All Documents
Save copies of all your application documents, receipts, and certificates in both digital and physical formats. This can be especially helpful if any documents need to be referenced or re-submitted during the application process.
These tips can simplify the application process and reduce the chance of delays or any unexpected issues, helping you move forward.
Final Thoughts
Applying for Australia’s 10-year parent visa is a great way to bring family together, but it’s important to be aware of all the costs involved. Besides the main application fees, you might also need to pay for medical exams, police clearances, and document translations. Knowing about these costs early can help you budget and avoid any surprises.
Starting the process early, staying informed about fee changes, and organizing all your documents can make things much easier. If you’re feeling uncertain, a migration specialist can also help guide you through each step, making sure everything is in order.
With good planning, you can approach the 10-year parent visa application with confidence, prepared for each step as you work toward reuniting with your family in Australia. For expert help navigating these steps, reach out to Knowbal and get guidance on each part of the process, so you can focus on what matters most—being together with your loved ones.
