When you’re trying to move or bring someone over to Australia, the visa maze can feel overwhelming. There are loads of options, and many sound similar until you dig in. Two visas people often ask about are the Partner Visa (Subclass 309) and the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870). On paper, they might seem like they’re doing the same thing, getting people to Australia to be with loved ones. But in reality, they’re built for very different situations.

I’ve walked through both processes, either personally or with family and friends, so here’s what I can tell you, no legal jargon, just plain talk.

Partner Visa 309 – For Couples Committed Long-Term

This one’s for people in genuine relationships, married or de facto, where one partner is an Aussie citizen, permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen who meets the criteria. The 309 visa is a temporary partner visa, and it’s the first stage toward permanent residency. It’s like a test run. If things go well, it leads to the Subclass 100 permanent visa.

But it’s not just about ticking boxes. You need to prove your relationship is real. That could mean joint finances, shared travel, or just small stuff like texts or photos showing you’re living life together. Immigration looks for more than a few happy snaps.

This visa takes a while. I’m not going to sugar-coat it—it can take over a year. And it’s not cheap. But once you have it, you can live and work in Australia while you wait for the permanent stage to kick in.

What’s involved:

• Apply outside Australia
  
• Show that your relationship is genuine
  
• Be sponsored by your partner
  
• Wait months (sometimes over a year)
  
• Leads to permanent residency
  

Sponsored Parent Visa 870 – For Parents Who Want More Time with Family

Now this one’s completely different. The 870 is for parents of Aussies (citizens or permanent residents) who want to spend more time with their families, especially grandkids, but don’t want or need to live here permanently. It’s a temporary visa, and you can stay for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, with a total cap of 10 years.

But, and this is key, it doesn’t lead to a permanent visa. It’s for visiting, not settling down. That said, it’s a big step up from the usual visitor visa. You’re not limited to 3-month stays, and you can be a real part of your family’s life for a while.

There’s a cost, and your child (the sponsor) needs to meet income requirements. They also have to promise to support you and cover things like healthcare and housing, at least in theory. Private health insurance is non-negotiable.

The basics:

• Apply from outside Australia
• Your child must sponsor you
• Income limits apply
• You can’t work
• Doesn’t lead to PR
• Valid for 3 or 5 years (renewable once)

So… Which One’s Right?

Ask yourself who you are in the story.

If you’re in a relationship and you’re planning to build a life together in Australia, you want the Partner Visa 309. Yes, it’s expensive and slow, but it’s the pathway to living here permanently with the person you love.

If you’re a parent, and your child’s made a life in Australia, and you just want to be around more, help with the kids, be part of birthdays, or not miss another Christmas, the parent visa 870 eligibility is a solid choice. It’s not a ticket to stay forever, but it’s miles better than popping in and out on short visits

Partner Visa 309 vs. Parent Visa 870: Key Differences

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Quick Look at Costs

Let’s not pretend cost doesn’t matter.

• Partner Visa 309: About AUD 8,850, just for the application.
• Parent Visa 870: Sponsorship application costs about AUD 420. Then the visa itself is $5,735 for 3 years or $11,470 for 5 years.

Also, remember, you’ll likely spend extra on medicals, police checks, translations, and maybe even a migration agent if things get tricky.

Real Talk

Bringing your loved ones into Australia is a dream shared by many migrants. Thanks to options like the partner visa 309 and parent visa 870, this dream is more than ever. While each visa has its requirements and conditions, both families serve as a valuable pathway to reconnect and create a better life in Australia. 

How to apply for a visa 309 for any of these visas, start assessing your eligibility, collecting the necessary documents, and seeking guidance from a professional migration advisor. With the right preparation, your journey towards the family reunion can be smooth and successful.