Many Australian families wish to spend more time with their parents, especially those who live overseas. However, permanent parent visas can be costly and slow to process. That’s where the 870 visa Australia, also known as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, becomes a flexible and attractive option.

This visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily for up to 10 years — without the need to meet strict migration requirements. In this article, we break down what the parent visa 870 offers, who it’s for, and how long it takes to process.

What Is the Parent Visa Subclass 870?

The parent visa subclass 870 is a temporary visa that allows eligible parents to stay in Australia for either 3 or 5 years per visa, with a maximum combined stay of 10 years. It's important to note that this visa does not lead to permanent residency, but it gives families the chance to spend extended time together without the long waiting periods of other parent visa options.

The visa must be sponsored by a child who is settled in Australia. Sponsors must apply and be approved before the visa application can be submitted.

Eligibility Criteria for the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa

To apply for the 870 sponsored parent visa, both the sponsor and the parent applicant must meet specific criteria:

For Sponsors:

• Must be 18 years or older

• Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen

• Must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years

• Must meet minimum income thresholds

• Must be approved as a family sponsor by the Department of Home Affairs

For Parents:

• Must be biological, adoptive, or step-parents of the sponsor

• Must be outside Australia when applying (unless applying for a second visa)

• Must have sufficient health insurance for their stay

• Must meet character and health requirements

• Must provide evidence of financial support

One advantage of this visa is that no Balance of Family Test is required, which is often a barrier for many parents applying for permanent migration.

Benefits of the Parent Visa 870

The 870 visa Australia offers a number of practical benefits for families:

• Longer stays: Parents can stay for up to 5 years at a time

• Multiple entries: You can enter and leave Australia freely during your stay

• No migration cap: There are more places available compared to other parent visa subclasses

• No need for permanent residency: Ideal for parents not seeking to settle permanently

• Faster process: Typically much quicker than permanent parent visas

Families use this visa to help care for grandchildren, enjoy extended family time, or simply avoid long separations due to distance.

870 Parent Visa Processing Time

The 870 parent visa processing time varies based on the individual case and the volume of applications. However, based on current trends:

• 75% of applications are processed in around 8 months

• 90% of applications are completed within 11 months

Delays can occur if the sponsorship is incomplete or if the Department of Home Affairs requests further documentation. To speed things up, make sure all documents are accurate, current, and properly certified.

It’s important to note that the sponsor must be approved before the visa application can be submitted. This step alone can take a few months, so early planning is key.

Visa Fees and Duration

The parent visa 870 has two main cost options:

• 3-year visa: AUD $5,735

• 5-year visa: AUD $11,470

The fee is typically paid in two installments: one when applying and one before the visa is granted.

After the first visa expires, parents can apply for a second 870 visa to stay longer — up to the 10-year maximum. However, once the 10 years are used, parents must leave Australia for at least 90 days before they can apply again.

Important Limitations to Consider

• Parents cannot work while holding this visa.

• No access to Medicare or social security benefits.

• The visa cannot be extended beyond 10 years.

• You’ll need to maintain valid health insurance throughout your stay.

If parents wish to live in Australia permanently, they must explore other visa options such as the subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa.

Final Thoughts

The parent visa subclass 870 provides a valuable opportunity for families to reunite without waiting years or committing to permanent migration. While it doesn’t offer a path to permanent residency, it gives parents the chance to stay close to loved ones, enjoy life in Australia, and build stronger family connections.