Australia is home to many immigrants who have created successful lives and strong communities. For these individuals, one of the most significant challenges is the physical distance from their parents, who live abroad. Thankfully, the Australian government has provided a solution with the original parent visa subclass 870, also known as a sponsored parent (temporary) visa. This visa allows the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for 3 or 5 years at a time, helping families to stay connected without the need for permanent stay.
In this blog post, we will find out what is the lesson 870 visa, who is it, the eligibility criteria, how to apply, and what to expect from the process.
What is parent visa subclass 870?
Subclass 870 is a temporary visa that allows parents to visit Australia for an extended period. Unlike other parents’ visa options, which may include long queues and high costs, 870 visa offers a more flexible and sharp option. The main objective of this visa is to spend a quality time with their children and grandchildren in Australia without affecting the permanent stay program to the parents.
The subclass 870 -visa holders can live in Australia for 3 or 5 years, with a maximum cumulative migration of 10 years. However, it is important to note that this visa does not go to a permanent residence, and once reaches a 10-year range, parents should leave the country and have to wait outside Australia for at least 90 days before applying for an 870 visa (if the eligible).
Who can apply for the lesson 870 visa?
There are two major roles in the application process:
The Sponsor (Child in Australia)
The Applicant (Parent living overseas)
Sponsor Eligibility:
To sponsor a parents under the subclass 870 visa, the sponsor must be:
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand Citizen
At least 18 years of age
Have been living in Australia for at least 4 years
Pass the income test (with a minimum household taxable income of $83,454.80 per year)
Have no significant criminal record
Agree to support the parent financially and provide accommodation and healthcare if necessary
Parents (applicant) requirements:
To be eligible for this visa, parents need:
Be outside Australia when applying
Be sponsored by an approved sponsor
Have access to adequate health insurance while in Australia
Not have an outstanding debt to the Australian Government
Meet character requirements
Unlike permanent parents’ visas, the balance of family testing does not apply to this subcontinent, making it more accessible to families where fewer children live in Australia.
Visa Duration and Cost
The Subclass 870 visa is issued for:
3 years (AUD $5,735 – as of 2025)
5 years (AUD $ 11,470 – 2025)
The fee is paid in two installments, payment is made before the application and the second visa before providing.
The holders can apply for a second visa to increase their stay until they exceed the maximum limit of 10-year.
Step by step application process
Applying for the subclass 870 visa includes several stages and should be done carefully to avoid delays or refusions.
Step 1: sponsorship approval
The Australian child must first apply to become an approved sponsor.
The Department of Home Affairs will assess the eligibility of the sponsors including financial inquiry and background check. This step may take several months, so the initial plan is necessary.
Step 2: Visa application by parents
Once sponsorship is approved, the parent can submit the visa application within 6 months. This must be done from outside Australia. During the application, the parent needs to provide:
Identity documents
Proof of relationship with the sponsor
Health insurance coverage
Police approval certificate
Step 3: Checking Health and Character
Applicants must undergo medical examinations and provide character documents (usually police approval) from any country, where they lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.
Step 4: Wait for decision
Processing time varies, but can range from 6 to 12 months depending on the application versions and complexity.
Things to take care
No task rights: The subcontinent does not allow the 870 -visa holder to work in Australia.
No Medicare Access: Visa holders must have private health insurance for their stay period.
Only temporary: This visa does not move towards permanent residence, nor can it be converted into a permanent original visa while onshore.
Many entries: allows to travel in and out in Australia during the visa stay period.
final thoughts
Subclass 870 parent visa is a valuable option for families who want to spend more time together in Australia, without complex and often navigating longer permanent visa routes. It provides a period of generous living period, flexibility in travel and some permanent options than some permanent options.