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Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) Australia: Bring Your Parents for 3 or 5 Years — Eligibility, Costs & Requirements
Want your parents to stay with you in Australia for longer? The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 870 may allow eligible parents to visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, with a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years.
For many Australian families, living apart from ageing parents can be emotionally difficult. Short visits may not provide enough time to enjoy family life, celebrate important milestones or spend meaningful time together.
The Australian Sponsored Parent visa (subclass 870) offers eligible families an opportunity to reunite for extended periods without requiring parents to obtain permanent residency.
However, strict sponsorship requirements, income thresholds, substantial visa fees and health insurance obligations apply.
At Ahmad Legal & Migration Services (ALMS Australia), we assist families with Parent visa sponsorship, eligibility assessments and Australian visa applications.
1. What Is the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) in Australia?
The subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to visit Australia for an extended period.
Parents may apply for:
A 3-year Sponsored Parent visa, or
A 5-year Sponsored Parent visa.
Further subclass 870 visas may be available, subject to eligibility and a cumulative maximum stay of 10 years.
This visa allows multiple entries into Australia but does not permit employment or provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Want your parents to spend more time with you in Australia? Speak with an Immigration Lawyer about subclass 870 eligibility.
2. Who Is Eligible for a Sponsored Parent Visa 870?
To qualify, the parent must satisfy the applicable visa requirements, including having an approved Parent Sponsor.
Eligible family relationships can include biological parents, adoptive parents, step-parents and parents-in-law.
Applicants must also satisfy relevant health and character requirements, have access to sufficient financial support, maintain appropriate health insurance and genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia.
Unlike many permanent Parent visa categories, the subclass 870 visa does not require the Balance of Family Test. This makes it worth considering for families whose parents may not satisfy that test.
3. Can I Sponsor My Parents to Australia on a Subclass 870 Visa?
You may be eligible to sponsor your parents if you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and meet the applicable sponsorship requirements. These include requirements concerning age, residence, income, character and previous sponsorship obligations.
Permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens generally must satisfy a four-year usual residence requirement.
An approved sponsorship may cover up to two parents per household at a time, subject to the sponsorship rules. Importantly, sponsorship approval must be obtained before the parent lodges the subclass 870 visa application.
4. What Is the Income Requirement for a Sponsored Parent Visa 870?
The sponsoring child must satisfy a minimum taxable income requirement. The Department's published sponsorship income threshold is AUD $83,454.80, assessed against the relevant completed taxable income year.
Where the sponsor cannot meet the threshold independently, eligible income from their partner and/or another child of the parent may be combined, subject to the applicable rules.
The sponsoring child must personally contribute at least 50% of the required income threshold when combining income. Evidence generally includes relevant Australian Taxation Office Notices of Assessment.
Not sure whether your income qualifies? An Immigration Lawyer can assess your sponsorship eligibility before you lodge an application.
5. How Much Does the Sponsored Parent Visa Subclass 870 Cost?
The subclass 870 visa involves significant government application charges.
Current published standard visa application charges are:
3-year visa: AUD $6,370.
5-year visa: AUD $12,440.
Parent sponsorship application: AUD $420.
The visa application charge is payable in two instalments.
Additional expenses may include health insurance, medical examinations, police certificates, document translations and professional legal fees.
Limited concessions may apply to eligible applicants from specified Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
Government charges may change, so families should confirm the applicable fees before applying.
6. How Long Does a Sponsored Parent Visa 870 Take to Process?
Subclass 870 processing times vary depending on the application, supporting evidence, health and character checks, and Departmental workloads.
There are two separate stages:
Stage 1 — Parent Sponsorship Application
The sponsoring child applies for approval as a Parent Sponsor.
Stage 2 — Sponsored Parent Visa Application
After sponsorship approval, the parent submits their subclass 870 visa application.
Generally, the visa application must be lodged within six months of sponsorship approval. A shorter 60-day period applies where permission to apply in Australia has been granted.
Planning for your parents to visit Australia? Start assessing sponsorship eligibility early to avoid unnecessary delays.
7. Can My Parents Apply for a Subclass 870 Visa While in Australia?
Generally, the parent must be outside Australia when lodging the subclass 870 visa application. However, the Department may grant Permission to Apply in Australia in exceptional circumstances. These may include certain serious medical situations or natural disasters preventing departure. Convenience, family commitments or childcare responsibilities alone will generally not justify an exception.
If your parents are already visiting Australia, seek legal advice before making assumptions about their eligibility to lodge an onshore application.
8. Can Parents Work, Access Medicare or Get Permanent Residency on a Subclass 870 Visa?
The subclass 870 visa is a temporary visa with important limitations.
Employment: Parents cannot work in Australia while holding this visa.
Healthcare: Applicants must maintain adequate health insurance from an Australian health insurance provider. Families should budget for medical expenses and should not assume the visa provides Medicare eligibility.
Permanent residency: The subclass 870 visa does not lead directly to permanent residency.
There are also restrictions on applying for other Parent visas while a subclass 870 application is pending or the visa is held.
Families considering permanent migration should carefully compare their options before choosing this temporary visa pathway.
9. What Is the Difference Between a Sponsored Parent Visa 870, Visitor Visa 600 and Permanent Parent Visa?
Choosing the right Australian visa for your parents depends on how long they want to stay, their eligibility, finances and long-term intentions.
Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
Designed for eligible parents seeking extended temporary stays of up to 3 or 5 years per visa, with a cumulative maximum of 10 years.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
May suit parents planning shorter visits or regular travel to Australia, subject to the stay period and conditions granted.
Permanent Parent Visas (Including Subclasses 103, 143 and 804)
May offer permanent migration pathways for eligible applicants, but involve different eligibility requirements, costs and potentially lengthy processing periods.
The cheapest or fastest-looking option is not necessarily the most suitable visa for your family.
An Immigration Lawyer can help you compare the legal requirements and implications before you apply.
10. How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help With a Sponsored Parent Visa 870 Application?
A subclass 870 application involves more than completing online forms.
Sponsorship income requirements, relationship evidence, health insurance arrangements, financial obligations and visa conditions must be considered carefully.
At ALMS Australia, we can assist with:
Assessing subclass 870 visa and sponsorship eligibility.
Reviewing sponsor income requirements and supporting evidence.
Preparing Parent sponsorship applications.
Preparing subclass 870 visa applications and supporting documentation.
Advising on health insurance, visa conditions and financial obligations.
Assessing previous visa refusals or complex immigration histories.
Comparing subclass 870 with Visitor visas and other Parent visa options.
Responding to Department of Home Affairs requests for additional information.
Our Melbourne-based law practice offers convenient online consultations to families across Australia and internationally. We also provide legal assistance in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and Saraiki (English | اردو | हिन्दी | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | سرائیکی).
Want to Bring Your Parents to Australia for 3 or 5 Years?
More time together. More family memories. A chance to enjoy important moments with the people who matter most.
If you are considering sponsoring your parents for an Australian subclass 870 visa, professional legal advice can help you understand the requirements, costs and available options before committing to an application.
At Ahmad Legal & Migration Services, we can assess your family's circumstances and assist with the sponsorship and visa application process.
Speak With an Australian Parent Visa Lawyer Today
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Your family deserves time together. Start exploring your Parent visa options today.
Disclaimer: This article provides general Australian immigration information, not individual legal advice. Visa requirements, government charges, sponsorship thresholds and processing times may change. Eligibility and outcomes depend on individual circumstances.
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