Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870)
The Subclass 870 visa is a temporary visa that lets parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years. It allows parents to stay longer in Australia but doesn't lead to permanent residency. Applicants must be sponsored by their child in Australia and meet health and character requirements. This visa is ideal for parents who want to visit for an extended period without applying for a permanent parent visa.
Benefits of the Subclass 870 Visa
Temporary Residency
Reside temporarily in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa application
Balance of Family Test
Applicants are not required to meet the balance of family test requirements for this visa.
Re-apply Visa
Reapply for further visits, allowing you to stay in Australia for a total of up to 10 years.
Assurance of Support
Applicants are not required to prove an Assurance of Support to apply for this visa.
Family Reunion
Reunite with your children in Australia
Subclass 870 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Subclass 870, Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa, applicants must meet several essential criteria:
Sponsorship
You must have an approved Parent Sponsor in Australia to apply for this visa.
Sufficient Fund
You must have enough money or access to sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
Genuine Intention
You must intend to:
Stay in Australia temporarily, as allowed by the visa conditions.
Only engage in activities that are permitted under the terms of the visa.
Health Insurance
You must have and maintain adequate health insurance from an Australian provider to cover any unexpected medical treatment during your stay in Australia.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must pass health checks and provide police certificates to meet the character requirements.
Steps to apply for the Subclass 870 Visa
Ensure Eligibility
Verify that you meet the basic requirements, such as having an eligible sponsor, passing the balance-of-family test, and fulfilling health and character requirements.
1
Gather Documents
Collect the necessary documents, including proof of identity, your sponsor’s details, health and police clearances, and evidence of meeting the balance-of-family test.
2
Submit the Application
Submit the visa application online or by paper through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure that all required documents are attached to avoid delays.
3
Health and Character Checks
Undergo medical examinations and submit police clearances from all countries you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
4
Wait for Processing
After submitting the application, you may be granted a bridging visa to remain in Australia while waiting for the decision.
5
Current Processing Time: Subclass 870 Visa
When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.
| Stream | Processing time frame (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Contributory Aged Parent Visa (SC 173) | 14 years |
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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For the Subclass 870 visa, there is no income limit for the parent applying. However, the sponsor (the child in Australia) must earn at least AUD 83,454.80 per year, or have a combined income with their partner that meets this amount, to be eligible to sponsor a parent
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No, the Subclass 870 visa does not grant access to Medicare. You must arrange private health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
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No, the Subclass 870 visa does not allow you to work in Australia. You are only permitted to visit and stay temporarily.
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The Subclass 870 visa allows parents to visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years, with the possibility of reapplying for a total stay of up to 10 years. It allows parents to stay longer than typical visitor visas.
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No, the Subclass 870 visa does not come with a bridging visa. If you apply while in Australia, you must hold a valid visa until the 870 visa is granted.