Parent Visa – Subclass 870
Overview
If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident wanting your parents to live with you, the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa could be the perfect solution. This visa allows your parents to stay in Australia for up to 10 years, providing valuable time together without the long delays of permanent parent visas.
Why the Subclass 870 Matters
The Subclass 870 is the fastest way to reunite with your parents in Australia, offering extended stays and greater flexibility than standard visitor visas.
What is the Subclass 870 Visa?
The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa is a family visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. Unlike permanent parent visas, it provides a quicker pathway for families to reunite.
Purpose
This visa was created to help families stay together without facing the long waiting periods of permanent parent visas. It is ideal for families seeking immediate reunion and who are prepared to cover the costs of a long-term temporary stay.
Key Features:
- Type: Temporary visa (not permanent)
- Duration: You can choose a 3-year or 5-year stay per grant
- Maximum stay: Up to 10 years total across multiple applications
- Multiple entries: Your parents can travel in and out of Australia freely
- Study rights: Parents can study for up to 3 months
- Work rights: No work permission included
- Healthcare: Private health insurance required (no Medicare access)
Eligibility Requirements
Your parents must meet these basic criteria to apply for this parent visa:
Age requirements:
- No specific age limit
Location:
- Must apply from outside Australia (unless invited otherwise)
Health and Character Requirements:
- Pass medical examinations
- Provide police clearances from all countries lived in
Relationship:
- Must be your biological, adoptive, or step-parent
Important note about step-parents: If your step-parent wants to apply, they must still be married to your biological parent.
Your parents need to show they can support themselves financially:
- Prove they have enough money for their stay
- Maintain private health insurance throughout their visit
- Cover all living expenses during their time in Australia
Requirements for You (The Sponsor)
As the sponsor, you must meet strict criteria:
- Citizenship Requirements: Australian permanent resident, OR Eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia
- Residency: You must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years before applying.
- Minimum annual income of $83,454.80
- You can combine income with your spouse or partner
- You can also combine with a sibling’s income if needed
- A maximum of two parents per household at one time
- You’re responsible for your parents’ living costs
- You must ensure they follow all visa conditions
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
Sponsorship Application
Parent Visa Application
What to Expect During Processing
Important Tips
Start gathering documents early. Complete the application process much faster than those missing paperwork.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Identity documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
- Police clearances from all countries lived in for 12+ months
- Health examination results
- Passport-style photographs
- Family relationship proof: Birth certificates showing the parent-child relationship
- Financial Support Documents: Bank statements, income proof
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance policy
- Sponsorship documents: Your approved sponsorship application
- Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Income evidence (tax returns, payslips, employment letters)
- Relationship evidence linking you to your parents to identity documents
How This Visa Helps Your Family
The Subclass 870 visa offers unique benefits for families:
- Immediate reunion: No need to wait decades like permanent parent visas
- Extended stays: Much longer than tourist visas
- Flexibility: Parents can visit multiple times during the validity period
- Peace of mind: Legal status in Australia with proper documentation
- Family support: Parents can help with childcare and household support
- Cultural connection: Children can build relationships with their grandparents
Step Towards Your Australian Dream!
Whether you're pursuing skilled migration, student visas, family sponsorship, or business migration, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey toward living, working, or studying in Australia with confidence!
