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Sponsored Parent Visa (870)
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What is the Sponsored Parent Visa (870)?
The Sponsored Parent Visa (subclass 870) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia temporarily for up to 3 or 5 years, without the need to meet the Balance of Family Test. This visa is ideal for families who want to spend extended time together without committing to permanent migration straight away.
Unlike other parent visas, the 870 visa does not lead to permanent residency, but it provides a flexible, faster alternative for parents who want to visit and stay for longer periods. It’s a popular choice for families looking to bridge the gap between visits or while planning for permanent migration in the future.
Who Can Apply for the Sponsored Parent Visa 870?
To be eligible for the Sponsored Parent Visa (subclass 870), applicants must:
- Be the biological, adoptive or step-parent of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted (unless applying for a subsequent visa)
- Have an approved Parent Sponsor before applying
- Not work in Australia (study and volunteer work are permitted)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Hold adequate private health insurance
- Provide evidence of sufficient income to support the stay in Australia
Benefits of the Sponsored Parent Visa
This temporary visa provides:
- A stay of up to 3 or 5 years per visa, with the option to reapply and stay for a maximum of 10 years
- No need to meet the Balance of Family Test
- Faster processing than most permanent parent visas
- Ability to live with family in Australia for an extended period
- Multiple entries to and from Australia during the visa period
- Ideal for short- to mid-term family reunification
Document Checklist for the Sponsored Parent Visa Application
Documents typically required include:
- Valid passport and identification
- Approved Parent Sponsorship application from your child
- Evidence of relationship to your sponsor
- Proof of private health insurance
- Police clearances and health examination results
- Financial evidence showing your ability to support yourself during your stay
- Visa application form and supporting documentation
How the Sponsored Parent Visa Works
- Parent Sponsorship – Your child (or eligible sponsor) must apply for and receive Parent Sponsor approval before you apply for the visa.
- Apply from Overseas – Once sponsorship is approved, you must apply for the visa from outside Australia.
- Temporary Stay Granted – You can stay for 3 or 5 years, with the ability to apply for further subclass 870 visas to remain for up to 10 years total.
- No Work Rights – You are not permitted to work while on this visa, but study and volunteer work are allowed.
At Australian Visa Advice, we help families reunite quickly and stress-free with the Sponsored Parent Visa. We’ll guide both sponsors and parents through each step to ensure the application is handled correctly and efficiently.
Sponsored Parent Visa FAQs
You can stay for up to 3 or 5 years per visa, with a maximum combined stay of 10 years on this visa type.
No, you cannot work in Australia on this visa. However, you may study or volunteer during your stay.
Yes. You must hold adequate private health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
No. The initial visa application must be lodged from outside Australia, unless you are applying for a subsequent subclass 870 visa.
No. The Sponsored Parent Visa is a temporary visa only and does not offer a pathway to permanent residency.
