Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) Australia

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870 visa) enables parents to reside with their children in Australia, bypassing the balance-of-family test. Why is this temporary visa a beneficial choice while awaiting permanent residency results? Follow VEM to find out the answer.

What is a Subclass 870 visa?

The Subclass 870 visa, also known as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, offers a temporary residency option for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. 

It allows parents to live in Australia for extended periods, typically up to 3 or 5 years per visa application, without needing to satisfy the usual balance-of-family test required by other parent visas. This visa helps parents to reunite with their families in Australia while awaiting the outcome of their permanent residency applications.

For families who already have children migrating under partner pathways, such as those applying for an Australian partnership visa, the 870 visa becomes a valuable temporary option to support parents in joining their family in Australia sooner.

Notably, parents can reapply for this visa a second time to be able to stay in Australia for up to 10 years.

Benefits of a Subclass 870 visa

The Subclass 870 visa, or Sponsored Parent Temporary visa, offers several key benefits for visa holders:

• Extended stay: Allows parents to reside in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa application, facilitating longer periods with family.
• No balance-of-family test: Unlike other Family visas, it does not require parents to meet the balance-of-family test, simplifying eligibility criteria.
• Multiple entries: Permits unlimited travel to and from Australia during the visa validity period, ideal for family visits and flexibility.
• Volunteering: While primarily for family reunification and without work rights, incidental volunteering activities are permitted.

You may also explore an alternative and more economical option: the Visitor visa (Subclass 600). For further details, please contact VEM.

Who can apply for the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa?

The Subclass 870 visa is intended for parents who qualify for the following requirements:

• Be the parent, step-parent, or parent-in-law of an eligible sponsor who is either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old at the time you apply.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, you can consult with our registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877)

Who can be a sponsor for the 870 visa?

To sponsor a parent for this visa, the children must meet the following conditions:

• Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident who has lived in Australia for at least 4 years, or an eligible New Zealand citizen who has normally lived in Australia for 4 years or more.
• They must not have held certain Bridging visas or stayed in Australia unlawfully within the past 4 years.
• If you want to sponsor your partner’s parents, this is possible as long as your partner also meets the citizenship or residency requirements.

Requirements of a 870 visa 

The Subclass 870 visa (Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa) has specific requirements that applicants must meet:

• Sponsorship: An eligible sponsor (typically a child of the parent) must sponsor the visa applicant and provide financial support. The sponsor(s) must have at least AUD 83,454.80 in taxable income.
• Health insurance: Applicants must maintain adequate subclass 870 health insurance for their stay in Australia.
• Genuine temporary stay: Applicants must demonstrate genuine intent for a temporary stay in Australia.
• Health and character: Applicants must meet health and character criteria.

For further assistance, please reach out to VEM. Our professional consultant will assist you in choosing the optimal migration pathway and ensuring thorough preparation for your Australia visa application.

Steps to apply for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa

To apply for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870), you will follow these steps:

1. Check sponsor eligibility: Ensure the sponsor meets the income requirement of at least $83,454.80 in taxable income.
2. Prepare supporting documents: Gather necessary documents such as proof of identity, health insurance, and evidence of financial capacity.
3. Submit the application: Pay the visa application fee and lodge the visa application online through the Australian Government’s immigration portal, attaching all required documents.
4. Health and character checks: Complete health examinations and provide police clearance certificates if required.
5. Wait for a decision: Await a decision on your visa application. Subclass 870 processing time may vary, so monitor your application status regularly.
6. Visa grant: If approved, receive your Subclass 870 visa grant notification. Ensure you understand the 870 visa conditions and comply with them during your stay in Australia.
7. Travel to Australia: Once the visa is granted, plan your travel to Australia within the validity period of the visa.

These steps outline the process for applying for a Sponsored Parent Temporary visa, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared application experience.

Costs of a 870 visa application

The subclass 870 Parent visa cost varies depending on the length of stay you are applying for. Below are the latest fees updated by the DHA:

Note: The Subclass 870 fees listed above do not include a 1.4% surcharge.

In addition, you need to pay for other fees regarding health examination, biometrics collection, and police clearance check.

Processing times of a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa

Subclass 870 has the shortest processing times of any other Parent visas:

• 50% of applications are processed within 3 months
• 90% of applications are processed within 7 months

Processing times for the Subclass 870 visa can extend beyond expected durations if applications are not properly lodged. To optimize your chances, ensure your application is submitted correctly for a “ready-made decision.” For further guidance, contact VEM for expert assistance.

Contact VEM for further assistance! Our registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877) and member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648) will provide legal advice and expert support to ensure your visa application is meticulously prepared for the best possible outcome.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Mr. Phong Cao

CEO and Founder of VEM

Mr. Phong Cao is a licensed migration agent by MARA (MARN: 1577877). He is also a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), one of the most reputable organizations in the field of immigration in Australia. In addition, Mr. Phong Cao holds a QEAC certification in study abroad consulting (QEAC: K580) and Australian real estate investment (RA85931). With over 12 years of experience in Australian immigration, he provides comprehensive solutions for studying and settling in Australia.