Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – Bring Your Parents Closer

Reunite with Your Parents in Australia for Up to 10 Years

Want your parents to spend extended time with you in Australia without needing permanent migration? The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa allows eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their biological, adoptive, or step-parents to stay in Australia for up to 5 years at a time, with a maximum stay of 10 years.

Unlike other parent visas, this does not require a balance of family test, making it a more flexible, faster option for family reunification.

Why Choose the Subclass 870 Parent Visa?

The Subclass 870 visa is ideal for families looking to maintain close ties without long-term commitment or high visa costs associated with permanent parent visas. It allows parents to stay longer than a standard visitor visa and offers multiple entry options, giving families the time and flexibility to create lasting memories together in Australia.

Key Benefits of Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa

• Stay in Australia for up to 5 years per visa, and a maximum of 10 years in total
• No balance of family test required
• No need to leave the country every few months like on a visitor visa
• Flexibility to apply for a second 870 visa (with maximum stay conditions)
• Stay with children and grandchildren for extended family support
• Option to enter and leave Australia multiple times during the visa validity

Who Can Sponsor a Parent for the 870 Visa?

To sponsor your parent(s), you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Have been living in Australia for at least 4 years
• Have taxable income of at least AUD $83,454.80 in the most recent financial year
• Have no significant outstanding public health debts
• Pass character checks and agree to financial support for the parent

Each sponsor can sponsor up to 2 parents at any time.

Who Can Apply for the Subclass 870 Visa?

To be eligible as a visa applicant (parent), you must:

• Be outside Australia at the time of application (unless COVID exemptions apply)
• Be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsor
• Be sponsored by an approved sponsor
• Have adequate health insurance for the duration of stay
• Pass health and character checks
• Agree to comply with visa conditions, including not working in Australia

Important Visa Conditions

• Cannot work in Australia while on this visa
• Must maintain adequate private health insurance
• Must comply with no further stay conditions (unless waived)
• Visa duration of up to 5 years, with an option to apply again (cumulative stay up to 10 years)

Required Documents and Sponsorship Process

Step 1: Sponsorship Approval

The Australian child (sponsor) must first apply and receive approval as a family sponsor. Once approved, the parent can apply for the visa.

Step 2: Visa Application by Parent

The parent submits the visa application within 6 months of sponsorship approval. Key documents include:

• Passport and identity details
• Health insurance policy
• Relationship proof with sponsor
• Police certificates from all countries lived in
• Health check results

How BFES Global Supports You

At BFES Global, we make family reunification seamless by managing the end-to-end Subclass 870 visa process:

• Verify sponsor eligibility and income criteria
• Prepare and lodge sponsorship application
• Guide parents through visa documentation
• Help choose the right length of stay (3 or 5 years)
• Assist with health insurance and financial support letters
• Keep you updated through every stage

Frequently Asked Questions – Subclass 870 Parent Visa

Can I stay permanently on a Subclass 870 visa?
No. It is a temporary visa, but you may reapply for another 870 visa for a cumulative total stay of 10 years.

Can I work on this visa?
No. Work is not permitted on the Subclass 870 visa.

Is the balance of family test required?
No. This visa does not require the balance of family test.

Can I apply for this visa while in Australia?
Generally, you must be offshore at the time of application unless exemption is granted.

Can both parents apply together?
Yes, if both are eligible and sponsored by the same child, they may apply together or separately.

What happens after the visa expires?
You must leave Australia before the visa expires or apply for another valid visa (if eligible).

Can this visa lead to permanent residency?
No. The 870 visa is not a pathway to PR, but it allows long-term stay for family bonding.

Subclass 870 Parent Visa Summary

Visa Type: Sponsored Parent (Temporary)
Stay Period: Up to 5 years (max 10 years total stay)
Sponsor Required: Yes (Australian child)
Work Rights: No
Includes Health Insurance: Mandatory
Family Unit Limit: 2 parents at a time
Pathway to PR: No
Application Location: Offshore (usually)

Reunite with Your Parents—Let BFES Global Handle the Rest

Bringing your parents to Australia for long-term stays shouldn’t be stressful. At BFES Global, we simplify the Subclass 870 visa process so you can focus on what truly matters—family.