Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens may sponsor their parents to live temporarily in Australia under the Parent Visa (Subclass 870). This visa is designed to facilitate family reunification, allowing parents to join their children in Australia for a period of up to 3 or 5 years, with the possibility to reapply and extend their stay for a maximum of 10 years in total. Please note, however, that the Subclass 870 visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency. Holders of this visa are ineligible to apply for other parent visas while they have applied for or hold a Subclass 870, and employment is not permitted during their stay.

With this visa, you can

• can visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa
• can apply for further visas to visit up to a maximum period in Australia of 10 years
• cannot work in Australia

You Must

• have an approved Parent Sponsor before you can lodge an application for this visa
• apply online for this visa
• lodge your visa application within 6 months of the sponsorship approval, or 60 days if we give you permission to apply in Australia.

Eligibility

To qualify as a sponsor or applicant for the Subclass 870 visa, certain criteria must be met:

Sponsor Requirements:

• Must be the biological, adopted, or step-child of the prospective visa applicant
• Must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident who has usually resided in Australia for at least four years, or an eligible New Zealand citizen who has usually resided in Australia for at least four years
• Additional conditions may apply

Applicant Requirements:

• Must be outside Australia at the time of application, unless your parent holds valid Permission to Apply in Australia
• Must provide evidence of a genuine intention to remain in Australia temporarily
• Must demonstrate access to sufficient financial resources
• Further requirements may apply

Application process for subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent visa provides a temporary stay in Australia for eligible parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Navigating the application process can be complex, and engaging a registered migration professional is strongly advised to ensure clarity, compliance, and a streamlined experience for all parties involved. To optimise your potential for a successful outcome, consider the following key steps:

Step 1: Confirm Sponsor Approval – An approved sponsor from the Department of Home Affairs is essential before any application can be submitted. Once your sponsor is approved, you will have six months to lodge your application.

Step 2: Seek Professional Guidance – Consulting with an experienced migration advisor will provide tailored insights into your situation, clarify eligibility requirements, and set clear expectations for the process ahead.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documentation – Collaborating with your advisor will help identify and organise all necessary evidence, including personal, financial, and health documents, to support a robust application.

Step 4: Submit Your Application – Once your documentation is complete, lodge your application and await the Department’s decision.

If you have questions about your individual circumstances or require support at any stage of the process, please contact Professional Visa and Education Services. We are ready to assist you with expert guidance throughout your application journey.