If you are living in Australia and have wished your parents could stay with you longer than just a quick holiday visit, you are not alone. The emotional tug of being away from loved ones – especially parents – can be a real struggle. Fortunately, there is a visa that can help with this: the 870 Visa Australia, officially known as a sponsored (temporary) father visa. Although not a permanent correction, it is a solid option for families who want to stay together more often – and longer.
Let’s unzip what this visa is, how it works, for who is and if it is the right choice for the family situation.
What Is the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa?
Simply put, the parent visa 870 is a temporary visa that allows the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible neoZelanders to remain in Australia for three or five years at a time. It was introduced in 2019 – partially to meet the needs of migrant families who wanted a practical way to visit their parents without the massive times of permanent visas.
Unlike other long -term visa options for parents, it does not require parents to permanently emphasize or prove that most of their children are in Australia. This last part is important and we will return to it.
What Makes This Visa Different?
Here are some featured features:
- You can request a stay of 3 or 5 years.
- You do not need to meet the family test.
- The visa is extendable, up to a total of 10 years.
- It is a multiple input visa, so it is allowed to go and go during this period.
- There are no work rights – this visa is to visit, not for employment.
It is worth mentioning again: this visa does not lead to permanent residence. It was designed exclusively for family reunification, not immigration.
Who Can Sponsor and Be Sponsored?
This visa works on a two-step process. First, the child living in Australia becomes an approved sponsor. Then, the parent applies for the visa itself.
To sponsor your parent, you must:
- Be over 18 and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible citizen of New Zealand.
- He has lived in Australia for at least four years.
- Earn at least AUD $83,454.80 (as of the latest updates).
- Have no major debts to the Australian Government.
- Be of good character—meaning no criminal record or past visa breaches.
For the parent:
- You must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsor.
- You’ll need to be outside Australia when you apply (unless applying for a second 870 visa).
- Adequate health insurance is a must.
- You’ll also need to meet character and health checks.
And here’s a major plus: unlike other parent visas, there’s no Balance of Family Test. This means that you do not have to have established that most of your kids live in Australia. You may still be able to apply even if one of your children resides in Sydney and the others are abroad.
How the Application Process Works
There’s no denying the process can feel a bit administrative, but it’s very doable if you break it down.
Sponsorship First
The Australian-based child applies to become an approved sponsor. This application includes documents like proof of income, ID, and evidence of Australian residence.
Visa Application
Once sponsorship is approved, the parent must apply for the visa within six months. You’ll need your passport, health insurance documents, character clearances, and so on.
You can’t submit the visa application until the sponsorship is approved—so don’t jump the gun.
Fees and Costs
We won’t sugar-coat this—this visa is not cheap. Here’s the cost breakdown:
- Sponsorship application fee: $420 AUD
- Visa application:
- 3-year visa: $5,735 AUD
- 5-year visa: $11,470 AUD
And that’s not all. You’ll also need to buy private health insurance that meets the visa requirements, which can vary depending on the age and health of the parent.
However, for many families, the costs are justified. It is faster than temporary parent visas, which can take ten years and permanent parent visas, which can also take ten years before grant.
How Long Does It Take?
Sponsorship applications take about 2–4 months. Once the sponsor is approved the visa application takes between 4–6 months, sometimes longer depending on the situation.
For families wanting to bring parents for special events/occasions—such as a new baby being born or graduation—it will pay to plan ahead.
Is It a Better Option Than Other Parent Visas?
Honestly, it depends on what you want.
If you are hoping to eventually have your parents become a permanent resident using the 870 visa Australia is probably not a great option. But if your main goal is to have your parents with you through important times in your life—helping raise the kids, or celebrating special times or just spending good times together—then yes it is a great alternative option.
It is quick (in relative terms), flexible (forster up sponsorships), and has lower thresholds to pass for eligibility when compared to permanent parent visas.
A Few Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Even though the process seems straightforward, there are a few traps to avoid:
- Applying for the visa before sponsorship is approved
- Not maintaining valid health insurance
- Missing income requirements or documentation as a sponsor
- Assuming this visa leads to permanent residency—it doesn’t
Another thing to note: If your parents stay for the full 10-year period across two visas, they’ll need to leave Australia for good or explore other visa options. There’s no third renewal under the current rules.
Reapplying and Staying Longer
You can apply again after your first visa, but there are conditions. The parent must leave Australia before reapplying, and spend at least 90 days outside the country before submitting a new application.
Again, the total cumulative stay under the parent visa 884 can’t go beyond 10 years. After that, other visa pathways would need to be considered.
Final Word
The 870 visa Australia is a brilliant option for families wanting to reunite without the red tape and long waits of permanent visas. Yes, it’s temporary. Yes, it’s expensive. But it opens doors that were previously closed for many families.
Whether it’s for helping out with a newborn, spending a few retirement years with family, or just catching up on missed time—this visa offers a bridge. One built on time, care, and shared moments.
Prior to applying, be certain to consult a government source, or a registered migration agent. Every family situation is different, and it is worth getting the application correct the first time, to save your time, money and peace-of-mind.
