Stay Close to Family in Australia with the Subclass 870 Parent Visa

Q: Can I apply for PR while on Subclass 870?

Yes — but you must apply separately for a PR stream , such as 143 or 870.

Enjoy Long-Term Visits in Australia for 3 or 5 Years with Subclass 870 Sponsorship

A perfect solution for parents seeking extended stays while awaiting permanent residency.

📖 Book A Free Consultation

🔎 Visa At-a-Glance

PR Pathway: No direct pathway to Permanent Residency

Visa Type: Temporary Visa for parents

Stay Duration: 3 or 5 years (with sponsorship)

Sponsorship: Required from an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

Work Rights: No work rights

Healthcare: No

Application Location: Offshore

Visa Fee: Up to 3 years AUD6,070.00, Up to 5 years AUD12,140.00

Processing Time: 5–7 months (approx.)

🧭 Overview of Subclass 870

Sponsorship must be approved first before applying for the visa

Application must be lodged outside Australia

Once granted, parents can stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years continuously (with option to reapply for another stay, maximum 10 years total)

Why This Visa?

Allows parents to spend extended time in Australia with their children and grandchildren

Faster processing compared to permanent parent visas (months vs decades)

Offers a flexible stay period of 3 or 5 years (renewable up to 10 years total)

No need to meet the Balance of Family Test

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

You are the parent of an eligible Australian citizen or PR

You are outside Australia when you apply

Your sponsor is approved by the Department of Home Affairs

You hold health insurance for the duration of stay

Required Documents

Proof of relationship to sponsor

Sponsor approval letter

Health insurance coverage

Character documents (police clearances)

Financial declaration

🧭 Step Application Process

🖊️Check Eligibility Criteria

🗂️ Prepare Required Documents

📑 Complete the Application Form

💳 Pay the Visa Application Fee

📑 Submit the Application

🕰️ Wait for Processing

📤 Receive Visa Decision

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without an approved sponsor

Not having valid health insurance

Confusing it with Subclass 143 or 864

Overstaying on visitor visa before applying

Tips for Strong Application

Lodge sponsorship approval early

Include full health cover details

Do not enter Australia until grant

Family Members You Can Include

Primary Applicant: The visa can only be applied for by the parent (biological, adoptive, or step-parent).

No Family Inclusion: Spouses, dependent children, or other relatives cannot be added to the same application.

After Visa Grant

Stay in Australia – Live for 3 or 5 years, depending on the visa option chosen.

Family Reunification – Reunite and spend extended time with your children in Australia.

Healthcare Access

Otherwise, private health insurance is required for the entire stay.

Renewal Option – The visa can be extended by applying for another 870 visa, up to the maximum cumulative stay of 10 years.

Visa Fees & Processing Time

Visa Duration	Application Charge (Visa Application)
Up to 3 years	AUD 6,070
Up to 5 years	AUD 12,140
Processing Time:	4–7 months (50% to 90% Process)

🧰 Tools & Downloads

Donwload Subclass 870 Visa Pack

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❓Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for 870 while in Australia?

No — you must be outside Australia both at application and decision.

Can I renew Subclass 870?

Yes, but your total cumulative stay must not exceed 10 years.

Is private health insurance mandatory?

Yes — and it must cover the full visa period.

Can I work or study while on 870?

No — this visa does not grant work or study rights.

Can I apply for PR while on Subclass 870?

Yes — but you must apply separately for a PR stream, such as 143 or 870.

📞 Book a Free Consultation with a Migration Expert

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.