Stay Close to Family in Australia with the Subclass 870 Parent Visa
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.
🧭 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
Provides a temporary solution for families waiting on longer-term visa outcomes: Then comes Eligibility (which is already there), Header name should be “Step-by-Step Visa Application Process , Then Required documents (in two-column header) , Remove the current and replace it with this
✅ 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
Sponsor approval letter
🧭 Step Application Process
1
🖊️Check Eligibility Criteria
2
🗂️ Prepare Required Documents
3
📑 Complete the Application Form
4
💳 Pay the Visa Application Fee
5
📑 Submit the Application
6
🕰️ Wait for Processing
7
📤 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) |
❓Frequently Asked Questions
No — you must be outside Australia both at application and decision.
Yes, but your total cumulative stay must not exceed 10 years.
Yes — and it must cover the full visa period.
No — this visa does not grant work or study rights.
Yes — but you must apply separately for a PR stream, such as 143 or 870.
📞 Book a Free Consultation with a Migration Expert
Complete the free eligibility check and a MARA-registered agent will review your score and your options within 1 business day
- 100% Free
- No Obligation
- Confidential Advice
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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.