Bring Your Parents to Australia: Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)

If you want to bring your parents to Australia for an extended visit, the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) is one of the best options. It allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay for up to three or five years at a time, with the option to reapply and stay for a maximum of 10 years.

The Australian Government has capped the program at 15,000 visas per year, and as of February 2025, over 2,000 visas have already been granted this program year, highlighting the strong demand and the importance of applying early.

What is the Subclass 870 Visa?

The Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) is a temporary visa that allows parents to spend longer periods with their children and grandchildren in Australia. Unlike standard visitor visas, which allow stays of up to 12 months, the 870 visa offers longer periods of stay.

Keep in mind:

• It does not provide permanent residency

• It does not allow paid work

• Volunteer work and family help (like caring for grandchildren) is allowed

• Applicants must hold private health insurance, as they are not eligible for Medicare

Who Can Apply?

To apply, the parent must:

• Be the biological, adoptive, step-parent, or parent-in-law of the sponsor

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have an approved Parent Sponsor

• Meet health and character requirements

• Have valid health insurance

• Show they intend to stay temporarily and have sufficient funds

The sponsor must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

• Have lived in Australia for at least four years

• Meet the income threshold (currently AUD 83,454.80) — income can be combined with a partner or another child if needed

• Provide financial support and accommodation

• Pass character checks and meet sponsorship obligations

Visa Costs and Duration

• 3 years: AUD 5,895

• 5 years: AUD 11,785

Parents can reapply until they reach the 10-year total cap. After that, they must apply for a different visa or leave Australia. Re-applicants must spend at least 90 days outside Australia before applying again, unless they have formal permission to apply onshore.

How to Apply

The process starts with the sponsor submitting a Parent Sponsorship application. Once approved, the parent has six months to lodge their visa application.

The average processing time is currently around eight months, which is significantly faster compared to other parent visas like the Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143, around 14 years) or the standard Parent visa (Subclass 103, around 31 years). This makes the 870 visa an attractive option for families seeking faster reunions.

Processing and Key Points

Processing times vary depending on application completeness and verification. It’s critical to:

• Prepare financial, health, and character documents early

• Understand sponsorship obligations and visa conditions

• Check official websites for the latest processing time estimates

• Apply early, given the annual cap and high demand for this visa

  
  

How RACC Can Help with Your Application

The Sponsored Parent Visa is a fantastic option for families wanting to stay connected across borders. But with strict requirements, capped places, and long processing times, the process can be complex and competitive.

Our team can guide you through sponsorship, help you prepare the visa application, and ensure all health, income, and character criteria are met. We’ll help you avoid common mistakes, reduce delays, and give your family the best chance of success.

Book a consultation with us today to start your Sponsored Parent Visa journey and reunite your family in Australia.