Sponsored parent visa Australia

Subclass 870Sponsored Parent Visa

A temporary long-stay visa that allows parents to live with their children in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, renewable for a total of 10 years.


Overview

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa is a temporary visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia for extended periods. It was introduced as an affordable alternative to permanent parent visas, which have very long processing queues.

The 870 is available in two lengths: 3-year and 5-year grants. It can be renewed for a maximum stay of 10 years. Holders cannot work in Australia and must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) throughout their stay. They cannot apply for permanent residence from this visa.

F4MG helps sponsors and their parents understand the 870's limitations and compare it with permanent parent visa options.


What this visa offers

Family reunification

Join children in Australia.

Long-term visit

Stay up to 5 years.

Multiple entries

Frequent entry, exit flexibility.

No balance test

Exempt from family balance requirements.

Renewable visa

Extend up to 10 years total.

Cultural exchange

Experience Australian lifestyle.

Family bonding

Strengthen relationships, connections.

Leisure activities

Enjoy holidays, recreation.


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Frequently Asked Questions

The Partner Visa (820/801 onshore or 309/100 offshore) is the most applied-for family visa. It allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or de facto partner to live in Australia permanently.
Processing times vary significantly by visa type. Partner visas typically take 12–24 months. Parent visas can take 3–5 years or longer depending on the subclass.
In most cases yes. Temporary stage partner visas include full work rights. Other family visas may require a Bridging Visa with a work condition. F4MG ensures your bridging visa entitlements are correct from day one.
For most parent visa subclasses, the majority of an applicant's children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible NZ citizens, or more than half of the applicant's children must be settled in Australia.
Yes. Dependent children under 18 can generally be included as secondary applicants on partner visa applications. Children aged 18–23 studying full-time may also be eligible.

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