Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 870

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 870

Spend Extended Time with Your Children and Grandchildren in Australia

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) is a visa designed with family in mind. For parents who long to share more birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments with their children and grandchildren, this visa offers a meaningful opportunity. It lets parents stay in Australia for longer periods without the long wait or cost of permanent residency. Whether it’s helping care for newborns, supporting your children through busy life stages, or simply being present for precious time together, this visa opens the door to lasting connection. for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents to spend up to 10 years living in Australia without needing to permanently migrate. This visa is a unique solution for families wanting to stay together longer than traditional visitor visas allow.

It allows parents to enjoy quality time with their loved ones, participate in family milestones, and support their children and grandchildren — all without the pressure of applying for permanent residency.

What Is the Subclass 870 Visa?

This temporary visa allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years at a time, with the possibility of applying for a second visa to extend their stay — up to a total of 10 years. Unlike standard tourist visas that limit your time or require repeated departures, this visa offers consistency and peace of mind for families wanting real quality time together. It's designed for flexibility and family unity without the financial burden of contributory parent visas. for an extended stay of either 3 or 5 years. It’s a temporary visa, but unlike tourist visas, it provides long-term flexibility and does not require parents to leave every few months or reset their stay.

Parents can apply for a second 870 visa for an additional 5 years, but cannot stay in Australia for more than 10 years in total under this visa category.

Why Apply for This Visa?

If you’re looking to enjoy life’s special moments with your children and grandchildren — not from afar, but right there beside them — this visa provides the legal means to do so. It’s an excellent choice for those not ready to migrate permanently but still want to be present for the important years.

• Live in Australia for up to 10 years in total
• Be there for milestones, celebrations, and everyday family life
• Offer support to your children as they raise a family
• Avoid the restrictions of shorter-stay visitor visas
• No Balance of Family Test or pathway to PR required with your family without migrating permanently, this visa offers a rare and generous stay period.
• Live in Australia for up to 10 years in total
• Spend valuable time with your children and grandchildren
• Attend family milestones, holidays, and support caregiving needs
• No requirement to meet the Balance of Family Test
• Stay longer than what a regular Visitor visa allows

Who Should Consider It?

This visa is a great fit for families seeking flexibility, time, and connection. Whether you're a parent hoping to be more involved in your grandchild’s early years or a child wanting to provide support to ageing parents, this visa allows long-term stays without permanent migration hurdles.

The Subclass 870 Visa is perfect for:

• Parents wanting to support their children during early parenting or caregiving years
• Grandparents eager to spend extended time with grandchildren
• Families who aren’t ready or eligible for permanent parent visas but still value long-term family connection

Visa Eligibility Requirements

Understanding the requirements can help you avoid delays and maximise your chances of approval. The process involves sponsorship, financial proof, and health documentation — all handled while the applicant is outside Australia.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be sponsored by an approved sponsor (usually an Australian citizen or PR child)
• Be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
• Have adequate health insurance
• Provide evidence of financial support from the sponsor
• Meet standard health and character requirements

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applying for the Subclass 870 visa involves two key parts: the sponsorship by your child and the visa application by the parent. Here’s how the journey unfolds:

1. The child or eligible sponsor submits a sponsorship application to Home Affairs
2. Once approved, the parent applies for the 870 visa from outside Australia
3. Submit identity, insurance, and financial documentation
4. Undergo required medical exams and police checks
5. Await decision and plan your extended stay in Australia

What You’ll Need

Gathering accurate and complete documents ensures your application progresses smoothly. Here's a checklist of what to prepare:

• Approved sponsorship from your child
• Valid passport and identity documentation
• Proof of private health insurance
• Financial evidence from your sponsor (income, tax history)
• Police clearance certificates

Health & Character Requirements

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone in Australia, all applicants must pass specific health and character assessments.

• Full health examination required prior to visa approval
• Police checks from all countries where you’ve lived 12+ months

Why Apply with Us?

We help families stay together — longer and with less stress. From sponsorship approvals to health insurance guidance, we take care of every detail so your reunion goes smoothly.

✅ Sponsorship preparation and submission

✅ Health insurance and financial evidence assistance

✅ Help securing the longest stay period possible

✅ Advice on transitioning to other visa pathways if needed

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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general guidance only. For current requirements and application details, visit the Department of Home Affairs.