The Parent Visa Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa) allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia for an extended period.
This temporary visa is designed to help families spend more time together in Australia without immediately applying for a permanent Parent Visa. Eligible parents can generally stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years, with the possibility of applying for a further Sponsored Parent Visa, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years.
The Subclass 870 visa is often considered a faster alternative to many permanent Parent Visa options because it generally has shorter processing times and a lower overall cost than contributory parent visas.
At Shanovia Immigration, we help families understand the eligibility requirements, prepare the required documentation, and manage the application process from start to finish.
Parent Visa Subclass 870 Eligibility Requirements
Both the parent applicant and the sponsoring child must meet the eligibility requirements for the Subclass 870 visa.
Sponsor Eligibility
The sponsor must generally be:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- At least 18 years of age
The sponsor must also meet the relevant sponsorship requirements and may need to demonstrate that they can financially support the parent during their stay in Australia.
Parent Eligibility
The applicant must generally:
- Be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsoring child
- Meet Australia’s health requirements
- Meet Australia’s character requirements
- Have adequate arrangements for financial support during their stay in Australia
Other Visa Restrictions
Applicants for the Subclass 870 visa are subject to specific restrictions under Australian immigration law. In many circumstances, holders of this visa cannot apply for certain other Parent Visa subclasses while they hold a Sponsored Parent Visa.
Parent Visa Subclass 870 Application Process
Applying for the Subclass 870 visa involves several important steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Applicants should gather all required documents, including:
- Passport and identity documents
- Birth certificates
- Relationship evidence
- Sponsorship documents
- Evidence of the sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Financial documents
- Health and character documents
Step 2: Lodge the Application
Applications are generally lodged online through ImmiAccount after the sponsorship has been approved.
The applicable government application charge must be paid at the time of lodgement.
Step 3: Application Assessment
The Department of Home Affairs will assess the application and may request additional information if required.
Step 4: Visa Decision
If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a visa grant notification specifying the visa period and any applicable visa conditions.
If the application is refused, the Department will provide written reasons for the decision and information about any available review rights where applicable.
Parent Visa Subclass 870 Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and application volumes.
Many applications are processed within several months, although processing times can change based on:
- The completeness of the application
- The complexity of the case
- Health and character assessments
- Requests for additional information
- Current Department of Home Affairs processing priorities
Submitting a complete application with accurate supporting documents can help reduce unnecessary delays.
Rights and Benefits of Parent Visa Subclass 870
The Subclass 870 visa provides several important benefits for eligible parents.
Stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years
Visa holders can remain in Australia for the period granted on the visa and may be eligible to apply for a further Sponsored Parent Visa, subject to the relevant requirements.
Multiple Travel
The visa generally allows multiple entries, enabling parents to travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid.
Live with Family
One of the greatest advantages of the Subclass 870 visa is the opportunity to spend extended time with children and grandchildren living in Australia.
Important Limitations
The Subclass 870 visa is a temporary visa.
Visa holders are generally not eligible for Medicare under this visa and are expected to maintain adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia.
The Subclass 870 visa also does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Parent Visa Subclass 870 Document Checklist
Commonly required documents include:
Identity Documents
- Passport
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Birth certificate
Relationship Evidence
- Birth certificates
- Family relationship documents
- Evidence of the relationship with the sponsoring child
Sponsor Documents
- Australian passport or citizenship certificate
- Permanent residency evidence
- Identity documents
- Financial documents
- Sponsorship approval documents
Health and Character Documents
- Medical examination reports
- Police clearance certificates
Financial Evidence
- Bank statements
- Income documents
- Evidence of financial support arrangements
At Shanovia Immigration, we provide a personalised document checklist to help ensure that your application is complete and properly prepared.
Why Choose Shanovia Immigration for Your Parent Visa Subclass 870?
Applying for a Sponsored Parent Visa can involve detailed documentation and strict eligibility requirements.
At Shanovia Immigration, we provide personalised support throughout the entire application process.
Professional Visa Guidance
We assess your eligibility and help determine whether the Subclass 870 visa is the most suitable option for your circumstances.
Accurate Document Preparation
Our team carefully reviews all documents before lodgement to reduce the risk of delays and requests for further information.
End-to-End Application Support
We assist with:
- Sponsorship requirements
- Document preparation
- Visa application lodgement
- Communication during processing
- Ongoing application support
Personalised Service
Every family situation is different. We provide tailored immigration strategies designed to meet your individual goals and circumstances.
Conclusion
The Parent Visa Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa) is an excellent option for eligible parents who wish to spend extended time with their family in Australia without immediately applying for permanent residency.
At Shanovia Immigration, we are committed to helping families navigate the Subclass 870 application process with professional advice, careful preparation, and dedicated support every step of the way.
