Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa provides parents with the opportunity to reunite with their children or grandchildren in Australia for longer stays. Unlike permanent parent visas, this visa does not require the Balance of Family test.

Applicants must be sponsored by their child or stepchild who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be approved before the parent can lodge the visa application.

The visa allows either a 3-year or 5-year stay and can be reapplied for, provided the total time spent in Australia on this visa does not exceed 10 cumulative years. Reapplication must occur offshore.

Work is not permitted on this visa. Adequate health insurance coverage must be maintained throughout the stay, and applicants must satisfy health and character checks.

Only one parent may be included in each visa application, and the application must be made while the parent is outside Australia.