The Sponsored Parent Temporary visa (subclass 870) has become a lifeline for thousands of Australian families seeking to reunite with their parents. This revolutionary visa program offers a practical solution for parents who want to spend quality time with their children and grandchildren in Australia.
Unlike traditional visitor visas that limit stays to just a few months, the subclass 870 visa allows parents to remain in Australia for up to 5 years at a time. This extended period creates meaningful opportunities for family bonding and support during crucial life moments.
What is the Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa 870?
The Sponsored Parent Temporary visa is a government-approved pathway designed specifically for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa category was introduced to address the growing demand for longer family visits while managing Australia’s immigration priorities.
Up to 15,000 visas are available each program year, making it accessible yet competitive. The program runs from July 1st to June 30th each year, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis once the annual cap is reached.
Key Features of Visa 870
The temporary parent visa offers several distinctive advantages over other visa options. Parents can stay for either 3 years or 5 years depending on their chosen visa duration and financial capacity.
Multiple entry permissions allow parents to travel freely between Australia and their home country during the visa validity period. This flexibility supports parents who may need to maintain connections or responsibilities in their home countries.
Who Can Apply for the Sponsored Parent Visa?
Eligibility Requirements for Parents
Parents seeking the subclass 870 visa must meet specific criteria to qualify for this temporary residency option. The most fundamental requirement is having a biological, adoptive, or step-parent relationship with an eligible Australian sponsor.
Age requirements specify that applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. Parents must also demonstrate they have no outstanding debts to the Australian government or have made appropriate payment arrangements.
Health and Character Standards
All sponsored parent visa applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This includes comprehensive medical examinations conducted by approved panel physicians in their home country.
Police clearances are required from every country where the parent has lived for 12 months or more during the past 10 years. These documents must be current and properly authenticated according to Australian immigration standards.
Financial and Insurance Requirements
Private health insurance is mandatory throughout the entire visa period since subclass 870 holders are not eligible for Medicare benefits. The insurance must provide comprehensive coverage including hospital and medical treatment.
Parents must demonstrate they can financially support themselves during their stay or have guaranteed support from their sponsoring child. No public charge provisions ensure that visa holders will not burden Australian taxpayers.
Sponsor Requirements and Responsibilities
Who Can Become a Sponsor?
Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens can sponsor their parents under this program. Sponsors must have been usually resident in Australia for at least 4 years before applying.
The sponsoring child must be a biological, adoptive, or stepchild of the visa applicant. In cases involving step-relationships, the step-parent must still be married to or in a de facto relationship with the biological parent.
Financial Thresholds for Sponsors
Sponsors must meet a minimum household income threshold of approximately $83,454.80 based on current government guidelines. This amount can include combined income from the sponsor’s partner or other eligible children of the parent.
Income documentation including tax returns, employment letters, and financial statements must demonstrate consistent earning capacity. Sponsors who cannot meet the full threshold individually may combine incomes with eligible family members.
Ongoing Sponsor Obligations
Accommodation and support responsibilities continue throughout the visa period and include providing suitable housing and access to necessary services. Sponsors must ensure their parents have access to healthcare and emergency support when needed.
Financial liability extends to covering any healthcare debts incurred by the parent during their stay in Australia. These obligations continue even after the visa expires, emphasizing the long-term commitment required.
Application Process Step by Step
Stage 1: Sponsorship Application
The sponsorship application must be submitted first by the eligible Australian child through the Department of Home Affairs online portal. Processing times typically range from 2 to 6 months depending on the completeness of documentation.
Required documents include proof of citizenship or residency, relationship evidence, financial documentation, and character clearances. All documents must be certified copies or originals as specified in the application guidelines.
Stage 2: Visa Application
Once sponsorship approval is granted, parents have 6 months to lodge their visa application. Applications submitted after this deadline will be refused, requiring a new sponsorship application.
Processing timeframes vary between 4 to 12 months depending on individual circumstances and the volume of applications. Complete applications with all required documents process faster than those requiring additional information.
Health Examinations and Final Steps
Medical examinations must be completed by approved panel physicians in the applicant’s home country. Results are valid for 12 months, so timing is crucial to avoid re-examination requirements.
Final documentation including police clearances, insurance policies, and updated financial evidence must be current at the time of decision. Any changes in circumstances must be reported immediately to immigration authorities.
Visa Conditions and Restrictions
Work Limitations
The sponsored parent temporary visa strictly prohibits any form of employment or paid work in Australia. This includes casual work, consulting, volunteering for payment, or operating any business activities.
Compliance monitoring occurs regularly, and violations can result in immediate visa cancellation and potential barriers to future Australian visa applications. Parents must demonstrate alternative income sources or family support throughout their stay.
Study and Training Restrictions
While recreational activities and short courses are generally permitted, extensive study programs may conflict with the visa’s intended purpose. Parents should seek clarification before enrolling in any educational programs.
Skills training or certification programs that could lead to employment opportunities are typically not permitted under this visa category. The focus remains on family reunion rather than skill development.
Travel and Re-entry Rights
Multiple entry permissions allow parents to leave and return to Australia freely during the visa validity period. However, parents must maintain valid health insurance and meet entry requirements for each arrival.
Extended absences from Australia don’t extend the visa validity period, so parents should plan their travel carefully to maximize their time with family. Immigration officers may question extended absences that seem inconsistent with family reunion purposes.
Costs and Fees Breakdown
Government Application Fees
Visa application charges are substantial and vary by duration: $5,895 for 3-year visas and $11,785 for 5-year visas. These fees are per applicant and paid in two installments.
Initial payment of $1,180 is required when submitting the visa application, with the remaining balance due before visa grant. Sponsorship applications cost $420 and must be paid by the sponsoring child.
Additional Costs to Consider
Health insurance premiums can range from $1,500 to $4,000 annually depending on coverage levels and the parent’s age and health status. Comprehensive policies provide better protection but cost significantly more.
Medical examination fees typically cost between $300 to $800 per person depending on the examining country and required tests. Police clearance costs vary by country but generally range from $50 to $200 per certificate.
Second Visa Applications
Parents can apply for subsequent subclass 870 visas for a total maximum stay of 10 years. However, they must spend at least 90 days outside Australia between consecutive visa applications.
Fee structures remain the same for second applications, making the total cost for maximum stay potentially exceed $23,000 per parent excluding insurance and other expenses.
Comparing Visa Options
Temporary vs Permanent Parent Visas
Permanent parent visas like subclass 103 and 143 offer work rights and Medicare access but require the balance of family test and have extensive waiting periods. Current processing times exceed 12 years for non-contributory options.
Contributory parent visas cost significantly more upfront (around $47,000) but provide permanent residency benefits. The sponsored parent temporary visa offers a middle ground for families seeking longer visits without permanent commitment.
Visitor Visa Comparisons
Standard visitor visas typically allow stays of 3 to 12 months but don’t provide the extended family time that subclass 870 offers. Multiple short visits can be disruptive and expensive compared to one extended stay.
Processing times for visitor visas are generally faster, but the cumulative costs and limitations make them less suitable for families wanting substantial time together during important life phases.
Tips for Successful Applications
Documentation Best Practices
Organize all documents systematically and ensure translations are completed by certified NAATI translators where required. Keep original documents safe while submitting certified copies to avoid processing delays.
Relationship evidence should span multiple years and include various document types such as birth certificates, family photos, communication records, and witness statements from family members or community leaders.
Health Insurance Selection
Compare policies carefully focusing on coverage limits, exclusions, and provider networks. Some insurers specialize in visa holder coverage and understand the specific requirements better than general providers.
Pre-existing conditions may affect policy eligibility or premiums, so parents should disclose all health issues honestly during the application process. Waiting periods for certain treatments should be considered when selecting coverage start dates.
Timing Considerations
Apply early in the program year to avoid reaching the 15,000 visa cap, which could delay applications until the following July. Plan around family events like births, graduations, or significant celebrations to maximize the visa value.
Consider seasonal factors in both Australia and the home country when planning application timing and travel arrangements. School holidays and work commitments of family members should influence timing decisions.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Income Threshold Difficulties
Combining multiple incomes from eligible family members can help meet financial requirements when individual sponsors fall short. Recent tax returns and payslips provide the strongest evidence of ongoing earning capacity.
Self-employed sponsors face additional documentation requirements including business registration, financial statements, and accountant letters. Consistent income patterns over multiple years strengthen applications significantly.
Health Insurance Complexity
Understanding policy exclusions prevents nasty surprises during medical emergencies. Pre-approval processes for treatments can be complex, so families should familiarize themselves with procedures before arrival.
Age-related premium increases can make insurance expensive for older parents, but comparison shopping and group policies may offer savings opportunities for families with multiple parents.
Processing Delays
Incomplete applications are the primary cause of delays, so thorough preparation and professional advice can prevent costly setbacks. Regular communication with immigration officers helps resolve issues quickly.
Changed circumstances during processing must be reported immediately to avoid complications. Document expiry dates should be monitored to prevent applications failing due to outdated information.
Life in Australia on Subclass 870
Healthcare Access
Private healthcare navigation can be challenging for parents unfamiliar with the Australian system. GP relationships and specialist referrals work differently than many home countries.
Emergency services are available regardless of visa status, but non-emergency treatments require insurance authorization. Prescription medications may not be available or may differ from home country versions.
Community Integration
Local community centers often offer programs specifically for temporary residents and can help parents connect with others in similar situations. Cultural groups provide familiar social connections and support networks.
Language barriers may affect daily activities, so English classes or translation services can improve the experience significantly. Technology solutions like translation apps help with immediate communication needs.
Family Dynamics
Extended stays can create both wonderful memories and occasional tensions as families adjust to different living arrangements. Clear expectations about household roles and responsibilities prevent misunderstandings.
Grandparent relationships with Australian-born grandchildren often flourish during extended visits, creating lasting bonds and cultural connections. Shared experiences like school events and community activities strengthen family ties.
Future Considerations
Program Evolution
Government policy changes may affect future visa availability, fees, or conditions. Staying informed through official channels helps families plan for potential changes.
Annual quota adjustments reflect government priorities and demographic considerations, potentially affecting application success rates in future years. Early planning helps families adapt to changing circumstances.
Pathway Planning
Permanent residency planning should consider how temporary visa use affects future applications. Some restrictions may apply to parents who have used temporary visas extensively.
Financial planning for multiple visa applications requires long-term budgeting and consideration of exchange rate fluctuations that could affect costs significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work while on a subclass 870 visa?
No, this visa strictly prohibits all forms of paid work or business activities in Australia.
Q: Am I eligible for Medicare with this visa?
No, subclass 870 holders must maintain private health insurance throughout their stay.
Q: How long can I stay in total on this visa?
You can stay up to 10 years maximum by applying for consecutive visas with 90-day gaps between them.
Q: Can I include my spouse on my application?
No, each parent must apply separately, and there are no dependent provisions for this visa.
Q: What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying results in visa cancellation and potential barriers to future Australian visa applications.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residency while on this visa?
You cannot apply for most other parent visas while holding or applying for subclass 870, but some exceptions exist.
Q: Do I need to prove English language ability?
No, there are no English language requirements for this visa category.
Q: What if my health insurance expires during my stay?
You must maintain continuous coverage or risk visa cancellation and removal from Australia.
Q: Can I study while on this visa?
Short recreational courses are generally acceptable, but extensive study programs may violate visa conditions.
Q: How often can I travel outside Australia?
You can travel freely during the visa period, but extended absences may raise questions about genuine family reunion intentions.