Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) | Wintr Consulting

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)

Spend meaningful time together in Australia. Stay for up to 3 or 5 years per visit.

This visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to visit and stay in Australia for an extended period, either 3 or 5 years at a time. It allows a longer temporary stay option than standard visitor visas and is designed for families who wish to spend more meaningful time together in Australia.

Capping and Queueing

The subclass 870 visa is subject to an annual cap of 15,000 places. Once that cap is reached for a given migration program year (1 July to 30 June), no further visa grants will be made in that year. Applicants whose applications would exceed the cap are carried over into the next program year.

Long Stay

Stay for 3 or 5 years at a time.

Renewable

Offers the flexibility to renew for a maximum cumulative stay of up to 10 years.

No Balance of Family Test

Unlike other parent visas, there is no balance of family test or Assurance of Support required.

Eligibility Requirements

Sponsor (Child)

Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Must be aged 18 or over.
Must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years and must not have been unlawful or held a specific type of Bridging visa during this time.
Must pass the income test where taxable income in the most recent financial year was equal to or greater than $83,454.80.
Sponsors can combine their taxable incomes with their partner; the sponsor’s income must be at least 50% of the combined taxable income amount.
Must pass character and background checks.
Must agree to sponsor obligations (e.g. financial support during parent’s stay).

Applicant (Parent)

Must be the biological, adoptive or step-parent (or parent-in-law) of the sponsor.
Reside outside Australia at the time of application unless granted special permission to apply whilst in Australia.
Must have, or have access to, enough funds to support yourself while in Australia.
Meet health and character requirements (medical checks, police clearances).
Maintain adequate private health insurance for the full period in Australia.
Must demonstrate genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia.

Case Study: Family Reunion

Scenario: You are an Australian citizen expecting your second child. Your mother lives in the US and wants to visit for longer than a tourist visa allows. You also have brothers in Australia on temporary visas, meaning you might not meet the Balance of Family test for permanent parent visas.

Process: Wintr Consulting identifies you meet the 4-year residency and income criteria for sponsorship. Because there is no Balance of Family test for the 870, your mother is eligible.

Outcome: Your sponsorship is approved quickly, and your mother's subclass 870 visa is granted in 5 months. She can now travel multiple times and spend endless time with the family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an ‘eligible New Zealand citizen’?

An eligible New Zealand citizen is a New Zealand citizen considered a protected Special Category visa (SCV) holder under the Social Security Act 1991. You are a protected SCV holder if you:

Were in Australia on 26 February 2001 holding an SCV, or
Spent at least 365 days in Australia between 26 February 1999 and 25 February 2001 and returned after 26 February 2001, or
Have confirmation from Centrelink that you meet the protected SCV criteria under the legislation.

How many parents can a single sponsor support under Subclass 870?

An approved sponsor may sponsor up to two parents simultaneously, provided the household meets income and other requirements.

How long is the sponsorship approval valid before the parent must lodge their visa application?

Once sponsorship is approved, the parent has 6 months to lodge the subclass 870 visa application.

What if the parent has already applied for a permanent parent visa?

Holding or applying for a permanent parent visa does not automatically prevent a subclass 870 application, but it may affect eligibility or timing. Please book a consultation for further assessment.

Can parents travel in and out of Australia while on Subclass 870?

Yes, this visa allows multiple entries during its validity.

Is there an age limit for the parent?

No, there is no minimum or maximum age limit to apply for this visa.

Can parents work while on this visa?

Parents cannot work on this visa and must continue to meet the genuine temporary stay requirement.

What character checks are required?

Police certificates are required from every country where the parent has lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

What happens if the parent breaches visa conditions?

The visa may be cancelled and future applications affected. Common breaches include working without permission or failing to maintain health insurance.

Do visa holders have access to Medicare?

No, holders must maintain private health insurance for the entire stay.

Can the visa be extended once it expires?

You can apply for another subclass 870 visa from outside Australia, provided the total cumulative stay does not exceed 10 years, or inside Australia with special permission.

After 10 years cumulative stay, can the parent apply again?

No. Once the parent has held subclass 870 visas totalling 10 years, they cannot be granted another 870 visa.

What if the sponsorship ends during the visa period?

If the sponsor withdraws or loses eligibility, the visa may be cancelled or cease to be valid.

What are the current processing times?

Processing times for visas can change regularly. Currently, the Department advises the subclass 870 visa is taking between 5 months and 7 months for most applications. Check the global processing times guide here for updated guides.

Can the parent later apply for permanent residency?

Yes, but only through other visa subclasses. The 870 visa itself does not lead to permanent residency.