Everything You Need to Know About the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa in 2025

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa remains one of the most sought-after options for Australian citizens and permanent residents wanting their parents to visit Australia for extended periods. Introduced to bridge the gap between short-term visitor visas and permanent parent visas, the 870 visa offers flexibility for long-term stays without the lengthy processing times or high costs of permanent residency pathways.

If youre considering this option for your parents in 2025, heres everything you need to know.

1.What Is the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa?

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time with the possibility of reapplying to extend their total stay to a maximum of 10 years.

Unlike permanent parent visas, the 870 is a temporary visa, meaning it does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship but provides a long-term visit option without the need for frequent renewals.

2.Key Features of the 870 Visa in 2025

• Initial Stay Period: Choose between a 3-year visa or a 5-year visa

• Total Stay Cap: Up to 10 years in total (through subsequent applications)

• No Work Rights: Visa holders are not allowed to work in Australia

• Multiple Entries: Can enter and leave Australia as desired while the visa is valid

• Health Insurance Requirement: Must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of stay

3. Eligibility Criteria for the Sponsor

To sponsor a parent under the 870 visa in 2025, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have been residing in Australia for at least 4 years

• Meet income threshold requirements (usually based on taxable income)

• Have no significant criminal history or outstanding debts to the Australian Government

• Be approved as a sponsor through a separate Sponsorship Application before the visa application can be lodged

4.Eligibility Criteria for the Parent Applicant

Parents applying for the 870 visa must:

• Be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsor

• Be outside Australia at the time of application (unless making a subsequent application)

• Demonstrate access to sufficient funds and adequate health insurance

• Meet health and character requirements

Unlike some other parent visas, the Balance of Family Test does not apply to the 870 visa making it accessible to parents even if most of their children are not in Australia.

5.Application Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Sponsorship Application by the Australian Child

• Submit a Sponsorship Application through ImmiAccount

• Wait for sponsorship approval (typically processed within a few months)

Step 2: Parent Visa Application

• Once the sponsorship is approved, the parent can lodge the 870 Visa Application

• Submit all required documents, including proof of relationship, financial capacity, and health insurance

• Pay the first instalment of the visa application fee

Step 3: Visa Processing and Decision

• Processing times can vary, but applications are usually assessed within 36 months

• The second instalment of the visa fee is payable before visa grant

6.Cost of the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa in 2025

• 3-Year Visa: Approx. AUD $5,735 (total)

• 5-Year Visa: Approx. AUD $11,470 (total)

Fees are typically split between two instalments the first at application and the second before visa grant.

7.Why Consider the 870 Visa for Your Parents?

• Longer stays than Visitor Visas without needing permanent residency

• Opportunity for parents to spend extended time with children and grandchildren

• Avoids the long processing times of permanent parent visas

• No need to depart Australia frequently, unlike visitor visas with shorter stay limits

8.Important Things to Remember

• Visa holders cannot work in Australia

• Must maintain adequate health insurance

• The 10-year total stay limit applies after this, the parent must leave Australia and cannot apply for another 870 until they spend time outside the country

• No pathway to permanent residency via this visa

Final Thoughts

The 870 Sponsored Parent Visa in 2025 remains a flexible and practical option for families wanting to bring parents to Australia for extended visits without the complexities of permanent migration. While it comes with its costs and conditions, it offers a valuable solution for maintaining family connections over longer periods.

If youre considering the 870 visa, consulting a Registered Migration Agent in Darwin can ensure a smooth application process and help you understand your obligations as a sponsor.