Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 870 allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to stay temporarily in Australia for an extended period. This visa is designed to help families spend more meaningful time together without the long processing times or high costs associated with parent permanent residency visas.
At Think Higher Consultants, we assist families across Melbourne and around the world in preparing strong, accurate, and well-structured Subclass 870 visa applications. With requirements for both the parent and the Australian sponsor, this visa demands detailed documentation, financial checks, and eligibility assessments. Our team ensures your application is complete, organised, and ready for a smooth lodgement process.
What Is the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 870?
The Subclass 870 visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 5 years per visa, with a total combined stay of up to 10 years if applying for consecutive visas. It is a temporary visa and does not lead directly to permanent residency.
This visa is ideal for families who want their parents close for extended visits, family support, childcare, or special family events.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 870 Visa?
Parent Requirements
Parents wishing to apply must:
- Be sponsored by an approved sponsor (usually their child).
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
- Have adequate financial support from their sponsor.
- Not work in Australia (work is strictly prohibited).
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsor must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- At least 18 years old.
- Living in Australia for at least 4 years (in most cases).
- Able to meet financial income requirements.
- Able to provide support and accommodation to the parent while in Australia.
Sponsors must be approved before the visa application can be lodged.
What You Can Do on This Visa
With the Subclass 870 visa, parents can:
- Stay in Australia for up to 5 years at a time.
- Apply for a second 870 visa for a combined stay of up to 10 years.
- Spend more time with children, grandchildren, and family.
- Travel in and out of Australia freely during the visa validity.
However, this visa does not allow work, and it does not provide access to Medicare.
Why Families Choose the 870 Visa
Compared to permanent parent visas, such as Subclass 103, 143, or 864, the Subclass 870 visa offers:
- Much faster processing
- No Balance of Family Test
- More affordable than contributory parent visas
- Flexible long-term stays
- No need to meet strict migration caps and queue systems
This makes the 870 visa a great choice for families seeking quicker reunification without the long waiting times of permanent visas.
Why Choose Think Higher Consultants?
At Think Higher Consultants, we understand how important family unity is. The Subclass 870 visa involves multiple steps, including sponsor approval, financial documentation, and parent applications. We help families manage the entire process with clarity and confidence.
Our services include:
- Assessing eligibility for both the parent and the sponsor
- Preparing the sponsor application
- Assisting with financial and character documentation
- Preparing the parent visa application
- Clear instructions to avoid delays or refusals
- Long-term visa planning for future stays
Every case is handled professionally, with attention to detail and consistent communication.