Understanding the Australian Long Stay Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
For parents wishing to spend extended time with their children in Australia without permanently migrating, the Australian Long Stay Parent Visa (Subclass 870) offers a flexible solution. Available for 5 or 10 years, this visa allows parents to reunite with their families while maintaining their ties to their home country. Unlike permanent parent visas, this temporary parent visa Australia 10 years option does not require a balance-of-family test, making it an accessible choice for many. If you’re looking for a way to stay close to your loved ones in Australia for an extended period, this visa could be the ideal pathway.
Introduction to Parent Visas in Australia
Australia offers various parent visa options to help families reunite, allowing parents to live with their children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These visas range from temporary to permanent residency, each with different eligibility criteria, processing times, and financial requirements.
One of the most sought-after options is the 10-year Parent Visa Australia (Subclass 870), which provides a long-term stay without the need for permanent residency. This temporary visa is ideal for parents who want to spend an extended period with their families while maintaining flexibility. Unlike permanent parent visas, it does not require a balance-of-family test or long waiting periods, making it a convenient solution for many families.
Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
The Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) is a long-term visa option designed for parents who wish to visit their children in Australia for an extended period without the need for permanent residency. This visa allows eligible parents to stay in Australia for up to 5 or 10 years, providing a flexible solution for family reunions.
Key Features of the Subclass 870 Visa
- Allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 10 years.
- No balance-of-family test is required.
- No permanent residency pathway, but parents can reapply after leaving Australia.
- Requires an eligible child sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Parents must maintain adequate health insurance during their stay.
This Parent Visa Australia 10 years option provides a great opportunity for parents to stay connected with their families while enjoying an extended visit. However, since it does not lead to permanent residency, those looking for a more permanent solution may need to explore other parent visa options.
Eligibility and Sponsorship Requirements for the Subclass 870 Visa
The Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) allows eligible parents to stay in Australia for up to 10 years. To qualify, both the parent and their sponsor must meet specific requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for Parents
- Must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsor.
- Must apply from outside Australia for the initial visa.
- Cannot have applied for a Partner Visa Australia or another parent visa at the same time.
- Must have adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay.
- Must not have outstanding public health debts in Australia.
Sponsorship Requirements
- The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have a minimum taxable income as per visa guidelines.
- Must not have any debt to the Australian government.
- Must agree to support the parent financially and ensure they comply with visa conditions.
- This visa provides a flexible long-term stay option for parents but does not lead to permanent residency. Applicants should carefully assess their options before applying.
Application Process for Parent Visa subclass 870
Applying for the Subclass 870 Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa involves a two-step process: sponsorship approval and visa application. This visa provides a long-term parent visa Australia option, allowing parents to stay for up to 5 or 10 years without requiring permanent residency.
Step 1: Sponsorship Approval
- Before applying for the visa, the child must first be approved as a Parent Sponsor.
- The sponsor must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- The application is submitted online, and approval is required before the parent can apply for the visa.
- Once approved, the sponsorship remains valid for 6 months.
Step 2: Visa Application
- After sponsorship approval, the parent can apply for the visa.
- The application must be lodged outside Australia.
- Applicants must provide proof of adequate health insurance and meet health and character requirements.
- The visa fee is paid in two installments, with the first at the time of application and the second before visa grant.
Once granted, the Subclass 870 Visa allows parents to live in Australia for up to 10 years but does not provide work rights or a pathway to permanent residency. Planning ahead and ensuring all requirements are met can help make the process smoother.
Australian Parent Visa Options
Australia offers various parent visa options to help parents reunite with their children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These visas fall into two main categories: permanent parent visas and temporary parent visas, each with different eligibility criteria and benefits.
1. Permanent Parent Visas
These visas provide a pathway to permanent residency, allowing parents to live in Australia indefinitely.
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 & 173) – Faster processing but involves higher costs.
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – A lower-cost option with a longer processing time.
- Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) – For parents of pension age who can apply onshore.
2. Temporary Parent Visas
For parents seeking long-term stays without permanent residency, temporary visas are a flexible option.
- Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) – The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa allows parents to stay in Australia for either 3 or 5 years, with the possibility of applying for further visas to extend their stay to a maximum of 10 years.
- While applying for a Parent Visa Australia, it’s essential to explore all available options, especially if you or your partner are considering a Partner Visa Australia to reunite with family. Each visa type has different requirements, so selecting the right one depends on factors like sponsorship eligibility, costs, and long-term plans.
Subclass 870 Visa Cost in Australia
The Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) allows parents to stay in Australia for 5 or 10 years. The cost of this visa depends on the chosen duration:
Visa Duration: The visa is available for stays of up to 3 or 5 years.
Cost:
- 3-year visa: AUD 5,895
- 5-year visa: AUD 11,785
Additional costs may include:
- Sponsorship application fee: AUD 420
- Health checks, biometrics, and police clearances (varies by country).
Since visa costs can change, it’s advisable to check with the Department of Home Affairs or consult a migration agent in Australia for the latest updates.
FAQ’s
What are the sponsorship obligations for Parents visa in Australia?
Sponsors of a Parent Visa in Australia must provide financial support, ensure the parent complies with visa conditions, and cover any public health debts incurred during their stay. They must also meet income requirements and maintain their sponsorship obligations throughout the visa duration.
Any Health insurance requirements are there for parent visa in Australia?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for parents applying for a Parent Visa in Australia, especially for the Subclass 870 Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa. Since this visa does not grant access to Medicare, applicants must have adequate private health insurance covering:
- Hospital and medical treatments
- Emergency care
- Doctor visits and prescriptions
- Repatriation costs (if needed)
M. Rafique Shaker is the visionary leader and driving force behind VICPAK Consultant, guiding students toward their study abroad dreams since 2009. With his own international educational experience and global exposure in the Far East, the Middle East and Canada, he deeply understands the challenges students face. His dedication, passion and commitment to morals have helped to establish VICPAK in Australia, UAE and Pakistan, making it a trusted name in student consultancy. Rafique continues to inspire and support students in shaping their academic and professional future.
