Secure your temporary stay in Australia with the 870 Visa, guided by GIEC Global UK’s trusted support.
The 870 visa which is also known as the Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa. Its allows biological, adoptive or step-parents of eligible children to stay in Australia for up to 5 years at a time.
It’s not a pathway to permanent residency, but it’s perfect for parents who want extended stays with their children in Australia.
Stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years
Cumulative stay up to 10 years
No work rights
Requires sponsorship by an eligible child
Must have adequate private health insurance
To be eligible for an 870 visa the parent must meet a few simple requirements. To qualify, the parent must be a biological, adoptive, or step-parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident. The sponsoring child must be approved as a parent sponsor, meet the minimum household income requirement and must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government. Unlike other parent visas, the 870 visa does not require the Balance of Family Test, making it easier and faster for many families. There are also some requirements for parents to meet health and character requirements before applying for the 870 visa and hold adequate health insurance, and they must apply from outside Australia unless they have special permission to apply onshore. They also need to show they have genuine intentions to stay temporarily and follow all visa conditions.
To apply for the 870 subclass visa, the child (sponsor) must meet specific sponsorship criteria. This includes income, residency status and background checks.
The sponsor must also agree to financially support the parent and ensure they leave before their visa expires. The process can be hectic. That’s why we recommend speaking with MARA Registered Consultant, GIEC GLOBAL UK has MARA registered consultants who can help make the visa process smoother and hussel free.
The 870 sponsored parent visa process may look simple but it’s not, and lodging the visa application yourself can be risky, even a small mistake can lead to visa rejection. The visa process is a long-term and detailed procedure that requires proper documentation and accuracy. Any missing information, incorrect form or misunderstanding of eligibility criteria can cause unnecessary delays or even a refusal.
If you’re ready to build your future in Australia, consult MARA Registered agent for expert advice. Giec Global UK is proud to have its own MARA registered migration agent, offering you direct access to professional and reliable immigration advice. Unlike many other agencies, we do not rely on third-party consultants, because we don’t pay high outsourcing fees, the cost savings are passed directly on to you.
At GIEC Global UK, we are committed to making your immigration journey smooth, transparent, and successful.
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The processing time for a Parent Visa 870 can vary but most applications are processed within a few months when all documents are correct and the sponsor is approved early. To avoid any delay, you should prepare your documents in advance such as health checks, police clearances or financial details. A petition for a parent visa sponsor approval is usually assessed before the visa itself and once the sponsorship is approved, the visa process becomes faster and smoother. After approval, the 870 visa allows parents to stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years, depending on the option chosen and the total stay can go up to 10 years without needing to apply for permanent residency.This makes the 870 parent visa a practical choice for families who want long visits because the visa offers flexibility, clear conditions and a straightforward temporary stay option for parents.
Parents applying for the 870 Australian visa must meet the following:
Unlike other parent visas, the Balance of Family Test is not required for the 870 visa, which makes it more accessible.
Parents can apply for:
A 3-year visa – with a lower fee
A 5-year visa – for longer stays
You can reapply to stay up to 10 years total in Australia, but after 10 years, you must leave the country for at least 90 consecutive days before reapplying.
| Visa Duration | Total Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 3 Years | $5,735* |
| 5 Years | $11,470* |
Plus, factor in:
Sponsorship fee: AUD $420*
Private health insurance (varies)
Medicals, police checks, translations (if needed)
The child submits the 870 visa sponsorship application form
Includes income documentation and background checks
Sponsorship approval can take several weeks
After sponsorship is approved, parents apply for the visa
Must be lodged within 6 months of sponsor approval
Application must be made outside Australia
This visa is ideal for families who want to reunite temporarily in Australia without going through the complex permanent migration process.
However, the 870 visa doesn’t allow work, study or access to Medicare — so private insurance and self-funding are essential.
Reuniting with your parents doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Thanks to the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa 870 for UK Citizens, your loved ones can spend real and meaningful time with you in Australia without the usual immigration hassle.
If you’re serious about bringing your UK-based parents to Australia under the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa 870, don’t leave it to chance. Reach out to a MARA-registered migration agent for expert guidance.GIEC GLOBAL UK has MARA Registered consultant who can help you simplify visa process and make it smoother and hussel free.
Office Telephone : +44 (742) 4234034
First Central 200, 6th floor, Suite Number 6.034 2 Lakeside Dr, London NW10 7FQ
admin@giecglobal.uk
No, the sponsored parent visa does not permit any work.
No, the 884 visa is a one-time temporary visa. You’ll need to apply for the 864 permanent visa before it expires.
Sponsors must meet 870 visa sponsor income requirements at the time of sponsorship application. If circumstances change, inform the Department of Home Affairs.
No, visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Not directly. You’ll need to look into subclass 143 or other contributory parent visas if permanent migration is the goal.
Absolutely! They must maintain adequate private health insurance throughout their stay.