If you’re a parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, there are several visa options that may allow you to reunite with your family in Australia—either temporarily or permanently.
Understanding the differences between the Parent visa subclasses, costs, wait times, and eligibility can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
At One Planet Migration Law, we make these options easier to understand so you can choose the pathway that best suits your family. This article includes a new section on the 870 Temporary Sponsored Parent visa, full visa cost comparison tables, and key pros and cons for each pathway.
👉 Book a consultationto explore your options now.
Key Takeaways
- The 870 visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 10 years without meeting the Balance of Family test.
- Contributory Parent visas offer faster processing than non-contributory visas but come with high costs.
- Non-contributory visas are cheaper but involve wait times exceeding 30 years.
- The 870 visa cannot lead to permanent residency and may restrict future Parent visa applications.
Visa Categories Overview
Australia offers both permanent and temporary visa options for parents:
| Category | Visa Subclasses | Permanent? | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Contributory | 103, 804 | Yes | 30–40+ years | Cheapest, but extremely long wait |
| Contributory | 143, 864 (perm) 173, 884 (temp) | Yes | ~12 years (combined) | High cost, shorter wait |
| Sponsored Temporary (870) | 870 | No | 3–6 months (est.) | Max 10 years total stay |
Visa Application Cost Breakdown
All costs are rounded estimates, based on Department of Home Affairs figures (as of July 2025). Does not include health checks, police checks, or professional service fees.
| Visa Subclass | Type | Stay Period | 1st Instalment | 2nd Instalment | Total Cost (Per Applicant) | Assurance of Support (AoS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103 | Permanent | Unlimited | ~$4,990 | N/A | ~$4,990 | $5,000 (main applicant) |
| 804 | Permanent (Onshore) | Unlimited | ~$4,990 | N/A | ~$4,990 | $5,000 (main applicant) |
| 173 | Temporary | 2 years | ~$4,225 | ~$29,130 | ~$33,355 | $10,000 (main applicant) |
| 143 | Permanent | Unlimited | ~$4,225 | ~$43,600 | ~$47,825 | $10,000 (main applicant) |
| 884 | Temporary | 2 years | ~$4,225 | ~$29,130 | ~$33,355 | $10,000 (main applicant) |
| 864 | Permanent (Onshore) | Unlimited | ~$4,225 | ~$43,600 | ~$47,825 | $10,000 (main applicant) |
| 870 | Temporary | 3–5 years | ~$1,155 (3 yrs) $2,055 (5 yrs) | ~$5,095 (3 yrs) $10,190 (5 yrs) | ~$6,250–$12,245 | None |
Processing Times (Estimates)
| Visa Subclass | Category | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| 103 / 804 | Non-Contributory | 30–40+ years |
| 143 / 864 | Contributory (Permanent) | ~12 years |
| 173 / 884 | Contributory (Temporary) | ~2 years + extra for PR |
| 870 | Sponsored Temporary | ~3–6 months |
Comparing Parent Visa Options
| Criteria | 103/804 | 143/864 | 870 Temporary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leads to PR | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bridging Visa (Onshore) | ✅ (804 only) | ✅ (864 only) | ❌ Not eligible |
| Can Work | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Health Insurance Needed | Recommended | Recommended | ✅ Required |
| Balance of Family Test | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| AoS Required | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Max Stay in Australia | Permanent | Permanent | Up to 10 years (max total) |
870 Sponsored Temporary Parent Visa
The 870 visa is a temporary option allowing parents of Australian citizens or PRs to stay for 3 or 5 years per visa, with a maximum of 10 years total stay.
Key Features
- No Balance of Family test
- No AoS requirement
- No work rights
- Must be sponsored by an approved child sponsor
- Health insurance is mandatory
- Must be outside Australia to lodge the application
Sponsor Eligibility
The sponsor must:
- Be an Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen
- Have lived in Australia for at least 4 years
- Pass character and income checks
- Pay a sponsorship fee (~$420)
Cost Breakdown for 870 Visa
| Stay Period | 1st Instalment | 2nd Instalment | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years | ~$1,155 | ~$5,095 | ~$6,250 |
| 5 Years | ~$2,055 | ~$10,190 | ~$12,245 |
Important Restrictions
- Cannot apply for permanent Parent visas (103/143/804/864) while holding an 870 visa or within 6 months of holding one, unless special circumstances apply (source: Home Affairs)
- Must leave Australia if visa expires
Choosing Between Temporary & Permanent Parent Visas
| Choose This Visa If You… | Recommended Visa |
|---|---|
| Can afford high upfront and total cost Want permanent residency and Medicare access Meet the Balance of Family test Prefer a faster option (~12 years vs 30+) | Contributory Parent Visa (143/864) |
| Want the lowest-cost option (~$5,000) Meet the Balance of Family test Can wait 30+ years for processing Want to stay in Australia while waiting (subclass 804 only) Will benefit from a Bridging Visa to remain onshore | Non-Contributory Parent Visa (103/804) |
| Do not meet the Balance of Family test Want to reunite with family quickly (in ~3–6 months) Do not need work rights Can maintain private health insurance Are aware the visa does not lead to permanent residency Are happy to reapply to extend stay up to 10 years total Can remain offshore to lodge the application | Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (870) |
FAQs
1. Can I apply for a permanent Parent visa after an 870 visa?
Generally no. You must wait at least 6 months after your 870 visa expires before applying for a permanent Parent visa unless there are compelling circumstances.
2. Does the 870 visa allow me to work?
No, the 870 visa is strictly non-working. You must show sufficient financial support or sponsorship.
3. Can I stay in Australia for 10 years straight on an 870 visa?
No. You can stay for up to 5 years at a time, but must reapply for a new 870 visa to reach the 10-year maximum.
4. Is private health insurance mandatory for the 870 visa?
Yes. You must maintain adequate health insurance for the entire stay period.
5. Is there an age limit for the 870 visa?
There is no age limit, unlike Aged Parent visas, which require the applicant to be 67 or older.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Parent visa depends on your goals, timeline, and budget:
- Contributory visas offer a permanent solution—but at high financial cost and moderate processing time.
- Non-contributory visas are low-cost but impractically slow.
- The 870 visa fills the gap for temporary stays, especially for families not eligible under the Balance of Family test.
At One Planet Migration, we help you weigh your options, prepare complete applications, and guide you through each step of the process—connecting humanity, one visa at a time.
Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date insights tailored to your individual circumstances. We strongly advise seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law effectively and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your immigration journey.
