If you’re planning to bring your parents to Australia in 2025, there are several visa options available. Whether you want them here temporarily or permanently, choosing the right visa can make a big difference in how quickly you can reunite as a family.
One of the most popular and accessible options for sponsors like you is the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870). Best of all – you can apply even if your parents don’t meet the strict Balance of Family Test for permanent visas.
Here’s everything you need to know about sponsoring your parents to Australia.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 870 (No Balance of Family Test Needed)
The 870 visa allows you to sponsor your parents to come and stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time – and up to 10 years in total.
Key advantages for you as a sponsor:
- No Balance of Family Test required – easier eligibility.
- Stay for up to 3 or 5 years per visa.
- They can apply for another 870 visa to stay longer (up to 10 years total).
- Perfect if you want your parents close without them applying for permanent residency yet.
Important: The 870 visa is for visiting and family time – your parents cannot work on this visa.
How to Sponsor Your Parents for the 870 Visa
Step 1: Apply for Parent Sponsorship – this must be approved first.
Step 2: Once approved, your parents lodge their visa application:
- Within 6 months if applying from overseas
- Within 60 days if applying from inside Australia
✅ You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has lived in Australia for at least 2 years.
Who You Can Sponsor on the 870 Parent Visa
You can sponsor:
- One or both of your own parents
- One or both of your partner’s parents
- One of your parents and one of your partner’s parents
Note:
- Only one approved sponsorship per household at a time.
- Each sponsorship can cover up to two parents.
Australian Parent Category Visas (Permanent Residency
Pathway)
If you want to bring your parents to live permanently in Australia, there are permanent Parent category visas too – but these require passing the Balance of Family Test and have much longer processing times.
| Visa Type | Best for | Key Details |
| Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) | Faster permanent migration | Higher application fees; shorter wait times |
| Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) | Stepping stone to 143 | 2-year visa; can later apply for 143 |
| Parent Visa (Subclass 103) | Lower fees | Extremely long wait (20+ years) |
| Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) | If parent qualifies for Age Pension | Apply onshore; can stay while waiting |
What Is the Balance of Family Test?
To sponsor your parents for permanent visas (not 870), they must:
- Have at least half of their children living permanently in Australia, or
- Have more children living permanently in Australia than in any other country.
If you’re unsure whether your parents qualify, a Registered Migration Agent can help you assess this.
Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor
When you sponsor your parents, you must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Live in Australia for at least 2 years before sponsoring
- Commit to financial support if needed
- Provide accommodation if needed
If the sponsoring child is under 18, the sponsor can instead be:
- The child’s spouse or partner
- A relative or guardian
- A community organization
Which Visa Should You Choose?
| Your Goal | Best Visa Option |
| Reunite quickly without Balance of Family Test | 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa |
| Bring parents permanently (faster) and you meet all requirements | 143 Contributory Parent Visa |
| Apply while parent is already in Australia and they meet pension age | 804 Aged Parent Visa |
| Willing to wait 20+ years for lower cost | 103 Parent Visa |
Need Help Sponsoring Your Parents?
Bringing your parents to Australia is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give – but the visa process can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
Our Registered Migration Agents specialize in helping sponsors like you bring your parents to Australia through the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) and permanent pathways.
✅ OMARA-Registered Agents – real professionals, not unlicensed consultants.
✅ Step-by-step support – from sponsorship approval to visa grant.
✅ Faster, stress-free application process.