Discover the cost of a 5-year parent visa in Australia, eligibility requirements, and benefits. Learn if it’s the right choice for your family reunification plans.

 Introduction: Planning to Bring Your Parents to Australia?

If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident and looking to reunite with your parents, you’re not alone. Thousands of families consider the Guide to Applying for a Parent Visa in Australia each year, especially the 5-year Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870).

This visa allows eligible parents to live with their children in Australia for an extended period — without needing to leave and reapply frequently. But how much does it really cost, and what should you expect? This article breaks down everything you need to know: from visa fees and eligibility to pros, cons, and expert insights.

What Is the 5-Year Parent Visa in Australia?

The 5-year parent visa is formally known as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 870. Introduced to offer families more flexibility, it allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 5 years continuously without the need to depart and return repeatedly.

Unlike permanent parent visas (such as Subclass 804 or 143), Subclass 870 is a temporary visa. However, it fills a critical gap — providing long-term stay options while bypassing the extensive wait times and high costs of permanent alternatives.

Cost Breakdown: How Much Is a 5-Year Parent Visa?

The cost of the Subclass 870 Parent Visa is structured in two payments: one at the time of application and one before visa grant.

Total Visa Cost for 5-Year Stay (as of 2025):

Payment Stage Fee (AUD)
At Application $1,145
Before Visa Grant $9,200
Total Cost $10,345

Additional Costs:

  • Health examinations: ~$350–$500 per applicant

  • Overseas health insurance: varies depending on provider

  • Police certificates: ~$50–$100

  • Migration agent fees (optional): $2,000–$4,000+

Official fee page – Department of Home Affairs (dofollow link)

Key Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a parent visa in Australia under Subclass 870, both the sponsor (child) and the applicant (parent) must meet specific conditions.

Requirements for the Sponsor:

  • Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Aged 18 years or older

  • Must pass the character test

  • Must have a taxable income of at least AUD 83,454.80 in the most recent financial year (this amount is indexed and may change yearly)

  • Cannot have any outstanding public health debts

Requirements for the Parent (Applicant):

  • Must be outside Australia when applying (or hold permission to apply in Australia)

  • Must pass health and character checks

  • Must have adequate health insurance

  • Must not owe any debt to the Australian Government

How Long Can Parents Stay on a Subclass 870 Visa?

Parents can stay in Australia for:

  • Up to 3 years (AUD 5,735 total fee)

  • Up to 5 years (AUD 10,345 total fee)

Applicants can apply for two consecutive 870 visas, allowing a maximum stay of 10 years. However, they must leave Australia for at least 90 days before applying for a second visa.

Comparison with Other Parent Visa Options

Visa Type Duration Cost (per applicant) Processing Time Pathway to PR
Subclass 870 (870) 3 or 5 yrs $5,735 / $10,345 3–6 months ❌ No
Contributory Parent (143) Permanent ~$47,825 3–6 years ✅ Yes
Aged Parent (804) Permanent ~$4,560 30+ years ✅ Yes
Visitor Visa 3–12 months ~$150–$350 Few weeks ❌ No

Pros and Cons of the 5-Year Parent Visa

Pros

  • Fast processing (3–6 months)

  • No Balance of Family Test required

  • Allows extended visits up to 10 years

  • Lower cost than permanent contributory visas

  • No need to leave the country each year

 Cons

  • Temporary only – no PR pathway

  • High income requirement for the sponsor

  • Health insurance must be maintained privately

  • Must leave Australia after 10 years for at least 90 days before reapplying

  • No access to Medicare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can parents work on the Subclass 870 visa?

No, the Subclass 870 visa does not permit work in Australia. It’s strictly for family visits and temporary stays.

Q2: Do parents need private health insurance?

Yes. All applicants must maintain adequate private health insurance for the duration of their stay.

Q3: Can the visa be extended?

No. You cannot extend the Subclass 870 visa, but you may apply for another one — subject to eligibility — after leaving Australia for at least 90 days.

Q4: What happens if my income drops below the required amount?

If the sponsor cannot meet the income threshold, they may apply with another eligible sponsor (e.g., spouse or sibling of the child) who meets the criteria. Co-sponsorship arrangements are permitted in some cases.

Expert Insight: Is the Subclass 870 Right for You?

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa is best suited for families who:

  • Want their parents to stay long-term without becoming permanent residents

  • Can meet the high-income sponsorship requirements

  • Are looking for a quicker and more affordable alternative to permanent visas

However, if you’re seeking permanent family reunification, consider the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) — despite its higher cost and longer wait.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Family

The 5-year parent visa in Australia offers a unique solution for families separated by borders. At $10,345 per applicant, it’s a significant but manageable investment for those who meet the criteria. It’s ideal for parents wanting to spend meaningful time with children and grandchildren in Australia — without the lengthy wait or high fees of permanent visas.

 

However, it’s important to remember that this is a temporary solution. Be sure to review your long-term goals and consult a registered migration agent if needed.