Australia’s subcontinent 870 -sponsored parents (temporary) visas offer Australian citizens, permanent residents, or the eligible New Zealand citizens to give an attractive opportunity to the parents of New Zealand to reunite with their families and spend extended periods in the country. This visa is particularly attractive as it allows parents to last up to 5 years per visa, re -applying and over a maximum of 10 years.
However, one of the most frequently asked questions from applicants and sponsors is: “How long does it take to 870 parent visa processing time?” In this blog, we will run you through factors that affect the tips to help ensure processing time, specific waiting period and a smooth application experience.
What is 870 parent visa?
Before diving in processing time, what the visa provides, briefly see it again.
The subclass 870 visa is a temporary visa that allows the parents to live in Australia for 3 or 5 years without the need to meet the more rigorous requirements of the permanent parents visa, such as the balance of family testing. Importantly, this visa does not provide permanent residence, and visa holders are not allowed to work during their stay.
Specific 870 visa processing time (as 2025)
The department of home affairs does not publish a certain processing time for each subclass, as these demands, documentation quality and case may vary widely depending on the complexity.
However, based on the report from recent data and applicants and migration agents, average processing time is usually:
Spogenous approval: 2 to 6 months
Visa application approval: 3 to 9 months after sponsorship approval
Together, the total end-to-end processing time can range from 5 to 15 months depending on several major factors. In some cases, streamlined applications may be rapidly approved, while incomplete or complex cases may face delays.
step by step timeline
To help you understand how processing works, here is a thicker breakdown of 870 visa trips:
1. Sponsored application (Phase 1)
Australian citizens or permanent resident sponsors must submit an application to sponsor their parents.
Current processing time: 2-6 months
This application includes evidence of income (minimum taxable income limit), identity documents, and announcements for supporting and providing for parents.
2. Visa application (step 2)
Once sponsorship is approved, the parents have 6 months to submit their visa application.
Current processing time: 3–9 months, although it may vary.
Applicants should provide evidence of medical, police approval, health insurance and relationship to the sponsors.
Factors that affect 870 visa processing time
Many variables can affect how quickly an application is processed:
1. Quality and perfection of documentation
Missing, vague, or incorrect documents are the main cause of delay.
Re -check all forms, financial records and identification documents before submission.
2. Demand and quota
The Australian government has a hat on the number of 870 visa issued every year. For example, in a few years, up to 15,000 visas can be provided.
If the demand is more than the cap, the application can be rolled in the next program year.
3. Character and health check
The delay in obtaining health examination or police approval can slow down the process.
If a parent lives in many countries or has a complex medical history, a long wait is expected.
4. Income verification for sponsors
The sponsors have to prove that they complete the minimum taxable income limit (currently around AUD 83,454.80).
Issues that confirm income or discrepancies in financial documents can cause additional investigation and delay.
5. Kovid -19 and global events
While processing time has normalized post-pandemic, no major global disruption (such as border change or policy change) can affect the department’s resources and speed of processing.
Tips for a sharp 870 visa result
If you want to avoid unnecessary delays, follow these major tips:
Apply early: Do not wait until the last moment. Start the process well before your desired travel date.
Prepare a complete application: Include all the necessary forms, evidence of relationship, health insurance and certified identity documents.
Use a registered migration agent: Professional agents can help navigate general loss and improve the possibilities of a smooth application.
Reply to the requests immediately: If the department asks for more information, respond quickly to avoid delay or refusal in your application.
Ensure the eligibility of the sponsor: Confirm that your sponsor meets the income limit and residence requirements before applying.
Important notes about revaluation and extension
If a parent wants to stay for a long time after the end of the 3- or 5-year visa deadline, they can apply for another 870 visa-but should do so from outside Australia and inspect the 90-day waiting period between the visa.
Keep in mind that the maximum migration cumulative at 870 visa is 10 years. Subsequently, the only option for long-term migration will be through a separate visa route, such as a permanent parent visa (eg subcate 143), which usually waits very long, but leads to a permanent residence.
final view
While 870 sponsored parents offer a more immediate way for visa families, especially compared to long queues for permanent parents visas, it is important to plan well in advance due to variable processing time. On average, travel from sponsorship to visa grant can occur anywhere from 5 to 15 months, depending on individual conditions.