Can I get a 10 year Australian visa?

Know How to Get a 10 Year Australian Visa

If you’re planning regular trips to Australia or hoping to spend more time with your family there, it’s natural to ask: Can I get a 10 year Australian visa?

The answer is yes, but with some important conditions. Australia doesn’t offer a single visa that lets everyone live there continuously for 10 years. Instead, there are specific visa options that allow long-term access to Australia over a 10-year period, depending on your purpose of visit and family connections.

In this guide, we’ll clearly explain what a 10 year Australian visa actually means, who can apply, available visa types, stay limits, and which option might suit you best.

What Does a 10 Year Australian Visa Really Mean?

A 10 year Australian visa does not mean you can stay in Australia nonstop for a decade. Instead, it usually means:

• The visa is valid for up to 10 years
• You can enter Australia multiple times
• Each visit has a limited stay duration
• The visa is temporary, not permanent residency

Currently, there are two main visas that make a 10-year stay possible over time:

1. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Frequent Traveller Stream
2. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)

Let’s look at each option in simple terms.

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Frequent Traveller Stream

When most people search for a 10 year Australian visa, they’re usually referring to the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 – Frequent Traveller stream.

What Is the Frequent Traveller Stream?

This stream is designed for people who genuinely need to travel to Australia often, such as for:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Short business-related visits (no work allowed)

It’s especially useful for travelers who have a strong travel history and want the convenience of a long-validity visa.

How Long Is This Visa Valid?

• The visa can be granted for up to 10 years
• You can enter Australia multiple times
• Each stay is usually limited to up to 3 months per visit

So while the visa itself may last 10 years, you must leave Australia once your allowed stay ends and re-enter for your next visit.

Who Can Apply for This 10 Year Australian Visa?

To be considered for the Frequent Traveller stream, you must:

• Be a genuine visitor
• Hold a valid passport
• Show strong ties to your home country
• Have enough funds for your trip
• Meet Australia’s health and character requirements
• Intend to stay only for a short, lawful period

Approval depends on your profile, travel history, and purpose of visit. The final decision is always made by the case officer.

Important Points to Keep in Mind

• You must apply specifically for the Frequent Traveller stream
• It costs more than a regular tourist visa
• Not everyone receives a 10-year validity
• The stay duration per visit does not increase
• Visa length is granted at the officer’s discretion

Even if you apply for a 10 year Australian visa, the department may approve it for a shorter duration based on your case.

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 870

If you’re a parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, there’s another option that can allow you to spend up to 10 years in Australia over time.

What Is the Subclass 870 Visa?

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) is designed specifically for parents who want to spend extended time with their children living in Australia.

Unlike a visitor visa, this option allows long continuous stays, making it ideal for family bonding.

How Long Can You Stay?

• Visa can be granted for 3 years or 5 years at a time
• You can apply again after expiry
• Maximum stay allowed is up to 10 years

This makes Subclass 870 one of the most practical options for parents seeking a long-term presence in Australia.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must have a child who is:

• An Australian citizen
• An Australian permanent resident
• Or an eligible New Zealand citizen

Your child must sponsor you and meet certain income and eligibility criteria.

Key Conditions of Subclass 870

• No work rights
• No permanent residency pathway
• Health insurance is mandatory
• You must leave Australia once the maximum stay limit is reached

This visa is purely for temporary family stays, not settlement.

Are There Any Other 10 Year Visa Options for Australia?

You may come across terms like:

• 10-year multiple-entry visa
• Retirement visa
• Golden visa
• Permanent visas

At present:

• Retirement visas are closed
• Permanent visas have entirely different eligibility rules
• None of these function as a true 10 year visitor visa

For long-term temporary access, Subclass 600 (Frequent Traveller) and Subclass 870 remain the most realistic and official options.

What’s the Maximum Time You Can Stay in Australia?

Your stay depends on the visa you hold:

• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Frequent Traveller):
  Up to 3 months per visit
• Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870):
  Continuous stay of 3 or 5 years, up to 10 years total

Overstaying can lead to visa refusal or bans, so following conditions is critical.

Things You Should Know Before Applying

Before applying for a 10 year Australian visa, remember:

• You must choose the correct visa stream
• Approval is never guaranteed
• Visa duration depends on individual assessment
• Official updates are always available on
  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• Every application is reviewed on its own merits

Applying with clear documentation and genuine intent makes a big difference.

Final Answer: Can I Get a 10 Year Australian Visa?

Yes, you can get a 10 year Australian visa, but only through specific visa categories:

• The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Frequent Traveller stream allows multiple short visits over up to 10 years.
• The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) allows parents to stay in Australia for extended periods, totaling up to 10 years.

The right option depends on why you’re visiting, how often you plan to travel, and your family situation.