Sponsored Parent Visa | Subclass 870
Sponsored Parent Visa
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) is a flexible temporary visa that allows parents to spend up to five consecutive years (but up to 10 years in total) in Australia with their children and grandchildren. Unlike permanent parent visas, the 870 does not require you to meet the Balance of Family test, making it the premier choice for families who do not meet the strict residency ratios of other categories.
Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary |
| Stay | 3 or 5 years per visa (Up to 10 years total) |
| Cost | From $6,370 (3-year) or $12,440 (5-year)1 |
| Processing Time | Approx. 5 – 6 months for the Sponsorship Application and 7 – 12 months for the Visa Appliction2 |
| Key Requirement | Approved Parent Sponsor (No Balance of Family Test) |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 870 visa in 2026, both the parent and the Australian sponsor must meet specific criteria designed to ensure the family’s self-sufficiency during the stay.
1. Approved Parent Sponsorship
Before a parent can apply for the visa, their child must be approved as a Parent Sponsor. The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has been settled in Australia for at least four years.
2. The Income Threshold Requirement
The sponsor must meet a specific taxable income threshold. For the 2025–26 financial year, the sponsor (or combined with their partner) must show a taxable income of at least $83,454.80. This ensures the sponsor can financially support the parent without relying on Australian social security.
3. Relationship and Age
The applicant must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the approved sponsor and must be at least 18 years of age. Unlike permanent visas, there is no Balance of Family test, meaning you can apply even if most of your children live outside Australia.
4. Health, Character, and Insurance
Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character standards. Crucially, subclass 870 holders must maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of their stay, as they do not have access to Medicare. There are several insurers for health cover, for your convenience we have included a link to one here. We do not receive any benefit from providing the health insurance details to you.
How to Apply for the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa
A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sponsor Eligibility Audit & Application
We begin by verifying the sponsor’s income and residency. We lodge the Sponsorship Application first, as the parent cannot lodge their visa application until the sponsorship is approved.
Step 2: Receive Sponsorship Approval
Once the sponsorship is approved, the parent has 60 days to lodge their visa application if they are in Australia (with permission) or 6 months if they are outside Australia.
Step 3: Lodge the Subclass 870 Visa Application
We prepare a decision-ready file, including identity documents, health insurance certificates, and evidence of genuine temporary stay. Most 870 applications are lodged while the parent is offshore.
Step 4: Health and Character Clearances
The Department will request medical examinations and police checks. We coordinate these with authorised clinics to ensure results are processed swiftly.
Step 5: Visa Grant and Arrival
Upon grant, the parent can travel to Australia. The visa allows for multiple entries, meaning parents can travel abroad and return to Australia as often as they like within the 3 or 5-year period.
Being on a Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa means…
What You Can Do on the 870 Visa
While on the 870 visa, parents can:
- Re-unite with their families and stay for up to 5 consecutive years per visa.
- Provide unpaid childcare for grandchildren or volunteer at their schools.
- Travel freely in and out of Australia.
Your Visa Obligations
- No Work Rights: 870 visa holders are strictly prohibited from working in Australia.
- Health Debt: Sponsors are legally liable for any public health debts incurred by the parent.
- Cumulative Limit: The maximum total stay on this visa is 10 years. After 10 years, the parent must depart or seek a different visa pathway.
The Pathway to Australian Citizenship
The 870 visa is strictly temporary and does not lead directly to permanent residency. However, it is an excellent gap solution while a permanent Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa application is in the queue.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The 870 sponsorship income rules and the 60-day lodgement window are common pitfalls. Our expert team ensures your family reunification is not delayed by administrative errors.
Our Subclass 870 Services include:
Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment of the sponsor’s taxable income to ensure the threshold is met for the correct financial year.
Sponsorship Strategy to navigate combined income rules if a single sponsor does not meet the threshold alone.
Decision-Ready Application management to avoid lengthy Requests for Further Information from the Department.
Health Insurance Coordination to ensure your policy meets the strict Condition 8501 requirements.
Full Management of the two-stage process, from initial sponsorship to final visa grant.
And much, much more.
Don’t risk your parent’s stay. Talk to an expert today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa
Q: Can I work in Australia on a subclass 870 visa?
A: No. Work is strictly prohibited. However, the Department allows unpaid care of grandchildren and non-commercial volunteer work.
Q: Is there a Balance of Family test for the 870 visa?
A: No. This is the primary advantage of the 870 visa, allowing families with children scattered globally to reunite in Australia.
Q: Can I access Medicare on this visa?
A: No. Subclass 870 holders are not eligible for Medicare and must maintain private health insurance.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residency while on an 870 visa?
A: You can have a permanent parent visa (like the 143) in the queue while holding an 870 visa, but the 870 visa itself does not provide a direct PR points or transition pathway.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 16 April 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
