Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa Subclass 870
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870) lets parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible NZ citizens visit Australia for 3 or 5 years (up to 10 years total across multiple visas).
Overview
Subclass 870 is a flexible, long-stay visit visa for parents to spend extended time with family in Australia without occupying permanent migration places. You must first obtain sponsorship approval from your child (Parent Sponsor) who meets income and residency criteria; then lodge the visa within 6 months of sponsorship approval (or 60 days if applying onshore with permission). Costs are higher for the 5‑year option and are paid in two instalments. Health insurance is required, work is not permitted, and holding/ applying for 870 can affect eligibility for other permanent parent visas while it is in effect.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ Be the parent of an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
- ✔ Have an approved Parent Sponsor before lodging the visa.
- ✔ Sponsor meets income, residency (generally 4+ years), and character criteria.
- ✔ Maintain a genuine visitor intent (temporary stay).
- ✔ Hold adequate health insurance for the entire stay.
- ✔ Meet health requirements (medical exams if requested).
- ✔ Meet character requirements (police checks if requested).
- ✔ Have access to sufficient funds; sponsor provides financial support.
- ✔ Apply online via ImmiAccount within the specified timeframe.
- ✔ Accept no work rights and comply with all visa conditions.
Why Choose This Path?
- Stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years in a single grant.
- Apply for further 870 visas up to a 10 year cumulative stay.
- Multiple entry travel while the visa is valid.
- Spend extended time with family and grandchildren.
- Streamlined online sponsorship and visa process.
- No Balance of Family test.
- No Assurance of Support requirement.
- Flexibility to apply onshore with permission (time limited).
- Clear conditions and timelines for long visits.
- Ability to maintain private health coverage for the stay.
Your Roadmap to Success
- Confirm eligibility for both applicant and sponsor.
- Sponsor applies online to become an approved Parent Sponsor.
- Receive sponsorship approval notice.
- Create/log in to ImmiAccount for the visa application.
- Lodge the 870 visa within 6 months of sponsorship approval (or 60 days if onshore permitted).
- Upload documents: IDs, relationship proof, insurance, sponsor evidence.
- Pay the first VAC; complete health checks/biometrics if requested.
- Respond promptly to any Requests for Information.
- Pay the second VAC when invited.
- Receive decision; enter/remain in Australia and follow all conditions (no work).
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Temporary
Visa Pathways
Extended Family Visits and Grandparent Support
The primary purpose and pathway of the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 870 is facilitating extended family visits allowing parents to spend years at a time in Australia with their children and grandchildren rather than permanent migration. This pathway enables parents to be present during critical years of grandchildren's childhood development providing grandparent childcare support helping with school routines participating in daily family life and being available for important milestones like birthdays graduations sporting events and celebrations.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Application Fee | AUD 6,070.00 | Up to 3 years |
| Base Application Fee | AUD12,140.00 | Up to 5 years |
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