The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (870 Visa) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia for an extended period without needing to leave every few months.
This visa provides a flexible option for family reunification, allowing eligible parents to stay in Australia for up to three or five years at a time, with a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years.
Let’s explore how the Subclass 870 visa works and whether it’s the right option for your family.
Key Takeaways
- The Subclass 870 visa allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa.
- Parents can remain in Australia on Sponsored Parent visas for a maximum cumulative period of 10 years.
- An approved Parent Sponsor is required before a visa application can be lodged.
- The visa holder cannot work in Australia.
- The visa allows multiple entries, enabling parents to travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid.
- This is a temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residency.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
What is the Sponsored Parent Visa (870 Visa)?
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) is a temporary visa that allows parents of settled Australians to stay in Australia for extended periods.
The visa is designed to help families spend more time together without relying on short-term visitor visas. It provides significantly longer stays than standard visitor visas while reducing pressure on Australia’s permanent parent visa programme.
Under this visa, parents can:
- Stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years;
- Travel in and out of Australia multiple times while the visa is valid; and
- Apply for further Sponsored Parent visas, up to a cumulative maximum stay of 10 years.
However, this visa is temporary and does not provide a pathway to permanent residency.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 870 Visa?
You may be eligible if you are the:
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has been approved as your Parent Sponsor.
Parents of Australian Citizens
Parents of Australian citizens may apply for the Subclass 870 visa if their child is an approved Parent Sponsor.
This visa allows parents to spend meaningful time with their families and participate in important milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, and the upbringing of grandchildren.
Parents of Australian Permanent Residents
Parents of Australian permanent residents may also be eligible.
The visa provides flexibility, allowing parents to remain close to their children for extended periods while maintaining the ability to travel overseas and return to Australia during its validity.
Parents of Eligible New Zealand Citizens
Parents of eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia may also qualify for this visa.
As with other applicants, the sponsoring child must first become an approved Parent Sponsor before the parent can lodge the visa application.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Benefits of the Subclass 870 Visa
Extended Stays in Australia
One of the major benefits of this visa is the ability to remain in Australia for significantly longer than a visitor visa permits.
Parents can apply for:
- A visa valid for up to 3 years; or
- A visa valid for up to 5 years.
Over time, parents may hold Sponsored Parent visas for a cumulative maximum of 10 years.
This allows families to enjoy meaningful time together without the need for frequent visa renewals.
Multiple Travel Rights
The Subclass 870 visa is a multiple-entry visa.
This means you can:
- Travel overseas and return to Australia as often as you wish while the visa remains valid; and
- Visit family and attend important events overseas without affecting your visa status.
Important Limitations of the Subclass 870 Visa
Although the visa offers significant benefits, there are important limitations to be aware of.
No Work Rights
Visa holders cannot work in Australia.
This means you cannot:
- Undertake paid employment;
- Engage in activities that constitute work under Australian migration law.
Parents should ensure they have adequate financial support during their stay.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
No Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 870 visa is strictly temporary.
You cannot apply for another temporary or permanent parent visa while you:
- Hold a Subclass 870 visa; or
- Have an undecided Subclass 870 application.
Families considering permanent migration pathways should obtain professional advice before lodging an application.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Sponsorship Requirements
Before a parent can apply for the Subclass 870 visa, the sponsoring child must be approved as a Parent Sponsor.
The sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen;
- Usually have lived in Australia for at least four years;
- Meet character requirements;
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government; and
- Meet the income requirement.
The sponsor agrees to:
- Provide financial support and accommodation;
- Notify the Department of certain changes in circumstances; and
- Repay any public health debts incurred by the parent during their stay.
The sponsorship application fee is currently AUD 420.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
How to Apply for the Subclass 870 Visa
Step 1 – Sponsorship Application
The sponsoring child must first apply online to become an approved Parent Sponsor.
The Department assesses whether the sponsor meets all sponsorship requirements.
Once approved, the parent can proceed with the visa application.
Step 2 – Visa Application
The parent must:
- Have an approved Parent Sponsor;
- Meet health requirements;
- Meet character requirements;
- Have adequate health insurance;
- Demonstrate they have sufficient financial means or access to financial support; and
- Genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia.
Applications are generally lodged online.
Most applicants must be outside Australia when applying unless they have received Permission to Apply in Australia in exceptional circumstances.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Visa Costs
Current visa application charges are:
- AUD 6,070 for a visa of up to 3 years; or
- AUD 12,140 for a visa of up to 5 years.
The visa charge is paid in two instalments.
Additional costs may also apply, including:
Visa charges are subject to change and should always be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging an application.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Health Insurance Requirement
Parents must maintain adequate health insurance with an Australian provider throughout their stay.
Medicare access is generally not available unless a reciprocal healthcare agreement covers the applicant.
Maintaining health insurance is a mandatory visa condition.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Can You Apply for Another Subclass 870 Visa?
Yes.
Parents may apply for another Sponsored Parent visa, provided:
- Their cumulative stay does not exceed 10 years; and
- They satisfy the requirements for a further visa.
Generally, applicants must spend at least 90 consecutive days outside Australia before another Subclass 870 visa can be granted.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Conclusion
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) offers families a practical and flexible way to spend meaningful time together in Australia.
With stays of up to five years per visa and a maximum cumulative stay of ten years, it provides an excellent option for parents who wish to be involved in family life without immediately pursuing permanent migration.
However, it is important to understand that this visa:
- Does not provide work rights;
- Does not lead to permanent residency; and
- Requires sponsorship by an eligible child who meets specific requirements.
With careful planning and proper advice, the Subclass 870 visa can be an excellent solution for families seeking long-term reunification in Australia.