The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to spend extended periods in Australia with their children.
This visa does not lead to permanent residency, but it offers stays of up to 5 years at a time, with a maximum total stay of 10 years.
Who Can Apply?
Parents (biological, adoptive, or step-parents) of:
- Australian citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Eligible New Zealand citizens
Parents must be sponsored by their child, and only two parents can be sponsored at the same time by one child.
Sponsor Requirements:
Before a parent applies, the sponsoring child must be approved as a Parent Sponsor. To qualify, the sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Have lived in Australia for at least 4 years
- Meet the income threshold (currently AUD 83,454.80 assessable income, but updated annually)
- Pass character checks
- Commit to supporting the parent financially and providing accommodation
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government
Check Also: Australia Post Study Work Visa – A Guide
Parent Requirements:
To apply for the Subclass 870 visa, the parent must:
- Be outside Australia when applying (unless granted special permission)
- Pass health and character checks
- Provide proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Hold valid private health insurance from an Australian provider (condition 8501)
- Show financial capacity to cover travel and living expenses
- Have no debts to the Australian government
Length of Stay:
Two options are available:
- 3-year visa – AUD 5,000 application charge
- 5-year visa – AUD 10,000 application charge
After the visa expires, parents must leave Australia and stay offshore for at least 90 days before reapplying. The maximum total stay allowed under this visa subclass is 10 years.
What You Can and Cannot Do:
You can:
- Live in Australia with your children and grandchildren
- Travel in and out of Australia during the visa period
- Stay for up to 5 years at a time
You cannot:
- Work in Australia
- Access Medicare or public health services
- Stay beyond 10 years total under this visa
- Transition to permanent residency through this visa
Application Process:
Step 1: Sponsorship Application
- Sponsor applies via ImmiAccount
- Upload proof of citizenship/residency, income documents, police clearances
- Pay sponsorship application fee
- Await approval from the Department of Home Affairs
Step 2: Parent Visa Application
- Parent applies through ImmiAccount after sponsorship approval
- Provide identity documents, proof of relationship, health checks, police clearances, and proof of insurance
- Pay the visa application fee (AUD 5,000 or AUD 10,000)
- Wait for processing (several months, depending on caseload)
Health and Character Requirements:
- Parents must undergo health examinations to ensure they will not place a significant burden on Australia’s health system.
- Police clearances are required from all countries where the applicant has lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
- Private health insurance must cover hospital treatment, emergencies, and all medical costs for the full duration of the visa.
Important Notes:
- Visa places are capped at 15,000 per program year across all 870 visa applicants.
- Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
- This visa is strictly temporary and does not provide a migration pathway. For permanent options, parents must explore the Parent Visa subclasses (103, 143, 804, etc.), which have higher costs and long waiting times.
Summary:
The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa is designed for parents who want to spend extended time with their family in Australia without seeking permanent residency. It offers flexibility, but also strict conditions: no work rights, no Medicare, and a 10-year cap.
Families should prepare carefully, meet both sponsor and parent requirements, and budget for significant visa fees. For official details and updates, always check the Department of Home Affairs website.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long can I stay?
Up to 5 years per grant, maximum 10 years total.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, from an Australian provider, covering your entire stay.
Can I work on this visa?
No, work rights are not included.