Parent Visas
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
Reunite with your parents in Australia for up to 10 years—without the lengthy wait for permanent parent visas
Updated December 2024 · 12 min read
Check Your 870 Visa Eligibility
Table of Contents
Why Choose M2 Migration for Your Sponsored Parent Visa
Fixed, Transparent Fees
No hidden costs. We provide a complete fee quote upfront, covering both sponsorship and visa applications.
Two-Stage Application Expertise
We guide both sponsors and parents through the complex dual-application process, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Clear, Proactive Communication
Regular updates at every milestone. You'll always know exactly where your application stands.
About the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
The Subclass 870 visa is a temporary visa introduced in 2019 that allows parents to visit and live with their children in Australia for extended periods. It was created in response to community concerns about the extremely long waiting times for permanent parent visas, which can exceed 30 years for non-contributory options.
This visa is specifically designed for parents who want to spend meaningful time with their Australian-based children and grandchildren without committing to permanent migration. Up to 15,000 Subclass 870 visas may be granted each financial year.
With the Subclass 870 visa, your parents can:
- ✓Live in Australia continuously for 3 or 5 years per visa grant
- ✓Reapply for additional visas up to a cumulative maximum of 10 years
- ✓Travel in and out of Australia unlimited times during the visa validity
- ✓Provide unpaid care for grandchildren
- ✓Volunteer with charitable organisations
- ✓Assist at schools where grandchildren study
Important Note
Unlike permanent parent visas, the Subclass 870 does not require the "Balance of Family Test" or an Assurance of Support. This makes it accessible to parents who may not qualify for permanent options because more of their children live overseas than in Australia.
Benefits and Limitations of the Subclass 870 Visa
For many families, the Subclass 870 visa represents a precious opportunity—the chance for grandchildren to truly know their grandparents, and for adult children to spend quality time with aging parents during their twilight years.
Subclass 870 Advantages
- ✓Processing in weeks/months
- ✓No Balance of Family Test
- ✓No Assurance of Support required
- ✓Stay up to 5 years continuously
- ✓Multiple entries included
Permanent Parent Visa Comparison
- •Processing can take 12-30+ years
- •Must pass Balance of Family Test
- •AoS bond of $43,600+ required
- •Permanent stay
- •Full work rights & Medicare
Key Limitations to Understand
Before applying, ensure you understand these important limitations:
- 1. No pathway to permanent residency – The Subclass 870 is strictly temporary and does not lead to PR
- 2. Cannot apply for other parent visas – While holding or having applied for a Subclass 870, parents cannot apply for permanent parent visas (103, 143, 804, 864, 173, 884)
- 3. No work rights – Visa holders cannot undertake paid employment in Australia
- 4. No Medicare access – Private health insurance is mandatory
- 5. Maximum 10-year cumulative stay – After holding this visa for 10 years total, no further Subclass 870 visas can be granted
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 870 Visa?
The Subclass 870 involves two parties who must each meet specific eligibility criteria: the sponsor (your child in Australia) and the applicant (the parent).
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor a parent for this visa, the sponsor must:
- ✓Be at least 18 years of age
- ✓Be the biological child, adopted child, or step-child of the applicant
- ✓Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- ✓Have been usually resident in Australia for at least 4 years
- ✓Meet the minimum taxable income threshold of $83,454.80 per annum (current at 2024)
- ✓Have no outstanding debts to the Commonwealth or public health debts (unless payment arrangements exist)
- ✓Provide police clearances for any country lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
- ✓Have no adverse information on record (unless reasonable to disregard)
💡 Income Tip: The income threshold can be met through the combined taxable income of the sponsor and their spouse/partner, and/or another child of the parent being sponsored. If you're approaching retirement, consider lodging the sponsorship application while still earning employment income.
Applicant (Parent) Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the visa, the parent must:
- ✓Be the biological, adoptive, step-parent, or parent-in-law of an approved sponsor
- ✓Be at least 18 years of age
- ✓Have an approved Parent Sponsor before applying
- ✓Be outside Australia when applying (unless granted permission to apply onshore)
- ✓Meet health requirements (medical examination required)
- ✓Meet character requirements (police clearances required)
- ✓Have, or have access to, sufficient funds to support themselves
- ✓Demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily
- ✓Have and maintain adequate health insurance from an Australian provider
- ✓Have no outstanding debt to the Australian Government
Not sure if you qualify?
The eligibility requirements for both sponsors and parents can be complex, particularly around income thresholds and the "genuine temporary stay" requirement.
Check Your Eligibility – Free AssessmentSubclass 870 Visa Document Checklist
A significant number of visa applications are delayed or refused due to incomplete or poorly organised documentation. Providing comprehensive evidence from the start gives your application the best chance of success.
💡 Tip: The Subclass 870 requires documentation from both the sponsor AND the applicant. We've organised this checklist to help you prepare both applications.
Documents for the Sponsor
Identity & Relationship Documents
- ☐Passport (bio page + all pages with stamps/visas)
- ☐Birth certificate (showing parent's name)
- ☐Adoption papers or court orders (if applicable)
- ☐Marriage certificate (if sponsoring parent-in-law)
- ☐Name change documents (if applicable)
- ☐Evidence of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible NZ citizen status
Financial Documents
- ☐Notice of Assessment from the ATO for the most recent taxable income year
- ☐Evidence of combined household income (if relying on spouse/partner income)
- ☐Bank statements (if requested)
Residency Evidence
- ☐Evidence of living in Australia for at least 4 years (rental agreements, utility bills, employment records)
Character Documents
- ☐Police clearances from any country lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
- ☐Military records (if applicable)
How to Apply for the Subclass 870 Visa
The Subclass 870 visa involves a two-stage application process. The sponsor must first be approved before the parent can lodge their visa application.
Sponsor Applies for Approval
The sponsoring child lodges a 'Parent Sponsor' application with the Department of Home Affairs, demonstrating they meet all sponsor eligibility criteria. Processing typically takes 25-77 days.
Wait for Sponsorship Approval
The Department assesses the sponsor's eligibility, including income verification and character checks. The parent should NOT lodge their visa application until the sponsorship is approved.
Parent Lodges Visa Application
Once sponsorship is approved, the parent has 6 months to lodge their visa application. Complete the online application, pay the first instalment, provide documents, and undergo health examinations.
Application Assessment
The Department assesses the parent's eligibility, including health, character, and genuine temporary stay intention. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Visa Decision
If approved, the parent receives notification of their visa grant allowing stay for 3 or 5 years with multiple entries and unlimited travel in and out of Australia.
Ready to start your application?
Our team can guide you through every step of the sponsorship and visa application process.
Book Your ConsultationSubclass 870 Visa Costs (2024-25)
Understanding all costs involved in your Sponsored Parent visa application
Government Application Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship application | $420 |
| 3-year visa: | |
| • First instalment | $1,180 |
| • Second instalment | $4,715 |
| Total (3-year) | $5,895 |
| 5-year visa: | |
| • First instalment | $1,180 |
| • Second instalment | $10,605 |
| Total (5-year) | $11,785 |
The second instalment is payable before the visa is granted. Fees are per person—costs double if both parents apply.
💡 Cost Perspective: When spread over the life of the visa, the cost works out to approximately $5.40/day for the 3-year visa and $6.45/day for the 5-year visa—roughly the cost of a daily coffee. Compare this to international flights to visit family, and the economic value becomes clear.
Other Common Expenses
- Health examinations$300-$500 per person
- Police clearances$40-$100 per country
- Document translations$50-$150 per document
- Health insurance$150-$400+ per month
- Biometrics (if applicable)May be required at additional cost
M2 Migration Professional Fees
We operate on a fixed-fee basis to provide certainty about your total costs. Our fees vary depending on case complexity and cover:
- ✓Eligibility assessment for both sponsor and parent
- ✓Preparation of sponsorship application
- ✓Preparation of visa application
- ✓Document review and organisation
- ✓Lodgement and ongoing communication with the Department
- ✓Responses to any Requests for Information
Payment plans available – We offer flexible payment options to help manage costs.
Subclass 870 Visa Processing Times
Processing times vary based on application completeness, case complexity, and Department workloads.
Sponsorship Application
Current processing times (as at December 2024)
Visa Application
Current processing times (as at December 2024)
Factors Affecting Processing Time
- •Application completeness – Missing documents cause delays
- •Health and character checks – Complex cases take longer
- •Genuine temporary stay assessment – May require additional evidence
- •Department caseload – Processing times fluctuate with demand
How M2 Migration Helps Reduce Delays
We prepare "decision-ready" applications by:
- ✓Ensuring all documents are complete and correctly formatted
- ✓Providing comprehensive submissions addressing all criteria
- ✓Anticipating potential concerns and addressing them upfront
- ✓Responding quickly to any Department requests
Conditions While Holding the Subclass 870 Visa
What Visa Holders CAN Do
- ✓Live in Australia for the duration of the visa (3 or 5 years)
- ✓Travel in and out of Australia unlimited times
- ✓Provide unpaid care for grandchildren
- ✓Volunteer with charitable organisations
- ✓Assist at schools where grandchildren study
- ✓Study (though not eligible for domestic student fees)
What Visa Holders CANNOT Do
- ✗Work for payment in Australia
- ✗Access Medicare (private health insurance required)
- ✗Apply for permanent parent visas while holding this visa
- ✗Perform unpaid work in a commercial or family business
- ✗Stay beyond the visa expiry date
Mandatory Obligations
Visa holders must:
- •Maintain adequate health insurance at all times
- •Notify the Department of any changes to name, address, phone, email, or online profiles at least 2 days before the change
- •Comply with all Australian laws
- •Leave Australia before the visa expires
- •Not engage in criminal conduct
Sponsors must:
- •Ensure they can meet sponsorship obligations before applying
- •Pay any outstanding public health debts incurred by the visa holder—this obligation continues even after the visa ceases
- •Notify the Department of any changes affecting their sponsorship status
Important Warning
Breaching visa conditions can result in visa cancellation. If you work unlawfully or overstay your visa, you may be barred from future Australian visas.
What Happens After the Subclass 870 Visa Expires?
Applying for Another Subclass 870
After your visa expires, you can apply for another Subclass 870 visa, subject to these conditions:
- •You must wait 90 days outside Australia after the previous visa expires before a new visa can be granted
- •The sponsor must lodge a new sponsorship application
- •The cumulative maximum stay is 10 years total
- •After reaching 10 years, no further Subclass 870 visas can be granted
Permanent Residency Options
The Subclass 870 does not lead to permanent residency. If your parents wish to stay permanently, they would need to consider:
Contributory Parent Visas (143/173 or 864/884)
- • Higher government fees (~$47,000+)
- • Processing time: 12+ years
- • Requires Balance of Family Test
- • Requires Assurance of Support
Non-Contributory Parent Visas (103/804)
- • Lower government fees (~$4,900)
- • Processing time: 29+ years
- • Requires Balance of Family Test
- • Requires Assurance of Support
Important: Parents cannot apply for these visas while holding or having applied for a Subclass 870. They must wait until the 870 visa expires and apply from outside Australia.
How M2 Migration Supports Your Subclass 870 Application
The Subclass 870 visa has a cap of 15,000 places per year, and the two-stage application process requires meticulous attention to detail. With strict eligibility requirements for both sponsors and parents, and the "genuine temporary stay" criterion requiring careful evidence preparation, professional guidance significantly improves your chances of success.
What We Do For You
- ✓Assess eligibility for both sponsor and parent, identifying any potential issues early
- ✓Explain your options clearly, including whether the 870 is the right visa for your situation
- ✓Prepare the sponsorship application with comprehensive supporting evidence
- ✓Prepare the visa application addressing all criteria, including genuine temporary stay
- ✓Review and organise documents to Department standards
- ✓Lodge both applications correctly and on time
- ✓Manage all Department communication on your behalf
- ✓Respond to Requests for Information promptly and thoroughly
- ✓Advise on visa conditions to help maintain compliance
Our Approach
We understand that bringing parents to Australia is about more than paperwork—it's about precious family time. Our team combines technical expertise with genuine care for your family's situation. We keep you informed at every stage and are always available to answer questions.
Accessibility
- •Free initial consultations to assess your situation
- •Online consultations available Australia-wide and internationally
- •Fixed-fee pricing so you know your costs upfront
- •Payment plans available for those who need flexibility
- •Can assist at any stage—whether you're just starting or need help with a complex case
Frequently Asked Questions About the Subclass 870 Visa
Clear answers to your Sponsored Parent visa questions
The Subclass 870 is a temporary visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years. Parents can reapply for additional visas up to a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years.
The sponsorship application typically takes 2-4 months to process, and the visa application takes 3-7 months. Total processing time from start to finish is usually 5-11 months, depending on case complexity.
No. The Subclass 870 does not grant work rights. Visa holders cannot undertake paid employment. However, they can provide unpaid care for grandchildren, volunteer with charities, or assist at schools.
No. Subclass 870 visa holders cannot access Medicare. They must maintain adequate private health insurance from an Australian provider for their entire stay.
No. The Subclass 870 is strictly temporary and does not provide a pathway to permanent residency. Parents also cannot apply for other permanent parent visas while holding or having applied for this visa.
A sponsor's household is limited to one active sponsorship at a time, which can cover up to 2 parents. You cannot lodge a new sponsorship until the current one ends.
Generally, parents must be outside Australia when applying. Permission to apply from within Australia can be requested, but this requires Ministerial approval and is not automatically granted.
After holding Subclass 870 visas for a cumulative total of 10 years, no further 870 visas can be granted. If your parents wish to continue living in Australia, they would need to explore other visa options.
The Balance of Family Test requires that at least half of a parent's children live in Australia, or that more children live in Australia than any other single country. Importantly, the Subclass 870 does NOT require this test, making it accessible to parents who wouldn't qualify for permanent parent visas.
Each parent requires their own visa application, but both can be covered under one sponsorship (up to 2 parents per household). Each parent pays their own visa application fee.
Book Your Subclass 870 Visa Consultation
Reuniting with your parents in Australia doesn't have to be complicated. Our experienced team has helped hundreds of families navigate the Subclass 870 process successfully. Let us guide you through every step.
Or email us at info@m2migration.com.au