Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa: Complete 2026 Guide

What the 870 Visa Allows

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa allows an eligible parent to live in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa grant, with a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years across multiple 870 visa grants over their lifetime. During their stay, a parent on the 870 visa can: live in Australia continuously for the duration of the visa; travel freely in and out of Australia; access Medicare (if the parent's home country has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia); work in Australia (there is no restriction on employment). The 870 is designed as a companion to the permanent parent visa queue — it provides the family unit with real time together while the long-term permanent visa application is pending or being considered. It is not a pathway to permanent residence on its own; permanent parent visas are separate applications.

Who Can Sponsor a Parent on the 870 Visa

To be an approved 870 sponsor, you must be: an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen ordinarily resident in Australia; aged 18 or over; able to demonstrate you meet the income threshold — you must earn at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) annually, or have a combined household income meeting this threshold; committed to providing adequate accommodation and supporting the parent's health costs during their stay. As the sponsor, you are financially responsible for the parent's medical costs and maintenance costs if they cannot pay. The application is a two-stage process: first, you apply to become an approved sponsor; then, your parent lodges the visa application. Both applications can be submitted at the same time if the sponsor is clearly eligible, but the sponsorship must be approved before the visa is granted.

Visa Conditions: 3-Year vs 5-Year Grant

The Subclass 870 is available in two durations: a 3-year grant and a 5-year grant. The cost is different for each. You can apply for consecutive 870 visas up to a total cumulative stay of 10 years. For example: a parent could hold a 3-year 870, then a 5-year 870, then a further 2-year period — reaching the 10-year lifetime maximum. After 10 cumulative years on the 870, the parent cannot be granted further 870 visas. At that point, if they wish to remain in Australia, they must hold or be granted a different visa — such as a permanent parent visa if that application has been approved in the meantime. The visa is single-entry prior to grant and multiple-entry once granted; the parent can travel in and out freely during the visa period.

Costs and Fees

The 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa is one of the more expensive temporary visas in the Australian system. Current application charges are approximately: AUD 5,000 for a 3-year grant; AUD 10,000 for a 5-year grant. These are visa application charges (VAC) paid to the Department of Home Affairs and are non-refundable in most circumstances if the application is refused or withdrawn. In addition to the VAC, you will incur costs for: the sponsorship application (as the Australian sponsor); health examinations for the parent (chest X-ray and medical examination with a panel physician); police clearances from the parent's country of residence and any country where they have lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years. Total out-of-pocket costs for a 5-year 870 typically range from $11,000 to $14,000+ including all ancillary costs. This is still substantially less than the contribution required for the permanent Contributory Parent visa, which currently requires a second instalment of over $43,000.

The 870 and Permanent Parent Visa Strategy

The 870 visa does not lead to permanent residence on its own, but it is a key component of a long-term parent visa strategy. Australia currently has two main permanent parent visa pathways: the Contributory Parent visa (143/173) with a waiting period of approximately 5–8 years from application; and the standard Parent visa (103) with a waiting time of up to 30+ years. Many families use the 870 visa to bridge the gap while a permanent parent visa application is in the queue. A parent can hold an 870 visa and have a permanent parent visa application pending at the same time — once the permanent visa is granted, the parent transitions directly. The 870 is not a prerequisite for the permanent parent visa, but it is the most practical tool available for families who want the parent in Australia now rather than in 20 years. A migration agent can help model the full parent visa strategy — balancing costs, waiting times, and the parent's age and health when planning the optimal application pathway.

Health and Character Requirements

Parents must meet standard health and character requirements for the 870 visa. Health requirements include a medical examination conducted by an approved panel physician and a chest X-ray. The Department applies health requirements relevant to the parent's age and the duration of the visa applied for — longer stays trigger more detailed health assessments. Parents with significant pre-existing health conditions should seek advice from a registered migration agent before applying, as health-related refusals are possible and the visa application charge is non-refundable. Character requirements include a valid police clearance from the parent's current country of residence, and police clearances from any country where they have lived for 12 or more months in the last 10 years. Character waivers are possible in some circumstances but require detailed submissions.

Can I sponsor both parents on the 870 visa at the same time?

Yes. You can sponsor both parents separately — each parent must have their own visa application. There is no restriction on sponsoring both parents simultaneously. Each application has its own VAC and each parent has their own 10-year cumulative maximum.

Can my parent work on the 870 visa?

Yes. There is no work restriction on the 870 Sponsored Parent visa. Your parent can work for any Australian employer during their stay.

Does my parent need health insurance on the 870 visa?

Yes. The sponsor is responsible for ensuring the parent has adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay, or is covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and the parent's home country. This is a sponsorship obligation — failing to maintain it can affect your ability to sponsor in the future.

What happens if the sponsorship is refused?

If the sponsorship application is refused, your parent cannot be granted the 870 visa. Common refusal reasons include the sponsor not meeting the income threshold, insufficient accommodation, or character concerns. A migration agent can help ensure your sponsorship application is complete and well-supported before lodgement.

Can my parent apply for permanent residence while on the 870?

Not directly via the 870 pathway — the 870 does not lead to permanent residence. However, your parent can hold the 870 and simultaneously have a separate permanent parent visa application (103 or 143) in the queue. When the permanent visa is granted, they transition from the 870 to permanent residence.