Subclass 870 Visa: Sponsored Parent (Temporary)
Long stays for parents: 3 or 5 years at a time, up to 10 years in total, without the long permanent-visa queues.
Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed
In short: The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) lets parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years at a time, up to 10 years in total. Your child must first be approved as a parent sponsor. Parents cannot work and must keep private health insurance.
Who this visa suits
- Parents who want long visits without a permanent visa
- Families waiting in a permanent parent visa queue
- Parents who do not meet the Balance of Family test
| Stay | 3 or 5 years per visa, up to 10 years in total |
|---|---|
| Charge | AUD 6,000–6,500* (3 years) or AUD 12,000–13,000* (5 years) |
| Sponsor | Your child, approved as a parent sponsor first |
| Work | Not permitted |
| Health insurance | Must be kept for the whole stay |
Official information: Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870). Part of our Parent visa services.
Requirements
The main requirements. We check each one against your situation before you apply.
Sponsor approval
Your child applies to be a parent sponsor first.
Sponsor income
Your child (or their partner) must meet an income requirement.
Health insurance
Adequate private health insurance.
Health & character
Health checks and police certificates.
No work
Parents cannot work on this visa.
Outside Australia
Generally apply from outside Australia.
Document checklist
Most applications need the following. Your exact list depends on your circumstances; we give you a personalised checklist.
- Sponsor approval (your child’s application)
- Sponsor income evidence
- Parent–child relationship documents
- Health insurance policy
- Police certificates and health examinations
Costs
| Visa | Main applicant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsored Parent (870), 3 years | AUD 6,000–6,500* | Plus your child's sponsorship application. |
| Sponsored Parent (870), 5 years | AUD 12,000–13,000* | Plus your child's sponsorship application. |
*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.
Step by step
- Sponsor applicationYour child applies to be a parent sponsor.
- Sponsor approvalUsually needed before the visa application.
- Visa applicationChoose 3 or 5 years and pay the charge.
- Health insuranceArrange it before travel.
- Travel and stayKeep to the no-work condition.
- Plan the next visaUp to 10 years in total.
Common mistakes and refusal reasons
- Applying for the visa before sponsor approval
- Sponsor income below the requirement
- Letting health insurance lapse
- Planning paid work in Australia
For permanent residence, compare the 143/173 and 103. For shorter visits, the Visitor visa (600).
Recent changes
1 July 2026: Charges rose to AUD 6,000–6,500* (3 years) and AUD 12,000–13,000* (5 years).
Questions
Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.
Book a free consultationCan my parents work on an 870?+
How long can parents stay in total?+
Do parents need the Balance of Family test?+
Can both parents apply?+
Talk to us about your visa.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455).
- Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
- Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
- Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
- Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges