A Temporary Visa for Parents to Live in Australia with Their Family
The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years at a time, can be granted up to 10 years. Unlike permanent parent visas, the 870 visa provides a faster processing option without requiring applicants to meet the Balance of Family Test.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 870 Visa
✅ Stay in Australia for up to 5 years per visa
✅ No Balance of Family Test requirement
✅ Multiple entries allowed
✅ Faster processing (compared to permanent parent visas)
✅ Can be renewed for a total stay of up to 10 years
Eligibility Requirements
For Parents (Applicants)
✔ Must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
✔ Must have a sponsor (your child) approved by the Australian government
✔ Must meet health and character requirements
✔ Must have adequate health insurance
For the Sponsor (Your Child in Australia)
✔ Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
✔ Must be 18+ years old
✔ Must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years
✔ Must meet the household income requirement current at the time of the sponsorship application – ask us for the current figure
Application Process & Timeline
- Sponsor Applies First – Your child must be approved as a sponsor
- Parent Applies for Visa – After sponsorship is approved
- Visa Grant – Allows multiple entries for the visa duration
Why Choose the 870 Visa?
🔹 No 30-year wait (unlike Subclass 103/804)
🔹 No Balance of Family Test (easier eligibility)
🔹 Flexible stay options (3 or 5 years per visa)
🔹 Renewable for up to 10 years total stay
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Sponsorship Application Assistance – Ensure your child meets income requirements
✅ Visa Application Support – Avoid delays or rejections
✅ Health Insurance Guidance – Find the best coverage
✅ Renewal & Extension Advice – Plan for long-term stays
Start Your Parent Visa Journey Today
📞 Call: [+61 434 294 670]
✉️ Email: [info@immigrad.com.au]
🌐 Website: [www.immigrad.com.au]
Book a Free Consultation
Official Resources
Home Affairs – 870 Visa
Sponsorship Requirements
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
FAQs
Q: Can I work on an 870 visa?
A: No, this visa does not permit work.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residency later?
A: Yes, but you must apply for a separate visa (e.g., Subclass 103/143).
Q: Can I include my spouse in the application?
A: No, each parent must apply separately.Need personalized advice?Contact us today.
More questions about the subclass 870 visa
How long can a parent stay in Australia on a subclass 870 visa?
The visa is granted for either three or five years at a time, depending on what is applied for and approved. A parent may hold subclass 870 visas for a cumulative maximum of ten years. After that maximum is reached, no further subclass 870 visa can be granted, so families should plan the longer-term arrangement early.
Does the subclass 870 require the balance of family test?
No. This is the principal practical difference between the subclass 870 and the permanent parent visas. The balance of family test, which requires at least half your children to live permanently in Australia, does not apply to the subclass 870. The sponsoring child must instead be approved as a sponsor before the parent applies.
Can a subclass 870 holder work in Australia?
No. The subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa does not carry work rights. Holders must also maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of the visa and must not have outstanding public health debts. Parents who need work rights should seek advice on whether another visa pathway is open to them.
Does the subclass 870 lead to permanent residence?
Not on its own. The subclass 870 is a temporary visa with no direct permanent pathway. A parent who wants permanent residence must separately apply for a parent visa such as the subclass 103, 143 or 804, each of which has its own criteria, balance of family test and queue. Holding an 870 does not advance that application.
Who can be a sponsor for a subclass 870 visa?
The sponsoring child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, must be at least 18, must usually have been settled in Australia for a qualifying period, and must meet an income requirement. Sponsorship must be approved before the parent lodges the visa application, so the two stages must be sequenced correctly.
Related reading: Immigrad parent visa services, the subclass 103 Parent visa, the subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa, and book a consultation.
This page is general information only and is current as at September 2026. It does not take your circumstances into account. Sponsorship criteria, income requirements and processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs change, and complex cases need personal advice from a registered migration agent.