Need a quick response? Call us on 1300 919 717
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) lets a parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa, and up to 10 years in total. The child (or their partner) must first be approved as a Parent Sponsor, which includes an income test of AUD 83,454.80. The parent then applies, usually from outside Australia, within 6 months. There is no balance of family test, but the parent cannot work and must hold health insurance. Up to 15,000 visas can be granted each program year.
Sponsored Parent Visa (870) at a Glance
| Visa type | Temporary, up to 3 or 5 years per visa, maximum 10 years in total |
|---|---|
| Sponsor first | An approved Parent Sponsor is required before the parent can apply |
| Sponsor income | Taxable income of at least AUD 83,454.80 in the last completed income year (can be combined in some cases) |
| Where you apply | Outside Australia, within 6 months of sponsor approval, unless Permission to Apply in Australia is given |
| Work | Not allowed (limited unpaid family and volunteer activities only) |
| Annual cap | Up to 15,000 visas each program year (1 July to 30 June) |
| Government charge | AUD 1,515 first instalment, plus a second instalment of AUD 4,855 (3 years) or AUD 10,925 (5 years) (from 1 July 2026) |
| Pathway to PR | None. You cannot apply for another parent visa while you hold or have applied for the 870 |
This page covers the temporary 870 visa. For the permanent options, including the Parent (103), Contributory Parent (143) and Contributory Parent (Temporary) (173) visas, see our parent visa guide.
How the Two-Stage Process Works
- Sponsorship: the Australian child (or their partner) applies online to become an approved Parent Sponsor and pays the sponsorship fee.
- Visa: once the sponsorship is approved, the parent applies online for the 870 within 6 months. If Home Affairs gives Permission to Apply in Australia, which is only for exceptional cases such as serious illness or a natural disaster, the parent must apply within 60 days.
Who Can Be a Parent Sponsor
- The adult child of the parent, or the child's spouse or de facto partner, aged 18 or older.
- An Australian citizen, or an Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia for at least 4 years.
- Not unlawful and not on a bridging visa (other than a Bridging A, B or C visa) during the last 4 years.
- Taxable income of at least AUD 83,454.80 for the most recent completed income year. If you fall short, you can combine income with your partner or another eligible sibling, but your own income must be at least half of that amount.
- Character requirements and no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
Each household can hold one sponsorship at a time, covering up to 2 parents: both of your parents, both of your partner's parents, or one of each.
Requirements for the Parent
- Biological, adoptive or step-parent, or parent-in-law, of the sponsor, and aged 18 or older.
- Enough money to support yourself, and a genuine intention to stay temporarily.
- Adequate health insurance from an Australian health insurer for the whole stay.
- Health and character requirements. There is no balance of family test and no Assurance of Support.
Repeat Visas and the 10-Year Limit
You cannot extend an 870 visa. To stay longer, you apply for another one, generally from outside Australia. If you apply from outside Australia, you must have been outside Australia for at least 90 consecutive days since your relevant departure day. The total time across all 870 visas cannot exceed 10 years.
Sponsor Obligations
The sponsor must provide financial support and accommodation, tell Home Affairs about certain changes and pay any public health debts the parent incurs in Australia, even after the parent leaves. If the sponsor withdraws, a new sponsorship must be lodged within 35 days or the visa ceases. If the sponsor dies, a new sponsor can apply within 90 days.
Processing Times
Home Affairs publishes separate processing times for the sponsorship and the visa. It has noted longer sponsorship processing times while it finalises older cases. Check the Home Affairs visa processing time guide for current figures.
How to Apply
- Check the sponsor is eligibleConfirm residence, 4-year history and the AUD 83,454.80 income test using tax notices of assessment.
- Lodge the Parent Sponsor applicationApply online in ImmiAccount and pay the sponsorship fee.
- Wait for sponsorship approvalThe parent cannot apply until the sponsorship is approved.
- Parent applies within 6 monthsApply online from outside Australia with evidence of funds, ties and health insurance, and pay the first instalment.
- Pay the second instalmentHome Affairs sends an invoice for AUD 4,855 (3 years) or AUD 10,925 (5 years) before grant.
- Travel and plan aheadTrack the 10-year limit and the 90-day offshore rule before applying for another 870.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We check the sponsor's income and residence evidence, prepare the Parent Sponsor application, and then prepare the parent's visa application with strong evidence of temporary stay. We also compare the 870 with permanent parent visas, because applying for the 870 stops you from lodging a parent visa while you hold it.
Free tools for this visa
Related visas
Every case is different. Talk to a Registered Migration Agent about your Sponsored Parent Visa (870) before you lodge.
Book a consultationSources: Home Affairs: Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870) · Home Affairs: Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa overview and cap · Home Affairs: About parent visas · Global visa processing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
What is the 870 visa?
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) lets parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time. It is a temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residence.
How long can my parents stay on an 870?
Up to 3 or 5 years per visa, depending on which option you pay for. They can apply for further 870 visas, up to a total of 10 years in Australia.
How much does the 870 visa cost?
From 1 July 2026 the first instalment is AUD 1,515. A second instalment of AUD 4,855 for up to 3 years, or AUD 10,925 for up to 5 years, is paid before grant. A separate sponsorship fee also applies.
What income does the sponsor need?
Home Affairs says the sponsor's taxable income for the most recent completed income year must be at least AUD 83,454.80. If not, they can combine income with their partner or an eligible sibling, but must earn at least half of that amount themselves.
Can my parents work on the 870 visa?
No. They cannot do paid work. They can care for grandchildren at home, volunteer for charities in a non-commercial setting and help at their grandchildren's school, but not work in a family business.
Is there a balance of family test?
No. The 870 has no balance of family test and no Assurance of Support, unlike most permanent parent visas.
Can my parents apply for a permanent parent visa later?
Home Affairs says you cannot apply for a permanent or temporary parent visa while you hold or have applied for the 870. Parents who already lodged a permanent parent visa can still use the 870 to visit while they wait.
Is there a limit on 870 visas each year?
Yes. Up to 15,000 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visas can be granted each program year. If the cap is reached, no more are granted until the new program year starts on 1 July.
Unlock Your Immigration Potential
Take the First Step Towards
Your Immigration Goals
Begin your immigration journey today with the right advice, personalized solutions
and a clear path forward.