What is the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa?
The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa is a temporary visa. Parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens can live in Australia. They can stay for up to 3 years or 5 years.
This visa is different from other parent visas that give permanent residency. It allows parents to stay temporarily in Australia. They can visit their children while keeping their status in their home country. It also allows multiple entries. This way, parents can travel in and out of Australia. They can spend more time with their family without the limits of a regular tourist visa.
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How Does the Subclass 870 Visa Work?
The Subclass 870 visa lets parents stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years. This depends on the sponsor’s eligibility. The visa is sponsored by your child, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must make sure their parent meets the visa requirements. This includes having enough money and providing support during their stay.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 870 Visa:
- Extended Stay: Stay in Australia for up to 5 years.
- Family Reunion: Reunite with your children in Australia.
- Multiple Entries: Travel in and out of Australia multiple times during the visa’s validity.

Key Differences: Subclass 870 Visa vs Permanent Parent Visas
Feature | Subclass 870 Visa | Permanent Parent Visa (e.g., Subclass 143/804) |
---|---|---|
Pathway to PR | ❌ Not available | ✅ Yes |
Stay Duration | ✅ 3 or 5 years (renewable up to 10 years) | ✅ Indefinite after grant |
Balance of Family Test | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required |
Work Rights | ❌ No work allowed | ✅ Yes (once granted) |
Medicare Access | ❌ No access (must arrange private insurance) | ✅ Yes (after PR granted) |
Processing Time | ✅ Quicker | ❌ Long queues (several years) |
Eligibility for the Sponsored Parent Visa
Before applying for the 870 Visa, both the parent and the sponsor must meet a set of eligibility criteria. Understanding these requirements is crucial to ensure the application is processed smoothly and efficiently.
To apply for the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, parents must meet the following requirements:
- Parent Relationship: The parent must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsor. The sponsor can be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- No Age Limit: There are no age restrictions, making it accessible to parents of all ages.
- Health and Character: Must meet health and character requirements, including medical exams and police checks.
- Visa Compliance History: Must have complied with previous Australian visa conditions, with no history of overstays or breaches.
To sponsor a parent under the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, the sponsor must meet the following criteria:
- Residency Status: Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, ensuring lawful and stable residency in Australia.
- Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old to legally take on sponsorship responsibilities.
- Income Requirement: You must meet the minimum income level. This shows you can support the parent during their stay and not rely on public resources.
- No Outstanding Debts: You must not owe money to the Australian Government. This shows good financial standing and commitment to sponsorship obligations.

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Subclass 870 Visa Requirements – Documents and Conditions
To qualify for this visa, applicants need to satisfy the following criteria:
You may need to undergo a medical examination, which incurs additional costs.
Applicants must complete health examinations and provide police clearances.
You must show you can financially support yourself during your stay.
Private health coverage is mandatory, as 870 visa holders are not eligible for Medicare.
You must prove that your intention is to visit Australia temporarily for family reasons, not to migrate permanently or work.
If you’ve held Australian visas previously, you must have complied with all conditions.
How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help
At Emigrate Lawyers, we understand that navigating the parent visa process can be overwhelming. Our team will:
We take the stress out of the process so you can focus on reuniting with your loved ones.