Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa
Subclass 870
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870) allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to visit and stay in Australia for an extended period (up to 10 years) without becoming a permanent resident.
It is designed for parents who wish to spend longer time with their children and grandchildren in Australia, but do not intend to migrate permanently.
You may be eligible if you meet all of these:
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You are a parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has been living in Australia for at least 4 years.
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You have an approved Parent Sponsor (your child must apply and be approved as a Parent Sponsor before you lodge the visa).
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You meet health, character, and financial requirements.
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You hold or have held a substantive visa and complied with its conditions.
This is a temporary visa only — it does not lead to permanent residency, but allows multiple long-term stays in Australia over several years.
Processing Times
Sponsorship application
Varies, usually around few months depending on completeness
Visa application
Often finalised within 3–6 months, though this can vary depending on individual circumstances
Costs & Fees
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Visa application charge (3-year stay)
AUD 6,070
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Visa application charge (5-year stay)
AUD 12,140
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Sponsorship application fee
AUD 420
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Additional applicant
N/A – this visa is for individual parents only
Fees are usually paid in two instalments: a first instalment on application and the second before the visa is granted.
Key Benefits
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Allows parents to stay temporarily in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa, with the possibility to reapply for a maximum total stay of 10 years.
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Multiple entries permitted while the visa is valid.
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No need to leave the country every 12 months like a regular visitor visa.
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Gives families more flexibility to spend meaningful time together.
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Can be held at the same time as permanent parent visa applications (but 870 holders must be outside Australia at time of grant of permanent visas).
Process
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Child lodges and gets Parent Sponsorship approval
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Parent prepares and lodges Subclass 870 visa application
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Health and character checks
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First instalment paid at lodgement
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Visa assessed and decided
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Second instalment paid before grant
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Visa grant (3 or 5 years stay)
Common Scenarios & Q&A
01. Can I apply for permanent parent visas while holding an 870 visa?
No. You can't apply for permanent parent visa if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa.
02. Can I work or study on an 870 visa?
No. The 870 visa does not allow work rights. It is strictly for extended family visits.
03. How long can I stay in Australia on an 870 visa?
You can choose a 3-year or 5-year visa. You may apply for further visas up to a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years. There is no pathway to permanent residency through this visa.
04. Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Applicants must maintain adequate health insurance for the entire period of their stay.
05. Can I apply onshore?
Generally, you must be outside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted, unless you have specific permission to apply in Australia.
