Live in Australia with your children without meeting the Balance of Family test.

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily.

The visa allows eligible parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, with a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years.

Unlike permanent parent visas, the Subclass 870 visa does not require applicants to meet the Balance of Family Test.

It can be a suitable option for parents who want to spend extended time with their family in Australia but are not eligible for, or are not pursuing, permanent parent migration options.

Key Features of the 870 Visa

• Live in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa period

• Apply for further Subclass 870 visas, subject to eligibility, up to a maximum total stay of 10 years

• No Balance of Family Test required

• No direct pathway to permanent residency

• Visa validity begins from the date of visa grant, not the date you arrive in Australia

Step 1: Sponsor Approval

Before a parent can apply for a Subclass 870 visa, their child must first be approved as an eligible sponsor.

To be eligible, the sponsor must generally:

• Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be settled in Australia

• Meet the minimum household income requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs

• Meet character requirements

• Have no outstanding public health debts, or have an approved repayment arrangement where applicable

• Provide consent for relevant visa information to be shared with the parent

Sponsor Obligations

Once approved, the sponsor must:

• Support the parent during their stay in Australia where required

• Provide information about significant changes in circumstances

• Maintain relevant records and provide evidence if requested

• Repay any public health debts incurred by the parent where required

Failure to meet sponsor obligations may affect future sponsorship eligibility.

Step 2: Lodging the Visa

Once the sponsorship application is approved, the parent can lodge their Subclass 870 visa application within the required timeframe.

Important:

The visa starts from the date it is granted, not from the date you arrive in Australia.

Applicants should consider their travel plans carefully before visa approval.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

• The Subclass 870 visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency.

• Parents can generally remain in Australia for a maximum of 10 years on Subclass 870 visas.

• A minimum gap may apply between successive Subclass 870 visas.

• If you are considering a permanent parent visa option, seek advice before applying, as the timing of applications can affect your options.

Costs

The Subclass 870 visa involves government application charges, including:

• A sponsorship application charge

• A visa application charge based on the selected visa period

Government fees change periodically, so applicants should confirm the current charges at the time of application.

Still Unsure if You’re Eligible?

We’ll help you understand your options.

Complete our free online assessment, and one of our Registered Migration Agents will review your circumstances and explain the most suitable pathway for you.

Eligibility for the Subclass 870 Temporary Parent Visa

To apply for a Subclass 870 Temporary Parent Visa, parents must meet the following criteria:

• Your child is eligible to sponsor you
  You must have a biological, adoptive or stepchild who is:

  • An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen; and

  • Meets the sponsorship requirements, including being settled in Australia.

  Your child must first be approved as an eligible sponsor before you can lodge your visa application.

• You’re at least 18 years old
  The visa applicant must be 18 years of age or older.

• You can support yourself financially
  You must demonstrate that you have appropriate arrangements in place for your stay in Australia and meet the relevant visa requirements.

• You have suitable health insurance
  You must maintain adequate private health insurance while in Australia unless another arrangement applies.

• You meet health and character requirements
  You and any family members included in your application must meet Australia's health and character requirements.

• No outstanding public health debts
  You must have no outstanding public health debts in Australia, or have an approved repayment arrangement where applicable

• You apply from outside Australia
  The Subclass 870 visa may be applied for from inside or outside Australia, depending on your circumstances and whether you meet the relevant requirements at the time of application.