Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 870
Extended family visits for parents – 3 to 5 year temporary visa with fast processing
Key Benefits
Fast Processing
6-12 months processing vs 15-33 years for permanent visas
Extended Stays
3 or 5 year initial stay, renewable up to 10 years total
No Balance of Family Test
Easier to qualify – doesn’t require most children in Australia
Multiple Entry
Travel in and out of Australia freely during visa validity
Renewable
Can apply for subsequent periods up to 10 years cumulative
Streamlined Process
Two-step system: sponsor approval then visa application
⚠️ Critical Decision: Temporary vs Permanent
Understanding what Subclass 870 means for your family’s future
Applying for Subclass 870 Makes You Ineligible for Permanent Parent Visas
This is the most important rule to understand:
- If you apply for or hold a Subclass 870 visa, you can NEVER apply for permanent parent visas (103, 804, 143, 864, 884)
- This restriction is permanent – you lose the ability to apply for PR parent visas forever
- Even if you don’t use the full 10 years, the door to permanent residency is closed
- You’ll need to keep renewing 870 or leave Australia when it expires
✅ Choose 870 If:
- Parents want extended visits but not permanent migration
- You need reunion soon (can’t wait 15-33 years)
- Don’t pass Balance of Family Test for permanent visas
- Parents prefer maintaining ties to home country
- Temporary arrangement works for your family
❌ Don’t Choose 870 If:
- Parents want to eventually live in Australia permanently
- You’re willing to wait for permanent visa processing
- You pass Balance of Family Test and can afford wait
- Parents want Medicare and social benefits long-term
- Goal is Australian citizenship for parents
Eligibility Requirements
Two-step process: sponsor approval then visa application
Adult child (18+) who is Australian citizen, PR (4+ years), or eligible NZ citizen
Sponsor must earn at least ~$83,455 annual taxable income
Biological, adoptive parent, step-parent, or parent-in-law of sponsor
Must apply from outside Australia (limited onshore exceptions)
Must maintain private health insurance for entire stay (not eligible for Medicare)
Pass medical examinations and police clearances
Plan to return home after visit, not seeking permanent settlement
Sufficient funds to support yourself during stay
Two-Step Application Process
Sponsor approval first, then parent visa application
Step 1A: Sponsor Eligibility Assessment
VisaTasker confirms sponsor is Australian citizen/PR (4+ years) or eligible NZ citizen, meets income requirement (~$83,455), and has good character.
Step 1B: Parent Sponsor Application
Child submits sponsor application to Department. Provide proof of citizenship/PR, income evidence (Tax Notice of Assessment), relationship evidence, police checks. Processing: several weeks to months.
Sponsorship Approved
Department approves sponsor application. Approval valid for 6 months for parent to apply. VisaTasker notifies you immediately and prepares for visa application stage.
Step 2A: Parent Visa Application Preparation
Gather parent documents: passport, birth certificates, health insurance policy, police clearances, evidence of temporary intent, financial capacity proof.
Step 2B: Visa Lodgement
Submit Subclass 870 visa application online. Pay government fee (varies by period: 3-year or 5-year option). Parent must be outside Australia when applying.
Health & Character Checks
Complete medical examination at approved clinic. Provide police clearances from all countries lived 12+ months. Department assesses all requirements.
Processing Period
Typical processing: 6-12 months. Department may request additional information. VisaTasker monitors progress and responds to all requests.
Visa Grant!
Subclass 870 temporary visa granted for 3 or 5 years. Parents can enter Australia and stay for entire period. Must maintain health insurance throughout. Can travel in/out freely.
Visa Conditions & Restrictions
Important rules you must follow on Subclass 870
✅ What You Can Do
- Stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years initially
- Travel in and out of Australia freely
- Renew visa for additional periods (max 10 years total)
- Spend time with family and grandchildren
- Travel within Australia
- Volunteer activities (unpaid)
❌ What You Cannot Do
- NO work rights (cannot be employed or run business)
- NO Medicare (must have private health insurance)
- NO social benefits (no welfare, no pension)
- NO pathway to PR (temporary only)
- NO study (long-term courses not permitted)
- Cannot apply for permanent parent visas after 870
📋 Must Maintain
- Valid private health insurance entire stay
- Adequate financial support from sponsor or own funds
- Genuine temporary intent
- Compliance with all Australian laws
- Leave Australia before visa expires (or renew)
Why Choose VisaTasker?
Expert guidance through the two-step sponsored parent visa process
MARA Registered
Licensed migration agents following professional standards (MARN 2318017)
Affordable Fee
Just $1,500 service fee (lowest for parent visas)
Two-Step Expertise
Handle both sponsor approval and parent visa applications
Fast Processing
Strategic guidance for 6-12 month processing timeline
Strategic Advice
Help choose between temporary 870 and permanent parent visa pathways
Complete Support
Assistance from sponsor application through visa grant
Clear & Affordable Pricing
Transparent costs for your temporary parent visa
Government Fees (Varies)
Depends on visa period chosen
- Sponsor application fee: ~$500
- 3-year visa option: $5,000-$10,000
- 5-year visa option: $10,000-$15,000
- Renewal applications: similar fees
- Health insurance: $3,000-5,000/year
- Medical exams & police checks: varies
Our Professional Service
Fixed flat fee for complete service
- Eligibility assessment (sponsor & parent)
- Strategic pathway consultation
- Sponsor application preparation
- Parent visa application preparation
- Both applications lodged
- Department communication
- Follow-up until visa grant
- Compliance guidance
Our $1,500 service fee covers both sponsor and parent applications – lowest professional fee for parent visas. Fast processing (6-12 months) compared to permanent alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I apply for 870 and later want permanent residency?
You cannot. This is the most important rule to understand about Subclass 870:
- Applying for or holding a Subclass 870 visa permanently bars you from all permanent parent visas (103, 804, 143, 864, 884)
- This restriction is permanent and cannot be reversed
- Even if you withdraw your 870 application, the restriction applies
- You can only continue renewing 870 (up to 10 years total) or leave Australia
2. How long does Subclass 870 processing take?
Typically 6-12 months total for both steps:
- Step 1 (Sponsor approval): 2-4 months
- Step 2 (Parent visa): 4-8 months
- Much faster than permanent parent visas (15-33 years)
Processing time depends on application completeness, health checks, and Department workload. VisaTasker ensures decision-ready applications to minimize delays.
3. Can parents work in Australia on Subclass 870?
No. Subclass 870 does NOT include work rights:
- Cannot be employed (paid or unpaid work)
- Cannot run a business or provide services
- Volunteer activities (genuinely unpaid) may be permitted
- Violation of work restrictions can result in visa cancellation
Parents must be supported financially by sponsor or own funds during entire stay.
4. Is Medicare available on Subclass 870?
No. Subclass 870 visa holders are NOT eligible for Medicare. You must:
- Maintain adequate private health insurance entire stay
- Insurance must be approved by Department (specific requirements)
- Typically costs $3,000-5,000 per year
- Must be maintained or visa can be cancelled
- All medical costs not covered by insurance are out-of-pocket
5. What is the income requirement for sponsors?
Sponsors must meet minimum taxable income threshold of approximately $83,454.80 per year (indexed annually).
How it’s assessed:
- Based on sponsor’s Australian Tax Notice of Assessment
- Sponsor’s partner income may be combined in some cases
- Must show consistent income capacity
- Requirement ensures sponsor can support visiting parent
6. Can I renew Subclass 870 visa?
Yes, you can apply for subsequent Subclass 870 visas up to a maximum of 10 years cumulative stay:
- First visa: 3 or 5 years
- Can apply for renewal before expiry
- Maximum 10 years total across all 870 visas
- Same process: sponsor approval then visa application
- Must continue meeting all requirements (health, character, insurance)
- Similar fees apply to each renewal
VisaTasker can assist with renewal applications when your visa nears expiry.
7. How does 870 compare to visitor visas for parents?
Subclass 870 offers significantly longer stays than standard visitor visas:
| Feature | Visitor Visa (600) | Subclass 870 |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-12 months typically | 3-5 years (up to 10 total) |
| Processing | 1-3 months | 6-12 months |
| Cost | $150-190 | $5,000-15,000 |
| Best For | Short visits | Extended family time |
Reunite Your Family with Extended Visits
The Subclass 870 temporary parent visa offers the fastest pathway to extended family time in Australia. If temporary stays (not permanent residency) suit your family, let VisaTasker guide you through the two-step process with expert support.
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Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This page is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.