Subclass 870 · Temporary
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) Australia
Let your parents visit Australia for 3 or 5 years at a time, and up to 10 years in total. AUD6,370 for 3 years or AUD12,440 for 5 years. Popular with families from India.
About the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) lets a parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa, and up to 10 years in total through further visas. It is a popular alternative to the long parent visa queue.
Your child must first be approved as a Parent Sponsor. You then have 6 months from the sponsorship approval to apply.
With this visa you
- Can visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa
- Can apply for further visas, up to 10 years in total in Australia
- Cannot work in Australia
You must
- Have an approved Parent Sponsor before you apply
- Apply online
- Lodge within 6 months of the sponsorship approval (or 60 days if permitted to apply in Australia)
- Meet health, character and health insurance requirements
| Option | Stay | Visa cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3-year visa | Up to 3 years | AUD6,370 |
| 5-year visa | Up to 5 years | AUD12,440 |
Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant; other costs and concessions may apply. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
More Parent Visas
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa
A long-stay visa for parents.
- Reunite with your children in Australia
- Visit for up to 3 or 5 years per visa
- Apply for further 870 visas, up to 10 years in total
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
AUD6,370 for up to 3 years or AUD12,440 for up to 5 years, paid in 2 parts. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
This visa does not lead to permanent residence, and you cannot apply for a permanent or temporary parent visa while you hold or have applied for it. It cannot be extended.
You cannot include family members in your application.
You need an approved Parent Sponsor. Each sponsoring household can hold one sponsorship at a time, covering up to 2 parents.
From outside Australia, unless you have permission to apply in Australia. Further 870 visas are applied for from outside Australia.
Eligibility
What parents need.
You must be the biological, legal (including adoptive) parent, step-parent or parent-in-law of your Parent Sponsor.
Your child (or their partner) must be approved as your Parent Sponsor before you apply.
You must have, or have access to, enough money to support yourself in Australia.
You must intend to stay temporarily and only do what the visa allows.
Hold and keep adequate health insurance from an Australian provider for your whole stay.
Meet the health and character requirements, have complied with previous visa conditions and repay any government or public health debts. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How parents apply.
Before you apply
Check you are eligible and that your Parent Sponsor has been approved.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Collect evidence to support your application, including health insurance and funds.
Apply online
Apply within 6 months of the sponsorship approval (60 days if you have permission to apply in Australia).
After you apply
Home Affairs confirms receipt and may ask for more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Visa outcome
You can be in or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance) when the visa is decided.
When you have this visa
Rules while you are in Australia.
You cannot work in Australia, although some unpaid work is allowed, such as caring for grandchildren or other young relatives.
You will need a new approved sponsor, or your visa will cease.
A new sponsorship application can be lodged within 90 days.
Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like while the visa is valid. Check your visa in VEVO.
About becoming a Parent Sponsor
The first step before your parent can apply.
You must apply online and be approved as a Parent Sponsor before your parent can lodge their 870 visa application.
AUD420.
Your parent can visit for up to 3 or 5 years per visa, up to 10 years in total, but cannot work.
Sponsor eligibility
Who can be a Parent Sponsor.
You must be at least 18 and the child of the applicant, or the child's spouse or de facto partner.
Your taxable income for the most recent completed income year must meet the income test.
You must meet the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
You must have met any previous sponsorship obligations and have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
You must agree to share information where necessary and to comply with your sponsorship obligations.
Step by step for sponsors
How to become a Parent Sponsor.
Before you apply
Check both you and your parent are eligible, and that you can meet your obligations.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Collect evidence to support your sponsorship application.
Apply online
Complete the Application for Family Sponsorship in ImmiAccount, attach documents and pay the AUD420 fee. Note your sponsorship reference number.
After you apply
Home Affairs confirms receipt and may ask for more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Outcome
If approved, you receive the sponsorship reference number, approval date and your obligations.
While your parent is in Australia
Your continuing obligations.
Keep meeting your obligations as a Parent Sponsor for the length of your parent's visa.
If you withdraw your sponsorship, your parent will need a new sponsor or their visa will cease.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
Up to 3 or 5 years per visa, and up to 10 years in total through further visas.
AUD6,370 for up to 3 years or AUD12,440 for up to 5 years. Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
No. Parents cannot work on the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa.
Yes. You must be approved as a Parent Sponsor, and your parent must apply within 6 months of that approval.
Not at the same time: permanent parent visa applicants must not have applied for or hold an 870 visa.
Reunite Your Family in Australia
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your family visa.
