Reunion with the family is a top priority for many parents whose children live in Australia. However, navigating the Australian immigration system can be complex, especially for older family members. For those parents who want to spend extended time in Australia without applying for permanent residence, the sponsored parents (temporary) visa subclass 870 provides a practical and flexible solution.

This visa allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, or the parents of New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for 10 years without the need to leave the country regularly, making it an attractive option for families seeking long-term reunion.

What is the lesson 870 sponsored parent visa?

parent visa subclass 870 (temporary) visas are a non-stable visa that allows eligible parents to live in Australia at a time, up to a maximum of 10 years. This tourist visa is designed to bridge the gap between the visa (e.g. 103 or 143) of the visa and more expensive, long-living permanent parents.

 Importantly, this visa does not allow permanent residence and provides access to public healthcare (Medicare) or social services. However, it offers very essential flexibility and extended time for parents to live with their loved ones.

Major features of subclass 870

Stay period: Choose between 3 years or 5-year-old visas. 

Applicants can later apply again up to a maximum total of 10 years. 

No balance of family testing: Unlike many permanent parents’ visas, you do not need to prove that most of your children live in Australia. 

No assurance of support required. Faster processing than permanent parent visas. Multiple entries are allowed during the visa period. 

Eligibility requirements 1. Sponsorship. Before applying, a child (or child’s spouse/partner) must be approved as a sponsor. Should be sponsored: At least 18 years old. 

An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand Citizen. 

Earning minimum taxable income (currently as AUD 83,454.80 in 2025). Ready to meet sponsorship obligations, including financial and housing support. 

2. Applicant Requirements: The visa applicant (parent) must be outside Australia when applying (unless specifically permitted).

Not having outstanding public health debts. Meet health and character requirements. There is adequate health insurance for their stay period. 

Earlier, a subclass was not placed with 870 visas, which means an admission of 10 years. Application process 

Step 1: sponsorship application. The sponsor child must first apply and be approved by the Department of Home Affairs. This process involves background checks and financial assessment. 

Step 2: Visa application. Once sponsorship is approved, parents can submit visa applications within 6 months of approval. 

If applying from within Australia, the applicant should be allowed to apply onshore (e.g., holding a valid visa). Costs Involved The cost of the Subclass 870 visa is: AUD 5,735 for 3 3-year Visa. AUD 11,470 for 5 5-year Visa. 

This fee is payable in two installments: The first when applying. 

The second is before the visa is granted. Applicants must also factor in costs for: Private health insurance. 

Travel expenses. Possible legal or agent fees. While a tourist visa is more expensive than the visa, the 870-visa subclass is cheaper and faster than the permanent parents’ visa, like subclass 143.

Health insurance and medical care

An important requirement is that applicants should maintain adequate health insurance while living in Australia. Since parent visa 870 holders do not qualify for Medicare, private insurance is necessary to cover medical expenses, which can be high in Australia without coverage.

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Subcise 870 visa professionals and opposition

Pros: Long stay without repeated visa runs. No need to pass the balance of family tests. Faster processing compared to permanent visas. 

Overall, many times, up to 10 years. Cons: No pathway to permanent residency. No Medicare access. High cost for some families. Must meet the income threshold for sponsorship. Subclass 870 vs. 

Permanent Parent Visas: If your long-term target is to achieve permanent residence in Australia, the subclass 870 may not be the right choice. 

However, for those parents who want to spend extended time with the family, participate in the events of special life (such as the birth of a grandson), or small tourists who live long to avoid visa cycles, this visa is ideal.

Permanent original visa options (e.g. subcutaneous 143 or 103) offer PR status and Medicare access, but they include either a long processing time (up to 30 years for 103) or a high fee

 (AUD for Aud 47,000 for subcontinent 143). 

Subclass 870 provides a middle-ground solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work on a subclass 870 visa?

No. This visa does not allow any work rights in Australia.

Can I apply while I’m in Australia?

Only if you have been granted permission by the Department. Most applications must be lodged offshore.

Can I switch to a permanent parent visa later?

Yes, but you have to apply separately for this. 

There is no direct route for permanent residence from 870 visas. 

Sponsored parents (temporary) Visa subclass 870 offers a practical way for parents to live in Australia for a long time, without heavy costs or permanent parents waiting for a visa. Although it does not offer permanent residence or medicare, it provides flexibility, family relationships and peace of mind.