Bring Your Parents to Australia for Up to 10 Years

The application process involves two separate stages. First, the eligible child or another permitted sponsor must obtain approval as a Parent Sponsor. Once the sponsorship is approved, the parent can submit their Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa application within the specified period. Both stages have separate eligibility requirements, documentation requirements and fees.

This guide explains the 870 visa Australia requirements, sponsor eligibility, income threshold, application process, visa fees, processing times, health insurance, visa conditions and alternative parent visa options. It is intended to help families understand the pathway before starting an application.

Last reviewed: 6 November 2026. Always confirm the current requirements and charges through the Australian Department of Home Affairs before lodging an application.

What Is the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)?

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, commonly known as the 870 parent visa, is a temporary Australian family visa designed to help parents spend extended periods with their children who are settled in Australia. It is different from permanent parent visas because it provides temporary residence rather than permanent migration status.

Under this visa category, an eligible parent can be granted permission to stay in Australia for up to three or five years, depending on the option selected and the Department of Home Affairs’ decision. A parent may apply for another subclass 870 visa in the future, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements and the overall 10-year maximum stay.

The visa is not available through a direct application alone. An approved Parent Sponsor must be in place before the parent lodges the visa application. The sponsor is generally the parent’s eligible adult child, although certain partner and family arrangements may also qualify under the sponsorship rules.

The sponsored parent temporary visa is useful for families who want a longer-term arrangement than a conventional visitor visa. However, applicants must understand that it does not provide employment rights, permanent residency or automatic access to Australian Medicare.

Sponsored Parent Visa 870 at a Glance

These details provide an overview rather than a guarantee of eligibility. The Department assesses the sponsor and parent separately, and the final outcome depends on the evidence and applicable migration law.

Why Was the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa Introduced?

Australia has several parent migration pathways, including permanent parent visas. However, demand for permanent parent migration places has historically been much higher than the number of places available each year. This has resulted in lengthy queues for some permanent visa categories.

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa provides another option for eligible families. It allows parents to spend longer periods with their children without relying exclusively on the permanent parent visa programme.

For example, an Australian permanent resident who has parents living overseas may want their parents to stay in Australia for several years. Rather than relying only on repeated short visitor visa applications, the family may investigate whether the 870 visa is appropriate.

However, the temporary nature of the visa is important. It should not be treated as a substitute for permanent parent migration where the actual objective is to settle permanently in Australia.

870 Visa Australia Requirements

The 870 visa requirements are divided into two main categories: requirements for the person sponsoring their parent and requirements for the parent applying for the visa. Both sides must meet the relevant criteria before the Department can approve the application.

A common mistake is to check only whether the child is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Sponsor status is only one part of the assessment. The Department also considers residence history, income, previous sponsorship commitments, character and other relevant circumstances.

Requirements for an Approved Parent Sponsor

The parent sponsor is generally the adult child of the prospective visa applicant. The sponsor must meet the prescribed relationship, age, immigration status, residence and financial requirements.

1. Eligible relationship with the parent

The sponsor must have an eligible relationship with the parent they intend to sponsor. This can include a biological parent, legal parent, adoptive parent or qualifying step-parent. Certain parent-in-law arrangements may also be permitted where the sponsorship is made through an eligible partner.

Applicants should provide reliable evidence of the relationship. Depending on the family circumstances, this may include birth certificates, adoption documents, marriage certificates and other official records.

2. Minimum sponsor age

The person applying to become a Parent Sponsor must generally be at least 18 years old. Where a family is using a permitted partner sponsorship arrangement, the relevant relationship and sponsor requirements must also be checked.

3. Australian citizenship or permanent residence

The sponsor must generally be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens must also satisfy the applicable usual residence requirement, generally involving at least four years of residence in Australia.

Australian citizenship and permanent residence should not be treated as interchangeable for every sponsorship rule. The sponsor’s precise immigration status and residence history should be documented before the application is lodged.

4. Minimum taxable income requirement

The income test is an important part of the 870 visa sponsor requirements. The published taxable income threshold is AUD 83,454.80 for the relevant income year specified by the applicable instrument.

This is the sponsor’s taxable income requirement, not a general estimate of household savings or monthly salary. Applicants should use their official taxation records when checking the threshold.

In permitted circumstances, the sponsor may combine eligible income with the income of a spouse or de facto partner, or another eligible child of the parent. However, the primary sponsor must generally contribute at least 50% of the required threshold when relying on combined income.

For example, if the applicable threshold is AUD 83,454.80, the sponsor’s own taxable income would generally need to be at least AUD 41,727.40 when using an eligible combined-income arrangement. The remaining amount may be contributed by another permitted person, provided all requirements are satisfied.

Do not assume that every household member’s salary can be included. The Department’s rules specify which individuals and income arrangements are permitted. Confirm the applicable income instrument and income year before lodging.

5. Immigration and sponsorship history

The Department may examine the sponsor’s immigration history, including whether they have previously been unlawful in Australia or held certain bridging visas during the relevant four-year period. The applicable rules contain specific exceptions, so the type of visa held and the timing of the circumstances matter.

Previous sponsorship obligations must also be considered. A sponsor should not assume that an earlier sponsorship has no effect simply because the earlier parent visa has ended.

6. Character and government debt requirements

The sponsor must satisfy the applicable character requirements and address outstanding Australian Government debts. Where an existing debt is covered by an approved repayment arrangement, the relevant evidence should be retained.

Any adverse information concerning the sponsor may require additional consideration. The Department assesses the circumstances and whether the relevant information affects sponsorship approval.

7. Sponsor obligations

Approval as a Parent Sponsor involves responsibilities. The sponsor may be required to provide financial support and accommodation, notify the Department about relevant changes and meet obligations relating to certain public health debts incurred by the sponsored parent.

These responsibilities should be considered before sponsorship approval is requested. Sponsoring a parent is not simply a paperwork exercise; it involves accepting obligations during the relevant sponsorship period and, in some cases, after it ends.

Requirements for the Parent Applying for the 870 Visa

The parent must independently satisfy the visa criteria. Having an approved child sponsor does not automatically mean that the parent will receive a subclass 870 visa.

1. Eligible parent relationship

The applicant must be the biological, legal or adoptive parent, step-parent or qualifying parent-in-law of the approved Parent Sponsor. The relationship must fall within the definitions recognised by Australian migration law.

2. Genuine temporary stay intention

The 870 is a temporary visa. The parent must intend to stay in Australia under the temporary visa arrangements and comply with the visa’s conditions.

Applicants should understand the difference between wanting to spend several years with family and intending to obtain permanent residence through a temporary visa. The 870 does not provide a direct permanent migration pathway.

3. Sufficient funds

The parent must have access to sufficient funds to meet the costs and expenses of their intended stay in Australia. This assessment is separate from the sponsor’s taxable income test.

Evidence may include bank statements, financial arrangements and details of the support available from the sponsor. The amount of evidence required depends on the circumstances of the applicant.

4. Health insurance

Applicants must make adequate health insurance arrangements for their intended period of stay. The policy should meet the relevant Australian visa requirements and remain appropriate throughout the stay.

Before purchasing a policy, parents should confirm that it covers their age group, medical history, hospital treatment and other relevant healthcare needs. A low-cost policy may not necessarily provide the cover required for their circumstances.

5. Health and character requirements

The applicant must meet the applicable health and character criteria. Medical examinations and police certificates may be required, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the Department’s instructions.

Previous visa refusals, cancellations, criminal history or other immigration issues should be disclosed accurately. Providing incomplete or misleading information can create serious problems for a visa application.

6. Previous subclass 870 visa history

Parents who have previously held an 870 visa may need to satisfy additional rules before applying for another one. In particular, the legislation generally requires an applicant who previously held this visa and applies from outside Australia to have spent at least 90 consecutive days outside Australia after the relevant departure date, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

The exact calculation should be checked against the applicant’s previous visa history and the current legislation. It is not safe to assume that a new 870 can always be lodged immediately after the previous visa expires.

Is There a Balance of Family Test for the 870 Visa?

No. The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa does not require the Balance of Family test that applies to several permanent parent visa categories.

For permanent parent migration, the Balance of Family test generally examines how many of the parent’s children are eligible Australian residents compared with those living in other countries. This can be a significant eligibility barrier for some families.

The 870 visa follows a different approach. A parent may be eligible even if most of their children live outside Australia, provided the sponsor and parent meet the subclass 870 requirements.

This is one reason the sponsored parent temporary visa can be relevant for families who do not qualify for a particular permanent parent pathway.

How to Become an Approved Parent Sponsor in Australia

The sponsorship approval stage must be completed before the parent can normally lodge their subclass 870 visa application. The child or other permitted sponsor applies to become an approved Parent Sponsor through ImmiAccount.

It is important to distinguish the sponsorship application from the actual visa application. They are separate stages, and approval at the first stage does not guarantee approval at the second stage.

Step 1: Check the Sponsor’s Eligibility

Before creating an application, check the sponsor’s age, relationship with the parent, Australian immigration status, residence history, taxable income and previous sponsorship record.

If the sponsor intends to use combined income, check that the proposed additional income contributor is permitted under the applicable rules. Gather taxation documents for the relevant completed income year.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Prepare evidence that supports each sponsorship criterion. The documents should be clear, current and consistent with the information entered in the online application.

For example, a sponsor may need to provide evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residence, proof of the parent-child relationship, taxation documents and details of any previous sponsorship commitments.

Step 3: Submit the Sponsorship Application

The sponsor applies online through ImmiAccount using the relevant family sponsorship application. The application must be completed accurately, supporting documents must be attached and the applicable sponsorship charge must be paid.

Keep the transaction reference number and confirmation of lodgement. These details can be important when coordinating the subsequent visa application.

Step 4: Wait for Sponsorship Approval

The Department assesses the sponsorship application and may request further information. The sponsor should monitor ImmiAccount and respond to requests within the stated timeframe.

If the sponsorship is approved, the parent can move to the visa application stage. The approval letter should be checked carefully because it contains important information about the next application deadline.

Step 5: Lodge the Parent’s Visa Application

Once sponsorship is approved, the parent can submit their own subclass 870 application. Generally, the application must be lodged within six months of sponsorship approval. If the parent has received permission to apply in Australia, the relevant period is generally 60 days.

Missing the applicable deadline can cause the sponsorship approval to lapse for the purpose of the visa application. Families should therefore coordinate the sponsorship and parent application rather than leaving document preparation until the final weeks.

How to Apply for the 870 Visa Australia

The parent must submit the visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. The application should be supported by evidence demonstrating that the parent meets the visa criteria and that the information provided is accurate.

Step-by-Step 870 Visa Application Process

Step 1: Confirm sponsorship approval

Check that the Parent Sponsor has been approved and that the sponsorship is still valid. Confirm the date of approval and calculate the relevant application deadline.

Step 2: Check where the parent can apply

The normal requirement is to apply from outside Australia. A parent may apply while in Australia only if the Department has granted Permission to Apply in Australia in the limited circumstances allowed by the rules.

Step 3: Select the appropriate stay period

Review whether the three-year or five-year option is more suitable. Consider the parent’s intended stay, total budget, insurance costs and future travel plans.

Step 4: Gather identity and relationship documents

Prepare the parent’s passport, identity documents, birth certificate and any documents needed to establish the relationship with the approved sponsor. If names have changed, include the relevant supporting certificates.

Step 5: Arrange health insurance

Obtain suitable health insurance evidence for the intended stay. Check the policy’s coverage, start date and ongoing renewal requirements.

Step 6: Complete the online application

Log in to ImmiAccount and complete the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa application. Provide accurate details about travel history, family members, previous visas and other requested information.

Step 7: Upload supporting documents and pay the charge

Upload the required documents in the correct categories. Pay the first visa application charge instalment when lodging, where applicable. The second instalment must be paid when requested before the visa can be granted.

Step 8: Complete medical and character checks

Follow the Department’s instructions for medical examinations, police clearances and any additional checks. Do not assume that every applicant will be asked for identical documents.

Step 9: Respond to additional information requests

Check ImmiAccount and email regularly. If the Department requests additional documents, provide them within the specified deadline and ensure that the response addresses the actual request.

Step 10: Receive the visa decision

If the visa is granted, carefully read the grant notification. Confirm the stay period, travel rights, visa expiry date and all attached conditions before arranging travel.

870 Visa Processing Time in Australia

The 870 visa processing time is an important consideration for families planning to bring their parents to Australia. However, there is no single processing period that applies to every application. The sponsorship application and the parent’s visa application are separate stages, and each may take a different amount of time.

Some families may receive a decision sooner than others. Processing can be affected by application volumes, the number of applications awaiting assessment, document completeness, verification requirements and the time needed to complete health and character checks.

How Long Does the 870 Sponsorship Approval Take?

The first stage is the assessment of the Parent Sponsor application. The Department checks the sponsor’s eligibility, including the relationship, immigration status, residence history and income evidence.

If documents are missing or the income information is unclear, the Department may need additional information. This can extend the time required to reach a decision.

How Long Does the 870 Visa Application Take?

After sponsorship approval, the parent submits the visa application. The Department then considers the parent’s eligibility, financial circumstances, health insurance, health requirements and character information.

The processing period may be different from the sponsorship approval period. Therefore, families should avoid calculating the total process using only the visa processing time or only the sponsorship processing time.

Factors That Can Affect 870 Visa Processing Time

• Incomplete documents: Missing identity, relationship or financial evidence can lead to additional requests.
• Income verification: Unclear taxation information may require further assessment.
• Health examinations: Medical appointments and further medical investigations can affect the timeline.
• Police clearances: Obtaining certificates from different countries may take additional time.
• Previous immigration history: Earlier refusals, cancellations or other complications may require further consideration.
• Application volumes: The number of applications received and available processing resources can affect waiting periods.
• Additional information requests: Delays in responding to a Department request can affect the overall process.

Where to Check the Latest 870 Visa Processing Time

Applicants should use the official Department of Home Affairs visa processing time guide for the latest available information. The guide provides an indication based on recently decided applications and is not a guarantee of when an individual case will be finalised.

Families should check the guide when preparing their application and again when planning travel. Avoid relying on old processing figures published by websites that do not identify when their information was last updated.

Official resource: Australian visa processing times guide.

870 Visa Cost and Fees in Australia (2026–27)

The 870 visa cost is made up of a sponsorship application charge and a separate visa application charge. The parent pays the visa application charges, while the sponsor is responsible for the applicable sponsorship fee.

According to the Department of Home Affairs visa information available for the 2026–27 period, the standard visa application charge is AUD 6,370 for a three-year stay and AUD 12,440 for a five-year stay. The sponsorship application charge is AUD 420.

Sponsored Parent Visa 870 Fees

The figures above are standard charges and should be confirmed through the official visa pricing information before payment. Any eligible fee concessions, additional applicant charges or payment surcharges should be considered separately.

Why Is the 870 Visa Fee Divided into Two Instalments?

The visa application charge is generally payable in two instalments. The first instalment is paid when the parent lodges the visa application. The second instalment is payable before the visa is granted, when requested by the Department.

Applicants should not confuse the sponsorship charge with the visa charge. They relate to separate applications and are paid at different stages of the process.

Additional Expenses to Budget For

The official visa application charge is not the only cost associated with a sponsored parent visa. Families should also consider the following expenses:

• Private health insurance for the parent.
• Medical examinations and any additional medical tests.
• Police certificates from relevant countries.
• Certified translations of documents that are not in English.
• Passport renewal or other identity document expenses.
• Professional immigration assistance, if required.
• Travel arrangements and accommodation expenses.
• Possible payment surcharges.

The total family budget will depend on the parent’s age, health, country of residence, insurance requirements and the length of the proposed stay.

3-Year vs 5-Year Sponsored Parent Visa

One of the main decisions for families is whether to select the three-year or five-year sponsored parent temporary visa option. Both provide extended stays in Australia, but the overall financial commitment and family circumstances may differ.

The three-year option may suit families who want a substantial period together without committing to the higher five-year visa charge. The five-year option may be more appropriate where the family has a longer-term plan and can comfortably manage the additional cost.

Which 870 Visa Option Is Better?

There is no universally better option. The decision should be based on the parent’s intended stay, financial circumstances, insurance costs and the family’s future plans.

For example, a parent who wants to stay for a few years while maintaining strong connections with their home country may prefer the three-year option. A family that expects to need a longer period of support and companionship may consider the five-year option.

It is important to remember that the 10-year maximum is cumulative. It does not mean that a parent can automatically receive two consecutive five-year visas without satisfying the requirements for a further application.

Can Parents Apply for an 870 Visa While in Australia?

A common question is whether a parent can apply for the 870 visa while already visiting Australia. The general rule is that the parent must be outside Australia when lodging the subclass 870 application.

However, the rules allow a limited exception. The Department may grant Permission to Apply in Australia in exceptional circumstances. This is not an automatic right and should not be treated as a routine alternative to applying offshore.

When Can Permission to Apply in Australia Be Considered?

Exceptional circumstances may include situations where the parent is unable to depart Australia because of a serious illness, accident or natural disaster affecting travel to their home country. Supporting evidence is essential.

For example, a parent who suffers a serious medical emergency and cannot safely travel may have circumstances that warrant a request. The Department considers the evidence and decides whether permission should be granted.

When Is Permission to Apply in Australia Unlikely?

Simply finding it inconvenient to leave Australia is generally not enough. The Department identifies examples that are unlikely to justify permission, including circumstances such as a family member being due to give birth, the parent providing childcare, or the sponsor preferring the parent not to travel overseas.

Families should not make travel or visa plans based on an assumption that an onshore exception will be approved.

How Long Do You Have to Apply After Permission Is Granted?

Where Permission to Apply in Australia is granted, the parent generally needs to lodge the 870 visa application within 60 days of sponsorship approval. If permission is not granted, the parent will normally need to apply from outside Australia within the applicable six-month sponsorship approval period.

Official information: Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 870.

870 Visa Conditions: What Can and Cannot Parents Do?

Parents granted a subclass 870 visa must comply with the conditions attached to their visa. These conditions determine what they can do while living in Australia and what obligations they must follow.

Can Parents Work on an 870 Visa?

No. The subclass 870 does not provide paid work rights. Parents cannot accept paid employment in Australia while holding this visa.

This restriction is important for families who are considering the visa as a long-term arrangement. The purpose of the pathway is to allow parents to spend time with their children, not to provide an employment or skilled migration route.

Can Parents Study on an 870 Visa?

Applicants should check the conditions attached to their visa and the relevant rules before enrolling in any course. The subclass 870 is not designed as a student visa and should not be used as a substitute for a formal study pathway.

Can Parents Travel Outside Australia?

The visa generally permits multiple entries while it remains valid. This means parents may travel outside Australia and return, provided they meet the entry and visa validity requirements.

Families should check the grant notification and travel arrangements before departure. They should also consider how travel outside Australia may affect the cumulative stay calculation and any future application.

Can Parents Access Medicare on an 870 Visa?

The subclass 870 does not automatically provide Medicare eligibility. Parents should arrange suitable private health insurance and check whether any reciprocal healthcare arrangement applies to their individual circumstances.

Some visitors may have limited access to healthcare under reciprocal arrangements, depending on their nationality and eligibility. Families should not assume that holding a UK passport or another foreign passport automatically provides full Medicare coverage.

Must Parents Maintain Health Insurance?

Yes. Adequate health insurance arrangements are an important requirement. Parents should maintain the required cover throughout their intended stay and ensure that it remains valid when renewing or changing policies.

Must Parents Leave Australia Before Their Visa Expires?

Parents must comply with the expiry date and any departure-related conditions attached to their visa. If they want to remain in Australia beyond the permitted period, they must investigate a lawful option before their current visa ceases to be valid.

Can Parents Stay in Australia for 10 Years on an 870 Visa?

Eligible parents may spend a cumulative maximum of 10 years in Australia on the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa pathway. This is one of the main reasons families search for a 5 year visa Australia for parents or a long-term parent visa Australia.

However, the 10-year limit should be understood correctly. The Department does not automatically grant a 10-year visa. Each visa is generally granted for a period of three or five years, and a further application is required to obtain another period of stay.

How Does the 10-Year Maximum Work?

For example, a parent may receive a five-year subclass 870 visa and later apply for another eligible five-year visa. If the requirements are met, the combined stay may reach the 10-year maximum.

Another parent may choose a three-year visa and later consider a further application. The exact sequence depends on the previous visa history, time spent outside Australia and the applicable legislation.

Can Parents Extend an 870 Visa from Inside Australia?

Parents should not assume that an existing 870 visa can simply be extended by submitting a request before expiry. A further visa application is subject to the applicable rules and sponsorship arrangements.

Where a parent previously held an 870 visa, the 90-consecutive-day offshore requirement may apply in the circumstances specified by the legislation. The Department’s rules should be checked before booking travel or lodging another application.

Can Parents Apply for Permanent Residency After an 870 Visa?

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa does not lead directly to Australian permanent residency. It is designed to provide temporary stays with family members rather than permanent settlement.

There is also an important restriction: a person who has applied for or holds a subclass 870 visa cannot apply for another temporary or permanent parent visa while that restriction applies. This can affect the order in which families plan their migration applications.

Where a parent has already lodged an eligible permanent parent visa application before applying for the 870, the circumstances may be different. Families should check the exact timing and legal position before proceeding.

Permanent Parent Visa Options to Consider

Australia has several permanent parent visa categories. These may be appropriate for parents whose genuine objective is to settle permanently with their children, although eligibility requirements, charges and waiting periods can be substantial.

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) is a permanent visa pathway for eligible parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens. It involves higher application costs than the non-contributory Parent visa and is subject to the applicable parent migration programme arrangements.

Read our Contributory Parent visa 143 and 173 guide for more information.

Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

The Parent visa (subclass 103) is a permanent parent migration pathway. It is generally associated with lengthy processing queues because the number of applications exceeds the available annual programme places.

See our Parent visa subclass 103 guide for eligibility and application information.

Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)

The Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) is a permanent visa option for eligible aged parents who meet the applicable requirements, including the age criteria and onshore application requirements.

Read our Contributory Aged Parent visa 864 guide for more information.

870 Visa vs Permanent Parent Visa: What Is the Difference?

There is no single best parent visa for every family. The right option depends on whether the objective is temporary family reunification or permanent migration, the parent’s eligibility, the sponsor’s circumstances and the family’s financial position.

870 Visa vs Visitor Visa 600 and eVisitor Visa 651

Parents who want to visit their children in Australia may also consider a visitor visa. The appropriate option depends on how long they want to stay, their passport, travel history and the purpose of the visit.

The subclass 870 is designed for extended temporary stays, while visitor visas are generally more suitable for shorter visits. The eVisitor visa (subclass 651) may be available to eligible passport holders, including qualifying British passport holders.

For shorter visits, read our Australia Visitor Visa 600 guide or our eVisitor visa Australia 651 guide.

Can Grandparents Apply for the Australian 870 Visa?

Australia does not have a separate general grandparent visa under the subclass 870 programme. However, a grandparent may qualify for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa if their own child, or another permitted sponsor under the rules, is eligible to sponsor them.

For example, an Australian citizen may sponsor their mother or father. That parent would then be the grandparent of the Australian citizen’s children. If the requirements are met, the grandparent may be able to spend an extended period with the family in Australia.

Can Grandparents Help with Childcare on an 870 Visa?

Parents and grandparents may spend time with their grandchildren and provide ordinary unpaid family assistance. However, the visa does not provide work rights. Activities that amount to paid employment or work in a commercial business should not be treated as permitted simply because the person is a family member.

Families should distinguish between normal family support and activities that may amount to employment or commercial work.

Documents Required for the Sponsored Parent Visa 870

Preparing the correct documents is an important part of both the sponsorship and visa application. The sponsor and parent should maintain separate document checklists because they are assessed against different requirements.

Documents Required from the Parent Sponsor

• Australian passport or citizenship certificate, where applicable.
• Permanent visa evidence or eligible New Zealand citizenship evidence.
• Documents showing the sponsor’s residence history in Australia.
• Birth certificates or other documents proving the relationship.
• Recent income tax assessment or other accepted taxable income evidence.
• Documents from permitted additional income contributors, where applicable.
• Evidence of repayment arrangements for relevant government debts, if applicable.
• Details of previous sponsorships and compliance with sponsorship obligations.
• Police or character documents where requested.
• Partner relationship documents, where the application relies on a permitted partner arrangement.

Documents Required from the Parent Applicant

• Valid passport and identity documents.
• Birth certificate and family relationship evidence.
• Marriage certificate or name-change documents, if relevant.
• Evidence of the approved Parent Sponsor and sponsorship details.
• Evidence of access to sufficient funds.
• Health insurance policy or evidence of adequate insurance arrangements.
• Police certificates, where required.
• Medical examination evidence, where requested.
• Previous Australian visa details and travel history.
• Details of previous visa refusals or cancellations, if any.
• Certified translations of documents not issued in English.

Why Is Document Accuracy Important?

Information provided in the sponsorship application should match the evidence submitted. Differences in names, dates of birth, relationship details, income information or previous visa history may result in additional checks.

Documents should not be altered to make an applicant appear eligible. Where information is incorrect or incomplete, it is better to identify and address the issue before submission rather than risk providing misleading information.

Common Reasons for 870 Visa Application Problems

Although every application is assessed on its own circumstances, some mistakes can create avoidable delays or affect the outcome.

Incorrect Sponsor Income Calculation

Using gross salary instead of the required taxable income figure can lead to an incorrect assessment of sponsor eligibility. Families should use the relevant taxation evidence and verify the income year specified under the current rules.

Applying Without Sponsorship Approval

The parent cannot normally lodge the subclass 870 visa application before the sponsor has been approved. The two-stage process must be followed.

Missing the Sponsorship Application Deadline

After approval, the parent must generally apply within six months, or within 60 days where Permission to Apply in Australia has been granted. Missing the applicable deadline can affect the sponsorship approval.

Insufficient Health Insurance

Insurance arrangements that do not meet the relevant requirements can create problems. Families should check the policy details rather than relying only on a provider’s general description.

Incorrect Assumptions About Permanent Residency

The 870 is not a permanent visa. Applicants who intend to settle permanently should consider the available permanent parent migration pathways and understand the restrictions that apply when holding or applying for the subclass 870.

Not Disclosing Previous Visa Issues

Previous refusals, cancellations, overstays and other relevant immigration events should be disclosed accurately. Omitting information can create additional problems and may affect the credibility of the application.

Using Outdated Visa Information

Older websites may contain incorrect information about visa charges, application procedures or eligibility requirements. Families should verify important details against current Home Affairs guidance and legislation before taking action.

How to Plan an 870 Sponsored Parent Visa Application from the UK

Families based in the UK may be considering an Australian parent visa because their adult child has moved to Australia as an Australian citizen or permanent resident. In this situation, the 870 visa can be one option to investigate, provided the sponsor and parent meet the eligibility requirements.

The fact that the parent lives in the UK does not automatically make them eligible. The Australian sponsor must first meet the sponsorship requirements, and the parent must satisfy the visa criteria.

Check the Australian Child’s Immigration Status

Start by confirming whether the child in Australia is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. If the child holds a temporary visa, they should not assume that they can sponsor their parent under the subclass 870 programme.

Review the Sponsor’s Australian Residence History

Where the sponsor is a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, check the applicable four-year usual residence requirement. Keep records that help establish the relevant residence period.

Check Income Before Starting the Sponsorship

Review the sponsor’s taxable income for the relevant completed income year. If the sponsor intends to combine income with an eligible person, confirm the person’s eligibility and the minimum contribution requirement.

Prepare the Parent’s UK Documents

The parent should check their passport validity, identity records, relationship documents, financial arrangements and any police certificates required by the Department. Documents should be prepared in advance to reduce avoidable delays.

Arrange Suitable Australian Health Insurance

Before travelling, the parent should understand the health insurance costs and the coverage available for their age and medical needs. A five-year stay may involve a substantial financial commitment, so insurance should be included in the overall budget.

Is the 870 Visa Suitable for Every Family?

No. Although the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa offers an extended stay option, it is not appropriate for every parent or sponsor.

It may be suitable for families who want parents to spend several years in Australia and who can meet the sponsorship, income and insurance requirements. It may be less suitable for parents who want permanent residency, paid employment or a pathway that does not require an approved sponsor.

When the 870 Visa May Be Worth Considering

• The parent’s child is an eligible Australian sponsor.
• The sponsor meets the relevant income and residence requirements.
• The family wants an extended temporary stay rather than immediate permanent migration.
• The parent can afford the visa, insurance and living expenses.
• The parent understands that paid employment is not permitted.
• The family has considered the implications of the 10-year cumulative stay limit.

When Another Visa May Be More Appropriate

• The parent wants to settle permanently in Australia.
• The parent does not have an eligible sponsor.
• The sponsor cannot meet the income or other sponsorship requirements.
• The parent only needs a short visit and may qualify for a visitor visa.
• The parent wants to work in Australia.
• The family’s existing parent visa application history creates restrictions on a new subclass 870 application.

Official Government Resources for the 870 Visa

Visa applicants should use official government information when checking eligibility, charges and legal requirements. The following resources provide useful starting points:

• Department of Home Affairs – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 870: Official visa information, eligibility, application process, conditions and charges.
• Department of Home Affairs – Visa fees and charges: Current application charges and payment information.
• Department of Home Affairs – Visa processing times: Latest processing-time guidance.
• Federal Register of Legislation: Migration legislation and legislative instruments.
• Australian Taxation Office: Australian tax and taxable income information.
• Services Australia – Medicare: Information about Australian healthcare eligibility and Medicare.

These resources should be checked again before an application is lodged because immigration requirements, visa charges and policy information may change.

How GIEC Global Can Help with an Australian Parent Visa

Choosing an appropriate parent visa involves more than comparing application charges. The sponsor’s eligibility, the parent’s circumstances, financial evidence, previous visa history and the family’s long-term plans all need to be considered.

GIEC Global supports individuals and families exploring Australian immigration options. Our team can help applicants understand the subclass 870 sponsorship process, prepare document checklists and identify issues that may require further assessment before an application is lodged.

Our Parent Visa Support Includes

• Initial review of the parent’s and sponsor’s eligibility.
• Assessment of the sponsor’s immigration status and residence history.
• Review of taxable income evidence and permitted combined-income arrangements.
• Guidance on sponsorship and visa application documentation.
• Planning for the three-year or five-year visa option.
• Information about health insurance and additional application expenses.
• Comparison of temporary and permanent parent migration options.
• Guidance on application sequencing and relevant deadlines.

Where regulated migration assistance is required, applicants should confirm the identity, registration and professional authorisation of the person providing that advice. Any MARA or MARN details should be verified before being published or relied upon.

To explore your options, visit our Migrate to Australia page or learn more about our Australian permanent parent visa options.

Final Thoughts on the Sponsored Parent Visa Australia

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 870 can be a useful option for eligible families who want parents to spend extended periods with their children in Australia. It offers three-year and five-year stay options, with the possibility of further applications up to a cumulative maximum of 10 years, subject to the applicable rules.

However, the 870 visa is not a permanent parent visa. It has a two-stage application process, sponsor income requirements, health insurance obligations, no paid work rights and restrictions relating to other parent visa applications. Families should understand these limitations before choosing this pathway.

The best starting point is to review the sponsor’s eligibility, confirm the applicable income threshold, understand the parent’s visa history and calculate the total financial commitment. Official Home Affairs information and current legislation should always take priority over older online guidance.

Important notice: This article provides general information about Australian immigration law and is not individual legal or migration advice. Visa requirements, charges and processing arrangements can change. The Department of Home Affairs makes the final decision on every application.