The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) lets parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens visit their children in Australia for up to three or five years at a time, without joining the long permanent parent visa queue.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: subclass 870.
How the 870 works
First, your child (or their partner) applies to become an approved parent sponsor. Once the sponsorship is approved, the parent must apply for the visa within six months. You can choose a three-year or five-year visa, and parents can hold 870 visas for a total of up to ten years with further applications.
Key requirements
- An approved parent sponsor (your child, or your child’s partner, who meets the sponsor criteria)
- Apply from outside Australia in most cases
- Genuine intention to stay temporarily
- Adequate health insurance for the whole stay
- Health and character requirements
- Settle any outstanding public health debts
Sponsor responsibilities
Financial support
The sponsor agrees to support the parent financially and meet the household income requirement.
Accommodation
The sponsor helps ensure the parent has suitable accommodation.
Obligations
Sponsors must meet their obligations, and can be barred from sponsoring if they do not.
870 or a permanent parent visa?
The 870 is faster and lower cost than contributory parent visas, but does not give permanent residence, Medicare or work rights. Many families use it while waiting for a permanent parent visa, or when the permanent options are not suitable. Compare the options on our Parent Visa page and in our parent visa guide.
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can both parents apply?
Yes. Each parent needs their own application, and the same sponsor can sponsor both parents.
Can parents work on the 870?
No. Work is not permitted on the 870.
Does the parent need to be outside Australia?
In most cases the parent must be outside Australia when the visa is lodged and granted.
Can a parent apply for a permanent parent visa while holding an 870?
There are restrictions on applying for some visas in Australia while holding an 870, so plan the strategy with us before lodging.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
