Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870): Temporary 3-5 Year Stay
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) allows parents to live in Australia for 3 or 5 years with their Australian child's family. The sponsor must meet income requirements ($83,454.80/year for a single parent or adjusted for family size), and the visa costs $5,735 for 3 years or $11,470 for 5 years. It's renewable once, giving a maximum total stay of 10 years. Unlike permanent parent visas, the 870 doesn't grant Medicare, pension rights, or a pathway to permanent residence.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa subclass | 870 |
| 3-year option | $5,735 |
| 5-year option | $11,470 |
| Renewable | Once (total maximum 10 years) |
| Work rights | No |
| Medicare | No |
| PR pathway | No |
| Sponsor income | $83,454.80+ (adjusted for family size) |
| Places per year | 15,000 |
Who Is the 870 For?
The 870 fills a gap between tourist visas (short-term) and permanent parent visas (long wait or high cost). It's designed for families who:
- Want a parent to live with them for an extended period
- Can't afford the Contributory Parent Visa ($48,640+)
- Don't want to wait 30+ years for the non-contributory 103
- Need more than the 12 months a tourist visa allows
- Want their parent to help with childcare or family support
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsor (the Australian child) must meet strict requirements:
Income Threshold
The sponsor must demonstrate a taxable income of at least $83,454.80 per year (this figure is indexed annually). If the sponsor's family unit is larger, the threshold increases.
| Family Size | Approximate Income Threshold |
|---|---|
| Single/couple (no children) | $83,454.80 |
| Family with 1 child | ~$95,000 |
| Family with 2 children | ~$105,000 |
| Family with 3+ children | Increases further |
The income is assessed from the sponsor's most recent ATO Notice of Assessment or tax return.
Residency
The sponsor must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
- Settled in Australia (at least 4 years of residence)
- Over 18 years of age
Health Insurance Undertaking
The sponsor must ensure the parent maintains adequate health insurance for the entire visa period. Since 870 holders don't have Medicare, private health insurance is essential and a visa condition.
Parent Requirements
- Meet health and character requirements
- Not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- Maintain adequate health insurance throughout the stay
- Not hold (or have recently held) certain other visas
Conditions and Limitations
No Work Rights
870 visa holders cannot work in Australia. This is a significant limitation for parents who might otherwise contribute financially.
No Medicare
Without Medicare, all medical costs are out-of-pocket or covered by private health insurance. This makes adequate insurance essential — and expensive for older parents.
No Pathway to PR
The 870 is strictly temporary. It doesn't lead to permanent residence and cannot be used as a stepping stone to the 143 or 103.
Health Insurance Requirement
The parent must maintain compliant health insurance for the entire visa duration. A gap in coverage can result in visa cancellation. Budget $2,000-$5,000 per year for adequate cover, depending on the parent's age and health.
Condition 8531
The parent must leave Australia before the visa expires. Overstaying triggers the same consequences as any other visa breach.
Cost Comparison
| Visa | Cost | Duration | PR? | Medicare? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 870 (3 years) | $5,735 | 3 years | No | No |
| 870 (5 years) | $11,470 | 5 years | No | No |
| 870 (maximum 10 years) | $17,205-$22,940 | 10 years | No | No |
| 103 (non-contributory) | $4,990 | Permanent | Yes | Yes |
| 143 (contributory) | $48,640 | Permanent | Yes | Yes |
The 870 is cheaper than the 143 but provides no permanence. Over 10 years of renewals, the total 870 cost ($17,000-$23,000 in visa fees plus health insurance) approaches a significant fraction of the 143 fee — without the permanent benefits.
Application Process
Step 1: Sponsor Applies for Approval
The Australian child lodges a sponsor application, demonstrating they meet the income and residency requirements. Processing: 1-3 months.
Step 2: Parent Applies for the Visa
Once the sponsorship is approved, the parent applies for the 870 visa. The application can be lodged from inside or outside Australia.
Step 3: Processing
Processing times: 3-12 months depending on health examination requirements and queue position.
Step 4: Visa Granted
The parent receives either a 3-year or 5-year visa (as applied for).
Renewal
The 870 can be renewed once:
- 3-year visa: renewable for another 3 years (6 years total)
- 5-year visa: renewable for another 5 years (10 years total)
- 3-year visa: can renew for 5 years (8 years total)
- 5-year visa: can renew for 3 years (8 years total)
Maximum total stay: 10 years across both initial and renewal visas.
After the maximum period, the parent must leave Australia and cannot apply for another 870.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my parent apply for the 870 while a 103 or 143 is pending?
Yes. The 870 can serve as a temporary solution while waiting for a permanent parent visa.
What health insurance is acceptable?
The insurance must cover hospital, medical, and pharmaceutical costs. Several Australian insurers offer products specifically for 870 visa holders. Standard travel insurance may not be sufficient — check that the policy meets the Department's requirements.
Can both parents apply?
Yes. Each parent needs a separate visa application. The sponsor must meet income requirements for both parents.
What happens when the 870 expires?
The parent must leave Australia. They can return on a tourist visa for shorter visits, or apply for another visa type if eligible.
Can the parent receive aged care services on a 870?
Limited. As a temporary visa holder without Medicare, access to government-subsidised aged care is restricted. Private aged care is available but extremely expensive.
