Subclass 870 - Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa

To apply for the sponsored parent visa, both the parent (applicant) and the sponsor (child) must meet specific eligibility conditions set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Parent Requirements

The parent applicant must:

• Be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of an eligible sponsor
• Hold adequate health insurance for the entire stay in Australia
• Meet health and character requirements
• Have no outstanding public health debts in Australia
• Not have had a visa refused or cancelled (in certain circumstances)
• Be able to genuinely stay temporarily in Australia

These conditions form the core of the subclass 870 visa Australia requirements.

Sponsor Requirements

The sponsor must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a minimum taxable income for the required assessment period
• Have no adverse sponsorship history
• Agree to meet all sponsorship conditions, including financial responsibility

GreenTree Immigration assists sponsors with eligibility checks and sponsorship approval, reducing errors that commonly cause delays.

The temporary parent visa (subclass 870) offers several family-focused benefits:

1. Stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years at a time
2. Total stay of up to 10 years
3. No balance-of-family test required
4. Multiple-entry travel facility
5. Opportunity to apply for permanent parent visas later
6. Ideal alternative while waiting for long PR parent visa queues

This makes it one of the most flexible Australia parent visa options available.

Sponsorship Conditions for Subclass 870

Approved sponsors must:

1. Provide financial support during the parent’s stay
2. Ensure the parent does not rely on Australian public funds
3. Notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in circumstances
4. Comply with all sponsorship obligations throughout the visa period

Failure to meet these conditions can impact future sponsorship eligibility.

Visa Duration & Stay Options

Applicants can choose:

1. 3-year visa, or
2. 5-year visa

After expiry, parents can apply again to extend their stay, with a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years.

Fees & Processing Times

1. Processing fees for 3-year visa - AUD 6070
2. Processing fees for 5-year visa - AUD 12,140

The processing time for subclass 870 is 5-8 months.

GreenTree provides transparent guidance on the sponsored parent visa Australia cost and realistic expectations for parent visa subclass 870 processing time.

Application Process for Subclass 870 Visa

• The application process involves two major stages
• Sponsorship approval by the Department of Home Affairs
• Visa application submission by the parent

How to apply for Subclass 870 visa?  

Here’s a simplified overview of how to apply for subclass 870 visa:

• Sponsor lodges sponsorship application
• Receive sponsorship approval
• Parent submits online visa application
• Upload required documents
• Complete health and character checks
• Await decision

GreenTree Immigration manages the entire apply for subclass 870 visa online process with accuracy and compliance.

Apply for Subclass 870 Visa

How GreenTree Immigration Can Help?

With years of hands-on experience in Australia's parent visa categories, GreenTree Immigration offers

• Sponsor eligibility assessment
• Complete sponsored parent visa checklist
• Documentation review & verification
• Visa filing and follow-ups
• Guidance on subclass 870 visa renewal process
• Advice on transition to permanent parent visas

Our team stays updated with immigration policy changes to ensure trustworthy, compliant, and result-driven support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)



What is the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)? ✈

The Subclass 870 Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for 3 or 5 years.

Who Can Apply for a Subclass 870 Visa? ✈

You must be a parent of an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

How Long Can I Stay in Australia on a Subclass 870 Visa? ✈

You can choose to stay for either 3 years or 5 years initially. After your first visa ends, you can reapply to extend your total stay up to 10 years.

Can Both Parents Apply Together? ✈

Yes, both parents can apply together if they each have an approved sponsor and meet eligibility requirements. Each parent must lodge a separate visa application.

Can I Apply for Permanent Residency While on Subclass 870 Visa? ✈

Yes, you can apply for a permanent Parent Visa while in Australia, but you must meet the specific eligibility requirements and visa conditions for that pathway.

Can I Work or Study on a Subclass 870 Visa? ✈

No, the Subclass 870 visa does not grant work rights. You can study for up to three months, but if you wish to study longer, you must apply for a student visa.