Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa
Parents who want to spend extended time with family in Australia without joining the permanent parent queue.
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) is an Australian family & partner visa. This guide covers who the 870 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025–26 cost (≈ $5,560 (5-yr) or ≈ $2,790 (3-yr), plus sponsorship fee) and processing time (≈ 6–10 months (after sponsor approval)), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions — in plain English.
Who the 870 visa is for
Parents who want to spend extended time with family in Australia without joining the permanent parent queue.
No (temporary) — but lets parents live in Australia long-term while a permanent option is considered.
Subclass 870 eligibility criteria
- An approved Parent Sponsor (your child) who meets income requirements
- Adequate health insurance for the stay
- No outstanding public health debt
- Health and character requirements
Subclass 870 cost & processing time (2025–26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) is ≈ $5,560 (5-yr) or ≈ $2,790 (3-yr), plus sponsorship fee, with an indicative processing time of ≈ 6–10 months (after sponsor approval). Figures are for 2025–26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Temporary (up to 5 yrs) |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore or offshore |
| Length of stay | 3 or 5 years (renewable up to 10 years total) |
| Work rights | No work permitted |
| Study rights | Yes (incidental) |
| Government charge | ≈ $5,560 (5-yr) or ≈ $2,790 (3-yr), plus sponsorship fee |
| Processing time | ≈ 6–10 months (after sponsor approval) |
| Pathway to PR | No (temporary) — but lets parents live in Australia long-term while a permanent option is considered. |
Pathway & next steps
No (temporary) — but lets parents live in Australia long-term while a permanent option is considered.
Many applicants also compare the 143 (Contributory Parent visa), the 103 (Parent visa (non-contributory)), the 600 (Visitor visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 870 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 870 visa — frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 870 visa cost?
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) base application charge is ≈ $5,560 (5-yr) or ≈ $2,790 (3-yr), plus sponsorship fee. Government charges are indicative for 2025–26 and usually change on 1 July — always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 870 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ≈ 6–10 months (after sponsor approval). Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 870 visa lead to permanent residence?
No (temporary) — but lets parents live in Australia long-term while a permanent option is considered.
Can I work on the subclass 870 visa?
Work rights on the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870): No work permitted.
Who can apply for the 870 visa?
Parents who want to spend extended time with family in Australia without joining the permanent parent queue.