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Subclass 870
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa
Lets parents visit their children in Australia for long periods, without the balance of family test.
Who this visa is for
Parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens who want long stays with their family, but not permanent residence.
- Visa type
- Temporary
- Where you apply
- Generally outside Australia
- Length of stay
- Up to 3 or 5 years per visa, up to 10 years in total
- Work
- No work
Key requirements
- Your child, or their partner, is first approved as a parent sponsor
- You genuinely intend to stay temporarily
- You have adequate health insurance for your stay
- Health and character requirements
- Only one set of parents can hold this visa for a family at the same time
What this visa lets you do
- Stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years at a time
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
- Study for up to 3 months
- You cannot work
How it works
Applying for the 870 visa
We handle each step and keep you informed, from the first assessment to the decision.
Sponsor approval
Your child applies to be approved as a parent sponsor.
Visa application
Once the sponsorship is approved, you apply for the visa within the time allowed.
Health insurance
You arrange and keep adequate health insurance.
General information only, current at November 2026. Visa criteria, fees and processing change often, including each 1 July. Book a consultation for advice on your situation.
Thinking about the 870?
Book a consultation and we'll check whether you meet every criterion before you apply.