title: “[2026 Guide] Australian 870 Parent Visa: Requirements & Process for PR Holders”
description: “A complete guide to the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa. Learn eligibility, the two-step application process, costs, and how to plan for up to 10 years of stay for your parents in Australia.”
slug: australia-870-parent-visa-requirements-process-guide

[2026 Guide] Australian 870 Parent Visa: Requirements & Process for PR Holders

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents to live in Australia for up to 5 years at a time, with the potential for a total stay of up to 10 years, without the need to leave the country. This visa is a strategic solution for families seeking long-term团聚 without the lengthy wait times of permanent parent migration or the restrictions of tourist visas. It is particularly valuable for those who cannot meet the Balance of Family Test required for permanent visas.

For Australian permanent residents and citizens, facilitating long-term stays for ageing parents is a top priority, yet navigating visa pathways can be complex. The standard tourist visa imposes strict stay conditions, while permanent parent visas involve decade-long queues. The Subclass 870 visa emerges as a critical middle-ground option, offering extended, continuous residence. This guide provides a professional analysis of the 870 visa’s eligibility criteria, the crucial two-step application process, associated costs, and strategic planning advice to ensure a seamless transition for your family.

Who is Eligible for the 870 Parent Visa?

Eligibility for the 870 visa hinges on two parties: a qualifying sponsor in Australia and the parent applicant. The sponsor must be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen who meets specific residency and income thresholds. The parent applicant must be outside Australia when the visa application is lodged and meet health and character requirements.

The core value of the 870 visa lies in its flexibility compared to permanent options. Unlike the Contributory or Non-Contributory Parent visas, it does not require the sponsor to pass the Balance of Family Test. This makes it accessible for families where, for example, only one child is an Australian resident. The relationship can be biological, adoptive, step-parent, or even parent-in-law. Key eligibility pillars include:

• The Sponsor: Must be 18+, have lived lawfully in Australia for at least 4 years, and have a taxable income for the last financial year that meets the minimum threshold (approximately AUD $84,000 as a guide).
• The Applicant: Must be the biological, adoptive, step, or parent-in-law of the sponsor.
• Family Unit Limit: A sponsor can only have one approved sponsorship at a time, covering a maximum of two parents.
• Parallel Applications: An 870 application can be lodged concurrently with a permanent parent visa application, allowing families to “queue” for permanency while enjoying extended团聚.

The Two-Step Application Process: Sponsorship First, Visa Second

The 870 visa application is a mandatory two-stage process: first, the child in Australia must apply for and be approved as a sponsor; second, the parent can then apply for the visa. This sequential process is non-negotiable and requires careful timing, especially if parents are in Australia on a tourist visa and wish to avoid leaving.

Understanding this procedural split is vital for planning. The sponsorship application (Step 1) is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs to ensure the sponsor meets all legal obligations, including the income requirement and character checks. Only upon approval can the parent lodge the actual visa application (Step 2). Current processing times for each step can be variable but are often estimated around 6 months each. Therefore, initiating the process at least 12 months before a parent’s current visa expires is a prudent strategy to minimise any gap in lawful stay. For families managing complex timelines, tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor can help model different application scenarios based on current processing data.

Financial Requirements & Obligations for the Sponsor

The sponsoring child must demonstrate a minimum taxable income, which can include their partner’s income, to assure the government they can support their parent. The income threshold is not fixed in legislation but is tied to a specific figure—historically around AUD $84,000—which is subject to annual indexation. The primary evidence is the Notice of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office for the most recent financial year.

This financial commitment is a cornerstone of the visa’s design, shifting the assurance of support from the public system to the family. Sponsors must also pay substantial government charges. Key costs include:

• Sponsorship Application Charge: A fee to apply for sponsorship approval.
• Visa Application Charge: A much larger fee payable at the visa application stage, which varies depending on the visa length (3 or 5 years). For a 5-year visa, this can exceed AUD $10,000.
• Mandatory Health Insurance: Parents must maintain adequate private health insurance for the entire visa period. Premiums typically range from AUD $160-$180 per month, covering most common medical needs.
• Security Bond: In some cases, the Department may request an Assurance of Support bond, which is a refundable security deposit.

Strategic Advantages & Planning for Seamless Stay

The primary strategic advantage of the 870 visa is enabling a continuous, long-term stay of up to 5 years (renewable once for up to 10 years total) without the “exit and re-enter” requirement of tourist visas. This provides unparalleled stability for families, especially those relying on grandparents for childcare support.

For parents already in Australia on a visitor visa, advanced planning is essential to achieve a near-seamless transition. Since the parent must be outside Australia when the 870 visa application is lodged, a short trip may be necessary. However, with the sponsorship approved in advance, this overseas period can be minimised. Key planning steps include:

1. Assess Eligibility Early: Confirm the sponsor’s income and residency status.
2. Lodge Sponsorship: Begin the sponsorship application as soon as possible, mindful of processing times.
3. Coordinate Visa Expiry: Plan the parent’s departure and subsequent 870 visa lodgement to align with their visitor visa conditions.
4. Secure Health Insurance: Arrange approved health cover to be activated upon visa grant.
5. Consider Permanent Options: If eligible, lodging a permanent parent visa application first can secure a place in the queue before applying for the 870.

This level of coordination requires managing multiple moving parts. A platform like NovenAI consolidates this complexity, offering a 24/7 AI migration mentor to answer procedural questions and provide policy alerts, ensuring your family’s plan remains on track amidst changing guidelines.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Common pitfalls include misunderstanding the two-step process, underestimating processing times, and incorrectly calculating the income requirement. These errors can lead to refused applications, unnecessary costs, and stressful gaps in a parent’s lawful status.

Professional migration advice consistently highlights several avoidable mistakes:

• Applying for the Visa Before Sponsorship Approval: This will result in an invalid application and loss of the visa application charge.
• Insufficient Evidence of Income: Relying on payslips or bank statements alone is often insufficient without the official Tax Notice of Assessment.
• Overlooking Health Insurance: Failing to arrange or maintain adequate cover is a direct breach of visa conditions.
• Poor Timing with Existing Visas: Not leaving enough buffer for processing can force parents to leave Australia for an extended, unplanned period.
• Misunderstanding the “One Sponsorship” Rule: A family cannot sponsor two sets of parents concurrently.

To navigate these complexities, leveraging accurate, up-to-date information is crucial. For a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of requirements, you can refer to external analyses such as this guide on 870臨時父母擔保簽證：申請條件與流程完整解析{: target=“_blank”} or this exploration of 快速团聚，畅享十年陪伴时光：澳洲 870 父母临时签证解析{: target=“_blank”}.

Conclusion: Securing Your Family’s Future in Australia

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent visa is a powerful tool for Australian residents to reunite their families for extended periods. It bridges the gap between temporary visits and permanent migration, offering a practical solution for long-term care and团聚. By thoroughly understanding the sponsor’s financial obligations, meticulously following the two-stage application process, and planning well in advance, families can successfully navigate this pathway.

The journey to bring your parents to Australia is a significant one, filled with both emotional and administrative considerations. With the right information and a structured plan, the goal of having your family together for up to a decade is entirely achievable.

Ready to start planning your parents’ long-term stay? Explore your options and get personalised guidance for your family’s situation.

Begin your assessment with NovenAI today{: target=“_blank”}