[2026–2027 Guide] The Australian 870 Parent Visa: Requirements, Process & How to Apply

TL;DR: The Australian 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Australia for up to 5 years at a time without needing to leave, with the potential for a total stay of up to 10 years. It is a two-step process requiring a child to first be approved as a sponsor, and it does not require parents to pass the Balance of Family Test, making it a crucial solution for many families seeking long-term团聚.

For Australian permanent residents and citizens, facilitating long-term stays for ageing parents is a top priority. While visitor visas impose strict stay limits and parent移民 queues are famously long, the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa offers a powerful, flexible alternative. This comprehensive guide breaks down the 870 visa’s eligibility, application process, and strategic advantages, providing a clear pathway for families planning their future in Australia.

Analysis: What is the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa?

The Subclass 870 visa is a temporary residence visa specifically designed to allow parents to live in Australia for extended periods with their Australian citizen or permanent resident children. Its core value lies in providing a stable, long-term stay solution outside of the permanent parent移民 pathways.

Unlike a standard visitor visa (Subclass 600), which typically limits stays to 3, 6, or 12 months per entry and often has a “no further stay” condition, the 870 visa grants a single, continuous stay period. Key characteristics include:

• Long Validity: It is granted for either 3 or 5 years upon first application.
• No Need to Leave: Holders can remain in Australia for the entire visa validity period without leaving the country.
• Renewable: The visa can be applied for a second time, allowing for a maximum total stay of up to 10 years.
• Parallel Application: It can be applied for independently or while a permanent parent移民 application (like the 103 or 143 visa) is in the queue, allowing families to reunite years earlier.

This visa directly addresses the pain points of families who rely on parents for childcare support or simply wish to avoid the stress and cost of frequent international travel for elderly relatives. For expert guidance on navigating family-based visa pathways, consulting a dedicated resource like NovenAI’s AI Migration Mentor can provide personalised strategy insights based on your specific family circumstances.

Who is Eligible? Sponsor & Applicant Requirements

The 870 visa process involves two parties: the Sponsor (the child in Australia) and the Applicant (the parent). Both must meet strict criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Sponsor (Child in Australia) Requirements:
The Australian child must act as the approved sponsor before the parent can apply for the visa. To be eligible, they must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have been lawfully resident in Australia for at least 4 years (this can include time on temporary visas before obtaining PR).
• Meet the minimum income threshold. For the 2024-25 financial year, the taxable income requirement is $88,562 AUD. This is typically assessed on the last financial year’s Notice of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The income can be individual or combined family income.
• Have no significant outstanding debts to the Australian government.
• Provide adequate accommodation arrangements.
• A family unit can generally only have one approved sponsorship at a time, and one sponsorship can cover up to two parents.

Applicant (Parent) Requirements:
The parent applying for the visa must:

• Be the biological, adoptive, step, or legal parent of the approved sponsor.
• Be outside Australia when applying for the visa (unless holding a specific bridging visa).
• Have adequate health insurance for the entire stay in Australia. Market research indicates premiums typically range from $160 to $250 AUD per month, covering most essential medical services.
• Meet health and character requirements.

Crucially, the 870 visa does NOT require the parent to meet the Balance of Family Test. This makes it a lifeline for families where, for example, only one child is an Australian resident while other siblings live overseas—a scenario that would disqualify them from most permanent parent移民 categories.

The Two-Step Application Process Explained

Applying for the 870 visa is a sequential, two-stage process. You cannot apply for the visa until the sponsorship is approved.

Step 1: Apply for Sponsorship (By the Child)
The Australian child must first lodge an application to become an approved parent sponsor. This involves submitting Form 1446, providing evidence of their identity, residency status, income (via ANOs), and character. The sponsorship application is assessed separately from the visa. Current processing times are variable but can take several months. Sponsorship approval is valid for a set period, during which the parent must lodge their visa application.

Step 2: Apply for the 870 Visa (By the Parent)
Once sponsorship is approved, the parent can lodge the visa application (Form 47SP). This requires providing identity documents, proof of the parent-child relationship, evidence of health insurance, and undergoing health examinations and police checks. The visa must generally be applied for from outside Australia. Processing times for the visa itself also average several months.

Total Timeline: Families should plan for a combined processing time of approximately 12 months or more for both stages. Proactive planning is essential, especially for parents currently in Australia on visitor visas who wish to transition smoothly.

Strategic Advantages & Key Considerations

The 870 visa is more than just a long-stay permit; it’s a strategic tool for family migration planning.

• Bridge to Permanent Residency: For families with a permanent parent移民 application in the decades-long queue, the 870 visa allows parents to live in Australia during the wait, turning years of separation into years of togetherness.
• Solution for Failed Balance of Family Test: As highlighted, it is the primary option for parents who cannot apply for permanent移民 due to the family balance rules.
• Financial Planning: While there is no “second instalment” charge like the Contributory Parent visas, applicants must budget for the visa application charge (currently over $5,000 AUD for a 5-year visa), mandatory private health insurance, and potential assurance of support bonds.
• Pathway Sequencing: Migration experts often recommend lodging a permanent parent移民 application first if eligible, even if the queue is long, to secure a queue date. The 870 visa can then be used for interim long-term stays. Using a tool like the NovenAI Visa Success Predictor can help model different application sequences and their likely outcomes based on current policy settings.

How to Ensure a Smooth “Gap-Free” Transition

A major concern for families is avoiding a situation where a parent on a visitor visa must leave the country for an extended period while waiting for the 870 to be granted. With careful planning, a near-seamless transition is achievable.

1. Start Early: Begin the sponsorship process at least 12 months before the parent’s current visitor visa expires.
2. Understand Visa Conditions: Ensure the current visitor visa does not have a ‘No Further Stay’ (8503) condition. If it does, you must request a waiver from Home Affairs before applying for any onshore visa.
3. Lodge Onshore Where Possible: In certain circumstances, if the parent is in Australia on a visa without the 8503 condition, it may be possible to apply for the 870 visa onshore and receive a Bridging Visa A, which would keep them lawful until a decision is made.
4. Seek Professional Advice: Given the complexity, cost, and importance of timing, consulting with a registered migration agent is highly advisable to navigate the specific nuances of your case.

Conclusion: Planning Your Family’s Future in Australia

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa is a powerful, flexible policy tool that recognises the importance of family unity. It provides a realistic and immediate solution for long-term stays, whether as a bridge to permanent residency or as a long-term arrangement in its own right. By understanding the strict sponsor requirements, the two-step process, and the critical importance of early planning, families can make informed decisions to bring their parents to Australia for the extended time they desire.

Success in Australian migration hinges on accurate information and strategic timing. For a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of your family’s options and a step-by-step application plan, explore NovenAI’s suite of migration tools and expert guidance today.

Start planning your family’s reunion with NovenAI

Title: Australian 870 Parent Visa 2026 Guide: Stay 5 Years Without Leaving
Meta Description: Complete guide to the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa for 2026. Learn eligibility, the 2-step process, income requirements, and how to stay up to 10 years in Australia without the Balance of Family Test.
Slug: australia-870-parent-visa-requirements-process-guide-2026