Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa 870
Visits of 3 or 5 years at a time, up to 10 years in total, without the parent queue. No work.
In force
Who it is for
Parents, step-parents and parents-in-law of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens, for long visits. There is no balance of family test and no Assurance of Support.
Main requirements
- Your child is first approved as a Parent Sponsor (fee A$420), including an income test of at least A$83,454 taxable income for the most recent income year.
- Genuine temporary visit; health insurance for the whole stay; health and character.
- Only one parent couple can be sponsored at a time.
Where you apply from
Outside Australia (unless permission is given to apply in Australia).
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Sponsor approval
Your child applies to be a Parent Sponsor.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks the income test. - Visa application
Apply for 3 or 5 years and arrange health insurance.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the genuine visit evidence. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Visit
Stay without working; up to 10 years in total across visas.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains conditions and renewal.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Parent Sponsor application | A$420 |
| 3 years: first and second instalments | A$1,515 + A$4,855 = A$6,370 |
| 5 years: first and second instalments | A$1,515 + A$10,925 = A$12,440 |
The Parent Sponsor application (A$420) is separate. Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Visa | 50% in 7 months, 90% in 9 months |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship | 50% in 89 days, 90% in 4 months |
Common refusal reasons
- Sponsor income test not met.
- Doubts about a genuine temporary visit.
- Inadequate insurance.
- Health or character; previous overstay.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Sponsor
- Parent
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.