Overview
The Sponsored Parent (Subclass 870) visa provides a temporary pathway for parents to reunite with their children and grandchildren in Australia for up to three or five years. This visa subclass is unique because it does not require the "Balance of Family" test or an "Assurance of Support," which are mandatory for most permanent parent visa categories.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Subclass 870 visa, both the Australian sponsor and the parent applicant must satisfy the following 2026 regulatory requirements:
Sponsor Requirements:
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must have resided in Australia for at least four years.
- Must meet the minimum taxable income threshold of AUD 83,454.80 (based on the 2026 financial year benchmarks).
- Must have no outstanding public health or Commonwealth debts.
Applicant Requirements:
- Must be the biological, legal (including adoptive), or step-parent of the approved sponsor.
- Must be outside Australia at the time of application (unless they have "Permission to Apply Onshore").
- Must hold adequate health insurance from an Australian provider for the entire duration of the visa.
- Must meet all health and character (police clearance) requirements.
Application Costs (2026 Rates)
Fees are updated annually. The visa application charge for the Subclass 870 is divided into two instalments: the first is paid at the time of lodgement, and the second is requested by the Department of Home Affairs before the visa is granted.
| Item | Fee (AUD) |
| Parent Sponsorship Application | $420 |
| Visa Application (Up to 3 Years) | $6,070 |
| — First Instalment | $1,215 |
| — — Second Instalment | $4,855 |
| Visa Application (Up to 5 Years) | **$12,140** |
| — First Instalment | $1,215 |
| — — Second Instalment | $10,925 |
Note: Additional costs for medical examinations, biometrics, and police certificates are not included in the base application charges.
Processing Times
Processing times fluctuate based on the volume of applications and the accuracy of the submitted documentation. For 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has established the following performance benchmarks for the Subclass 870 visa:
- 50% of applications: 7 Months
- 90% of applications: 12 Months
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Am I allowed to work while in Australia on an 870 visa?
No. This visa does not grant work rights. You are strictly prohibited from engaging in paid employment. You may, however, provide unpaid childcare for your family or participate in non-commercial volunteer activities.
Can I transition to a Permanent Resident (PR) visa from this subclass?
The Subclass 870 is a temporary visa and does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. Holding this visa may also prevent you from applying for certain other parent visas while you are in Australia.
How long can I stay in Australia in total?
A parent can hold Subclass 870 visas for a cumulative maximum period of 10 years. After reaching this limit, you will not be eligible to apply for another visa within this subclass.
What happens if my sponsor’s income drops below the threshold?
The income requirement of AUD 83,454.80 must be met at the time of the sponsorship application. If the sponsor’s financial circumstances change significantly, it may impact future sponsorship approvals for subsequent visa applications.
