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Passport and travel documents on a table representing the renewal process for the subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa

Renewing or Extending Your Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

The Subclass 870 is a temporary visa, but it can be renewed. Your parent is not limited to a single three-year or five-year stay. Understanding how the renewal process works, what the 10-year cap means in practice, and what you need to qualify are essential before you commit to this visa as part of a long-term plan.

Can you renew or extend an 870 visa?

Yes. The 870 can be renewed, provided the parent has not yet reached the 10-year total stay cap and both the parent and sponsor continue to meet the eligibility requirements. There is no automatic renewal, and there is no mechanism to simply extend the existing grant. Each renewal is a new two-step application: the sponsor applies again and the parent applies again.

This is an important distinction. “Renewal” in the context of the 870 means starting the process largely from scratch, including fresh health examinations, updated financial evidence, and new application fees. Plan for this in advance, not at the last minute.

How 870 renewals work

The 3-year and 5-year grant options

Each time a parent applies for the 870, they can be granted either a three-year or five-year visa. The choice of grant length affects the application fee and the timing of the next renewal. A five-year grant costs more in government fees (approximately $5,175) but delays the next renewal cycle. A three-year grant has a lower upfront cost (approximately $1,045) but requires renewal sooner.

Most families prefer the five-year grant where possible. It reduces the administrative burden and means fewer renewal cycles within the 10-year maximum. Unless the parent’s circumstances suggest a shorter stay is more appropriate, the five-year grant is generally the better option.

The 10-year total cap

The 870 has an absolute maximum of 10 years total stay in Australia across all grants. This cap applies to the individual parent, not the sponsor. The Department tracks how much of the 10-year cap has been used.

Combinations that stay within the cap include: two five-year grants; one five-year grant followed by one three-year grant followed by one two-year grant; or other combinations that total no more than 10 years. Once 10 years is reached, the parent is permanently ineligible for further 870 grants, regardless of their age, health, or family circumstances.

Time spent outside Australia does not count toward the 10-year total. The cap is calculated based on actual time in Australia on the 870.

What you need to renew

Updated sponsor requirements

The sponsor must re-apply and demonstrate they still meet the eligibility requirements at the time of each renewal. This means providing updated evidence of income. The current sponsor income threshold is $83,454.80 per year. If the sponsor has a partner, their combined income can be used.

If the sponsoring child’s circumstances have changed (changed jobs, reduced hours, partnership ended), the income evidence will need to reflect the current situation. A sponsor who met the threshold at the original application but no longer does at renewal will cause the renewal to fail.

If the original sponsor is no longer available or willing to act as sponsor (for example, due to a family breakdown or the sponsor having moved overseas), a different eligible child of the parent may be able to act as the new sponsor, provided they meet the requirements.

Continued health insurance coverage

Private health insurance covering hospital treatment in Australia remains a mandatory condition of the 870 at renewal. The parent must hold a compliant policy at the time of grant and must maintain it throughout the new visa period.

Critically, health insurance arrangements that worked at the first application may not be available at renewal. Insurers may impose new exclusions as the parent ages or as pre-existing conditions are identified. Some insurers limit their parent visa policies to specific age bands. Families should confirm health insurance availability and cost as part of renewal planning, well before the current visa expires.

A health examination is also required at each renewal. The same medical criteria apply. If the parent’s health has changed significantly since the last examination, this is worth discussing with a registered migration agent before lodging the renewal.

What happens when you reach the 10-year limit?

When the parent has exhausted their 10-year total stay on the 870, there are no further 870 options available. The parent will need to leave Australia when their final 870 grant expires, unless they have another visa to remain on.

The most common scenario where the 10-year limit becomes critical is when the parent is using the 870 as a bridge while waiting for a Subclass 143 to be processed. If the 143 has not yet been granted when the 870’s 10-year cap is reached, the parent faces a gap period. During that gap, options are limited. The parent could use visitor visas, but visitor visas are short-term and subject to the Department’s assessment of genuine temporary entrant intentions. This is not a comfortable position to be in.

Families using the 870-as-bridge strategy should plan for this gap from the start, particularly if the 143 was lodged recently and the queue wait is 12 to 15 years. The arithmetic does not always work out.

Timing your renewal application

Do not wait until the current 870 visa is about to expire before starting the renewal process. The two-step sequence takes time: the sponsor application must be lodged and approved before the parent can lodge their application, and the parent application itself typically takes around seven months to process.

A practical timeline: begin the sponsor’s renewal application at least 12 months before the current visa expires. This gives enough buffer for the sponsor approval, the parent application, and the processing time, while leaving margin for unexpected delays.

If the parent’s visa expires before the renewal grant is issued, they may need to leave Australia or hold another visa while the new application is processed. Getting the timing right avoids this disruption entirely.

Frequently asked questions

Can a different child sponsor the renewal compared to the original application?

Yes. The sponsor does not need to be the same person for each 870 application. Any eligible child of the parent who meets the sponsorship requirements can act as sponsor, including for renewals. This can be useful if the original sponsor’s circumstances have changed. Each sponsoring child is subject to the same eligibility and income requirements.

Does the parent need to be in Australia when they apply for the renewal?

No. The parent can apply for a renewal of the 870 from outside Australia, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. The process is online through ImmiAccount. Being offshore at the time of lodgement does not disqualify the application.

What if the parent’s health deteriorates and they fail the health examination at renewal?

If the parent cannot meet the health requirement at renewal, the renewal application will likely be refused. There is no automatic waiver of the health requirement for 870 renewals. In some circumstances, a health waiver may be available, but these are not granted routinely. This is one of the real risks of relying on the 870 as a long-term strategy for parents with declining health.

Is there a grace period after the current 870 expires if the renewal is pending?

If the parent lodges a renewal application before the current visa expires, a bridging visa may apply while the new application is processed. However, bridging visa conditions can differ from the 870 conditions, and this is not a straightforward situation. It is much better to time the renewal so the new visa is granted before the old one expires. If you are approaching this situation, get specific advice from a registered migration agent promptly.

Need help with your parent’s 870 renewal?

Renewals look simple on paper but have real traps, particularly around health insurance, health examinations, and the 10-year cap timeline. I am Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840, based in Brisbane. I can review your situation and manage the renewal from start to finish.

Contact me about an 870 renewal

Older parents with their adult daughter in Australia, weighing the subclass 870 and 143 parent visa options

Parent Visa 870 vs 143: Choosing the Right Path for Your Parents

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

Two visa options come up in almost every parent visa conversation: the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa and the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa. They serve different purposes, operate on completely different timelines, and suit different family situations. Understanding the distinction is the foundation of any sensible parent visa strategy.

870 vs 143: two very different solutions

The 870 is a temporary visa. It gets your parent to Australia quickly, on a renewable basis, for up to 10 years total. It does not lead to permanent residence. The 143 is a permanent visa. It takes years to process but results in permanent residency with full rights, including Medicare.

Many families treat these as an either/or choice, when in reality they work best together. Lodge the 143 to lock in your queue position, and use the 870 as a bridge while you wait. That combined approach is the most effective parent visa strategy for most families in 2026.

Key differences at a glance

Feature Subclass 870 Subclass 143
Permanency Temporary (up to 10 years total) Permanent residence
Processing time ~7 months 6 to 8 years (queue-based)
Cost (per person) ~$5,000 to $10,000 (across multiple grants) ~$48,640 total (two instalments)
Medicare No Yes (on arrival after grant)
Work rights No Yes (full work rights after grant)
Balance of family test Not required Required (cannot be waived)
Annual cap 15,000 per year ~7,250 per year (contributory)
Pathway to PR No direct pathway Is the permanent residence

Permanency: the biggest difference

143 leads to permanent residency

The Subclass 143 is a permanent visa. Once granted, your parent is a permanent resident of Australia. They can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. They can enrol in Medicare on arrival. They can access Australian government benefits after a waiting period. After four years as a permanent resident, they can apply for Australian citizenship.

Permanent residency also provides a stable, long-term foundation for family life. Your parent is not on a countdown clock. They are not subject to renewal processes, annual caps, or income thresholds once the visa is granted. It is, simply put, the goal for most families.

870 is temporary with no direct PR pathway

The 870 is explicitly a temporary visa. It does not lead to permanent residence. There is no provision in the 870 visa conditions to transition directly to permanent residency based on holding the 870. After 10 years of total stay, a parent who has exhausted their 870 entitlement must leave Australia unless they hold or can be granted another visa.

This is not a criticism of the 870. It was designed as a temporary solution, and it delivers on that purpose very effectively. But families who assume the 870 will “convert” to permanent residence at some point are operating on a misunderstanding. If permanent residence is the goal, the 143 (or another permanent parent visa) must be part of the strategy.

Processing time comparison

The 870 processes in approximately seven months under current conditions. The sponsor approval step takes two to four months, and the parent application itself takes around seven months from lodgement assuming the sponsor is already approved.

The 143 operates on a queue system. As of March 2026, the department is processing 143 applications with a queue date of November 2018. A new lodgement today would carry a queue date of mid-2026, putting the likely grant date in the 2031 to 2034 range at current programme settings. That is the reality, and there is no mechanism to pay your way to the front of the queue.

The processing time contrast is the reason the 870 exists. The government created it specifically to address the reality that permanent parent visas take many years, and families wanted a legal, structured way to have parents present in Australia during that wait.

Cost comparison

870 costs

The 870 is granted in tranches of three years or five years. The five-year grant costs more than the three-year grant. Across multiple grants to reach the 10-year maximum, total visa fees in the range of $5,000 to $10,000 per person are typical, depending on the combination of grant lengths chosen. There is also the sponsor application fee to factor in.

The income requirement for sponsors is $83,454.80 per year. If a sponsor’s individual income is below this threshold, they can combine with a partner’s income to meet it. This is an ongoing eligibility consideration for each renewal, not just at initial application.

The 870 does not require an Assurance of Support bond. It does require your parent to hold adequate private health insurance throughout their stay, which is a mandatory visa condition, not optional. For elderly parents, this is a significant ongoing cost that should be factored into any comparison with the 143.

143 costs

The 143 has a first instalment of approximately $5,040 per person at lodgement, and a second instalment of approximately $43,600 per person when the department invites you to finalise the application. The total is approximately $48,640 per person. For two parents, that is approximately $97,280 in visa application charges.

On top of that: health examinations, police clearances for all countries of residence, professional fees, and the Assurance of Support bond of $10,000 for one adult or $14,000 for two. The bond is held by Centrelink for 10 years and then released. It is not a fee but it is cash that is locked up.

The second instalment is also likely to be higher in dollar terms when it falls due in six to eight years, as visa fees are indexed periodically. Budget conservatively.

Health insurance and Medicare

This is one of the starkest practical differences between the two visas.

The 870 requires your parent to hold adequate private health insurance throughout their stay. This is a visa condition: breach it and your parent is in violation of their visa. For elderly parents, the cost of appropriate private health insurance can be very high, particularly as they age. Hospital cover with appropriate limits needs to reflect the likely healthcare needs of the parent involved. Budget this cost carefully.

The 143, once granted, entitles your parent to Medicare from the day they arrive in Australia as a permanent resident. Medicare covers GP visits, specialist consultations with a referral, public hospital treatment, and subsidised medications through the PBS. For most families, Medicare access is one of the most financially significant features of the permanent visa, and it is the single biggest healthcare cost advantage the 143 has over the 870.

During the 143 queue wait, if your parent is in Australia on a bridging visa or a visitor visa, they do not have Medicare access. Practically speaking, you would need to arrange private health cover during that period regardless of which visa strategy you are pursuing.

Work rights and government benefits

The 870 does not include work rights. Your parent cannot take paid employment in Australia on this visa, including part-time or casual work. They also cannot access Australian government benefits such as Centrelink payments.

The 143, once granted, carries full work rights. Your parent can work in any occupation. They also gain access to government benefits after the standard Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period, which is currently four years for most payments. After that waiting period, your parent may be eligible for the Age Pension and other income support payments, subject to the usual eligibility criteria.

The 870-while-waiting strategy

How to use the 870 as a bridge

The most effective use of the 870 for most families is as a bridging visa while the 143 works through the queue. Here is how it works in practice:

  1. Lodge the 143 application and pay the first instalment. This locks in your queue date immediately.
  2. Separately, lodge the sponsorship application for the 870 and then the parent’s 870 application.
  3. The 870 is granted in approximately seven months, allowing your parent to be in Australia within the year.
  4. Your parent lives in Australia on the 870 while the 143 processes through the queue.
  5. When the 143 queue date is reached and Stage 2 is invited, pay the second instalment and finalise.
  6. The 143 is granted. Your parent is now a permanent resident and enrolls in Medicare.

This approach means your parent is in Australia during the years-long 143 queue wait, rather than sitting overseas. It is the most common strategic combination for families who can afford the 143 fees.

Important timing considerations

A few practical points on running both applications together:

  • The 143 and 870 are completely independent applications. One does not affect the other’s processing or outcome.
  • Lodging the 870 does not reset or affect your 143 queue date.
  • The 870 has an annual cap of 15,000 grants per year. Lodge it early in the financial year if possible to reduce cap risk.
  • When the 143 Stage 2 invitation arrives, your parent can be onshore in Australia on the 870. That is a perfectly valid situation and common in practice.
  • Once the 143 is granted, the 870 ceases to have effect. Your parent moves to their permanent visa.

Which one is right for your family?

If permanent residence is your goal and your family can manage the costs and the timeline, the 143 is the right answer. Lodge it now to lock in your queue date. The longer you wait to lodge, the further back in the queue you will be.

If your parents need to be in Australia sooner, or if the 143 costs are not feasible right now, the 870 is a practical and well-structured option. Used alone, it provides up to 10 years of Australian residence. Used alongside the 143, it provides your parents with an Australian life while you work towards permanent residence.

The balance of family test is also a relevant factor. The 870 does not require your parent to pass the balance of family test, which requires at least half of their children to be usually resident in Australia. If your family structure means you cannot satisfy this test, the 870 may be your only viable pathway. The 143 requires it without exception.

Frequently asked questions

Can my parent apply for the 870 if a 143 application is already lodged?

Yes. The 870 and 143 can run simultaneously. Many families lodge both. The 143 lodgement does not prevent the 870 application, and holding an 870 does not affect the 143 queue position. Running both is the standard “bridge and permanent” strategy.

Does the 870 count towards the 143 processing time in any way?

No. The 870 is an entirely separate visa. Time spent on the 870 does not shorten the 143 queue wait. The only thing that moves your 143 queue date is the department working through applications ahead of yours under the annual programme allocation.

My parent does not meet the balance of family test. Is the 870 their only option?

For permanent visas, yes: the balance of family test applies to both the 143 and the 103, and it cannot be waived. If your parent genuinely cannot satisfy the test, a permanent parent visa is not available to them. The 870 does not have this requirement, making it the most accessible option for parents whose children are dispersed across multiple countries.

What happens to my parent’s 870 when the 143 is granted?

When the 143 is granted, it operates as the substantive visa. The 870 ceases to apply, and your parent’s rights and obligations are governed by the 143 conditions from that point. They enrol in Medicare, they have full work rights, and the 10-year clock on 870 stay is no longer relevant.

Can I sponsor my parent for the 870 if my income is below the threshold?

The income threshold for 870 sponsors is $83,454.80 per year. If your individual income is below this, you can include your partner’s income to meet the threshold as a combined household income. If you genuinely cannot meet the threshold even with combined income, you cannot sponsor a parent for the 870 unless your circumstances change. This is a firm eligibility requirement, not a guideline.

Build the right strategy for your parents

The 870 vs 143 decision is rarely straightforward. Costs, timelines, health circumstances, the balance of family test, and income eligibility all interact. Getting the combination right before you lodge anything saves considerable time, money, and stress.

Andrew Heathcote, MARN 0850840, has spent over 15 years helping Australian families bring their parents home, with a specific focus on parent visa strategy. Contact us at parentvisas.com.au/contact for practical, experience-based advice on your family’s situation.

Family group together in Australia after the subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa was processed quickly

Subclass 870 Processing Time: How Long Does the Sponsored Parent Visa Take?

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa is the fastest way to get a parent into Australia legally for an extended period. Unlike the permanent parent visa queues, which stretch for years and decades, the 870 runs on a rolling application basis with no queue date system. Here is what the timeline actually looks like.

How long does the 870 visa take to process?

Based on current processing data, the Subclass 870 is taking approximately seven months from lodgement to grant. This figure can shift depending on application volumes and departmental resourcing, but it has remained in the six to nine month range for well-prepared applications.

The 870 is a two-step process: the Australian child (the sponsor) must first be approved as a sponsor, and then the parent applies for the visa itself. Both steps happen through ImmiAccount, and they can be lodged sequentially or as part of a coordinated application strategy.

It is worth being clear about what “processed in seven months” means in practice. That seven months starts from the date the parent lodges the visa application, assuming the sponsor is already approved. If sponsor approval is still pending when the parent lodges, the parent application cannot proceed to grant until the sponsor is approved. Sequencing matters.

The two-step application and what it means for timing

Step 1: sponsor approval timeframe

The sponsoring child must apply for and be approved as an approved sponsor before or concurrent with the parent’s visa application. The department assesses the sponsor’s eligibility: they must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and they must meet the income threshold, which is currently $83,454.80 per year. A sponsor can combine their income with a partner’s income to meet this threshold.

Sponsor approval currently takes approximately two to four months. There is no set processing time published by the department, and it can vary. The sponsor application is relatively straightforward if financial documents are well organised, but delays can occur if the department requests additional evidence of income or relationship details.

One important note: a single sponsor can sponsor up to two parents under the 870. If both parents are coming, both are covered under one sponsorship.

Step 2: parent visa application timeframe

Once the sponsor is approved, the parent lodges the visa application. This is where the approximately seven-month figure applies. The parent application involves health examinations, character checks (police clearances from every country of residence), and providing evidence of the relationship to the sponsor.

Health examinations must be completed through a panel physician approved by the department. Booking times vary by location, particularly overseas. In some countries the wait for a panel physician appointment is several weeks, which can affect overall timing. Build this into your planning.

The 870 is capped at 15,000 grants per year across all applicants. If the cap is reached in a given year, applications may pause until the next programme year. This has occurred in previous years and is a genuine risk for applications lodged later in the financial year.

What can delay your 870 application?

Several factors can extend the seven-month median processing time:

  • Incomplete health examinations. Health assessments must be completed by an approved panel physician. Missing or outdated results are a common reason for delays.
  • Police clearance issues. Your parent needs clearances from every country where they have lived. Getting clearances from some countries can take months. Start this process early.
  • Sponsor income documentation gaps. If the sponsor’s income is close to the threshold of $83,454.80 or relies on combined household income, the department may request additional evidence. Have payslips, tax returns, and employer letters ready.
  • Annual cap. The 870 is capped at 15,000 places per year. Applications lodged when the cap is approaching can be deferred to the following financial year.
  • Requests for further information. Any request from the department (called a section 56 request) stops the clock until you respond. Respond quickly and completely.

How the 870 compares to permanent parent visa timelines

The contrast between the 870 and the permanent parent visa queues is stark:

Visa Current Processing Time Outcome
Subclass 870 ~7 months Temporary (up to 5 years per grant, 10 years total)
Subclass 143 6 to 8 years (queue-based) Permanent residence
Subclass 103 30+ years (queue-based) Permanent residence

The 870’s processing speed is its primary advantage. It is the only realistic option if you want your parent in Australia in the near term. However, it is temporary. There is no direct pathway from the 870 to permanent residence. If permanent residency is the goal, the 870 functions best as a bridge while a permanent application, such as the 143, works through the queue.

Many families use the 870-while-waiting strategy: lodge a Subclass 143 to lock in a queue date, then lodge a 870 so the parent can actually be in Australia during the wait. The two applications run in parallel and do not interfere with each other.

Frequently asked questions

Can my parent lodge the 870 from outside Australia?

Yes. The 870 can be lodged from outside Australia. There is no requirement for the parent to be onshore at the time of lodgement or at the time of grant. The visa can be granted while the parent is overseas, and they then travel to Australia to activate it.

Does holding an 870 affect eligibility for a permanent parent visa?

Holding an 870 does not disqualify your parent from applying for or being granted a permanent parent visa. The 870 and the permanent visa applications are independent. Many families run both concurrently. The 870 also does not affect your queue date for the permanent visa.

Can my parent work in Australia on the 870?

No. The 870 does not include work rights. Your parent cannot work in paid employment in Australia while on this visa. They also do not have access to Medicare, so arranging adequate private health insurance before arrival is essential. This is a firm requirement, not optional.

What happens when the 10-year maximum on the 870 is reached?

The 870 allows a total of 10 years of stay in Australia across all grants. Once that maximum is reached, no further 870 grants are available for that parent. If a permanent visa has not been granted by then, your parent would need to leave Australia unless another visa pathway is available. This is why lodging the permanent visa early, and using the 870 as a bridge rather than a long-term solution, is important planning advice.

Ready to get your parent to Australia sooner?

The 870 is a powerful tool when used as part of a well-planned parent visa strategy. Getting the sponsor approved, the application complete, and the timing right makes a real difference to how quickly it resolves.

Andrew Heathcote, MARN 0850840, has helped many families structure the 870 as a bridge to permanent residency. Contact us at parentvisas.com.au/contact to talk through your options.

Elderly couple relaxing together in Australia on a Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa subclass 870

Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa: Full Cost Breakdown for Australia

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

The Subclass 870 is marketed as an affordable temporary visa that lets parents spend extended time in Australia. The application fees are genuinely low. But the 870 has ongoing costs that most families only discover after they have committed. This breakdown gives you the full picture so there are no surprises. For how the visa works end to end, see our complete 870 guide.

How much does the 870 visa cost?

The Subclass 870 is available in two grant periods: 3 years and 5 years. The 5-year version is available only for a second 870 grant (you must hold a prior 870 to access the 5-year stream in most cases). Across multiple grants, a parent can accumulate up to 10 years total stay in Australia on the 870.

Primary applicant fee

As at 1 July 2026, the base visa application charge for the 870 is AUD 1,515, the same whether the grant is for 3 or 5 years, and a second visa application charge instalment of up to $10,925 applies before the visa is granted, depending on the length of stay. Government charges are indexed on 1 July each year, so confirm the current figure with the Department of Home Affairs before you apply. From 1 July 2026, a lower application charge applies to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste and ASEAN member countries. For reference, the base charge is:

  • Base application charge: AUD 1,515 (as at 1 July 2026)
  • Indexed on 1 July each year; confirm the current amount with the Department

These fees are paid at the time of application lodgement. They are non-refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn after assessment begins.

Secondary applicant fees

Secondary applicants (additional dependants included in the same application) pay a reduced fee at the same rate schedule. Most 870 applications involve a single parent as primary applicant. In some cases, a couple applies together, in which case both fees apply.

Sponsor application costs

Before a parent can apply for the 870, the Australian child must be approved as a sponsor. The sponsorship application costs approximately $420. This is a one-time cost for the sponsorship approval, though the sponsorship needs to be maintained and updated if circumstances change significantly.

The sponsor must meet an income threshold to be eligible. The current threshold is $83,454.80 per year. If the sponsor’s individual income does not meet this threshold, they can combine their income with a partner’s to reach it. This is the same principle as the Assurance of Support for permanent visas: the government wants evidence that the sponsoring household can support the parent without reliance on public resources.

There is no Assurance of Support bond required for the 870. This is a meaningful practical difference from the permanent parent visa pathways, where a $10,000 to $14,000 bond is required (our 143 vs 103 comparison sets out the permanent visa costs in full).

Ongoing costs during the visa period

The application fees are the smallest part of the 870’s true cost. The ongoing expenses during the visa period are where the real money goes.

Mandatory private health insurance

Every 870 visa holder is required to hold approved private health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. This is not optional and it is not reviewable. The insurance must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements for Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).

The cost of OVHC varies based on the parent’s age, the level of cover selected, and the insurer. For a parent in their 60s, a basic policy typically costs around $3,000 to $4,500 per year. For parents in their 70s or above, premiums can reach $5,000 to $8,000 per year or more, particularly if hospital cover is required. Premiums increase with age each year, so a policy that costs $3,500 in year one may cost $4,500 by year four.

Over a 5-year grant period, a single parent’s health insurance costs might range from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on age and health status. For two parents, double those figures.

No Medicare: what this means in practice

The 870 does not include Medicare access. This is fundamental. Without Medicare, every GP visit, specialist appointment, pathology test, imaging, and hospital admission is either paid out of pocket or claimed through private insurance.

For parents with ongoing health needs (which is common for people in their 60s and 70s), the gap between what OVHC covers and what healthcare actually costs can be significant. Most OVHC policies have excess amounts and restricted cover for pre-existing conditions. Parents with chronic conditions may find that their insurance covers less than they expected, and that uncovered medical costs accumulate throughout their stay.

This is one of the strongest arguments for pursuing permanent residence through the Subclass 143 or Subclass 864 if the family can absorb the cost. Permanent residents have full Medicare access from arrival after grant.

Total cost over 5 years vs 10 years

To illustrate the real cost of the 870, here are two scenarios for a single parent:

Cost Item Single Parent, 5 Years Single Parent, 10 Years
870 application fees (lodgement) ~$1,730 ~$2,875 (two applications)
Sponsor approval fee ~$420 ~$420 (one-time)
Health insurance (mid-range estimate) ~$20,000 to $30,000 ~$45,000 to $70,000
Out-of-pocket medical costs (estimate) ~$3,000 to $8,000 ~$6,000 to $20,000
Estimated total ~$25,000 to $40,000 ~$54,000 to $93,000

Health insurance is the variable that drives the range. A parent in good health in their early 60s will sit near the lower end. An older parent with ongoing health needs will be at the higher end or beyond it.

How 870 costs compare to permanent parent visa costs

The comparison that matters most is: what does the 870 cost over the time your parent waits for a permanent visa to be granted?

If a family lodges a 143 today and the parent spends approximately 8 years on 870 visas while waiting, the total 870 cost over that period (visa fees plus insurance plus out-of-pocket medical) could reach $45,000 to $80,000 for a single parent. Add the 143’s government fees of approximately $48,640 and the Assurance of Support bond of $10,000 (returned after 10 years), and the total cost of the combined strategy is approximately $100,000 to $140,000 per parent.

By contrast, a parent who goes straight to permanent residence (where this is possible onshore, as with the 864) skips the years of OVHC costs entirely and moves to Medicare from grant date.

The 870 is genuinely useful as a holding strategy while a permanent application progresses through the queue. But it is not a cheap option when viewed over a realistic timeframe. Families should plan for the full cost of the combined strategy rather than just the next visa fee.

Frequently asked questions

Can my parent work on the 870 visa?

No. The Subclass 870 does not include work rights. The parent cannot undertake any work in Australia while on this visa. This is one of several limitations of the 870 compared to permanent residence pathways.

What happens if the 870 application is refused?

If a 870 application is refused, the application fee is generally not refunded after substantive assessment has begun. The parent would need to depart Australia if they do not hold another valid visa. Refusals are not common for straightforward applications, but they can occur where the sponsor does not meet income requirements or where the parent has a health or character issue.

Is there a limit on how many 870 visas a parent can hold?

Yes. The maximum total stay on the 870 is 10 years, accumulated across multiple grants. After 10 years, no further 870 grants are available. If a permanent parent visa has not been granted by that point, the parent must either have an alternative visa to remain or depart Australia.

Does the 870 count towards the balance of family test for permanent parent visas?

Being in Australia on an 870 does not affect how the balance of family test is applied for a permanent parent visa application. The balance of family test is assessed separately based on where the parent’s children are legally residing.

Work out whether the 870 makes sense for your family

The 870 is the right option for many families, but it needs to be planned properly. I am Andrew Heathcote, a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) based in Brisbane, and I have been working on parent visa strategies for more than 15 years. I can help you understand whether the 870 is the right bridge for your situation, what it will actually cost over time, and how it fits alongside a permanent visa application.

Contact me for a consultation and let’s build a plan that works for your family.

Elderly grandparents enjoying life in Australia on the Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa subclass 870

Sponsored Parent Visa 870: The Complete Australian Guide for 2026

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News. 1 Comment on Sponsored Parent Visa 870: The Complete Australian Guide for 2026

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa is the only parent visa in Australia’s current program that can get your parent here within months rather than years. It is a temporary visa, and it comes with real limitations. But for families facing the 12-to-15-year queue on a Subclass 143, it is often the most practical tool available.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how the visa works, what your parent can and cannot do on it, the two-step application process, costs, and how the 870 fits into a broader long-term strategy.

What is the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa?

The Subclass 870 is a temporary visa that allows a parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia for extended periods. Unlike permanent parent visas, it does not lead directly to permanent residence and does not require the parent to pass the balance of family test.

The visa was introduced to give families a workable option while the permanent visa queues stretched to a decade or more. The government caps grants at 15,000 per year across the entire program, so places are limited.

Processing time has been around seven months, though this varies (see current parent visa processing times). For context, that compares to a realistic 12-to-15-year wait for a new Subclass 143 application lodged today.

Key facts: what this visa allows

Stay duration and renewal options

The 870 is granted in two possible increments: a three-year stay or a five-year stay. A parent can hold a maximum total of 10 years on the 870 across all grants combined. In practice, a parent could hold two five-year grants, or a five-year grant followed by a three-year grant followed by a two-year grant, provided the total does not exceed 10 years.

Each new grant requires a fresh sponsor application and a new parent application. The sponsor must re-qualify at the time of each renewal.

What you can and cannot do on the 870

The 870 allows your parent to live in Australia for the duration of the visa. Travel in and out of Australia is permitted. The visa does not impose a restriction on how long your parent must stay, so they can come and go.

However, there are significant restrictions:

  • No work rights. Your parent cannot work in Australia on this visa, not even casually.
  • No Medicare access. Private health insurance is a mandatory condition of the visa.
  • No pathway to permanent residence directly through the 870. It does not convert to a permanent visa.

Eligibility requirements

Parent eligibility

To be eligible, the parent must be the parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Step-parents and adoptive parents can qualify in certain circumstances. The parent does not need to pass the balance of family test, which is a significant advantage over the permanent parent visas and their eligibility rules.

The parent must meet health and character requirements. The health requirement is important: older parents with significant medical conditions may face complications. This is worth discussing with a registered migration agent before lodging.

Sponsor eligibility

The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is at least 18 years old. The sponsor must be ordinarily resident in Australia. There is a limit of two parents or step-parents sponsored on the 870 at any one time per sponsor.

The sponsor must demonstrate they can financially support the parent during their stay, assessed against an income threshold.

Sponsor income requirements

The sponsor must meet a minimum income threshold of $83,454.80 per year. This figure is indexed and reviewed periodically. Importantly, if the sponsor has a partner, their combined income can be used to meet the threshold. This makes the requirement achievable for many families where the sponsor earns below the threshold individually but has a working partner.

The sponsor must provide evidence of income, typically through tax assessments, payslips, or employment letters.

The two-step application process

The 870 uses a two-step process that is different from most Australian visa applications. Getting the sequence right matters.

Step 1: sponsor application

The sponsoring child applies first. The Department of Home Affairs assesses whether the sponsor meets the eligibility and income requirements. Once approved, the sponsor receives an approval notice with a reference number.

The sponsor approval is valid for a limited window. The parent must lodge their own application within six months of the sponsor’s approval being granted. If the parent misses that window, the sponsor will need to apply again.

Step 2: parent visa application

Once the sponsor approval is in place, the parent applies for the 870 visa itself. The application is lodged online through ImmiAccount. The parent nominates their sponsor and provides health, character, and identity documents.

Health examinations are required and must be completed through an approved panel physician. The parent should also arrange private health insurance before the visa is granted, as it is a grant condition.

Processing time for the parent application has typically been around seven months, though the Department does not guarantee timeframes.

Visa conditions to understand before you apply

No work rights

Condition 8303 and related conditions prohibit the 870 holder from working in Australia. This applies to all forms of work, including part-time, casual, volunteer work that has remuneration, and self-employment. Breach of this condition can have serious consequences for the visa holder and future applications.

No Medicare: private health insurance is mandatory

This is the condition that catches families off guard most often. Unlike the permanent parent visas (the Subclass 143 grants Medicare on arrival), the 870 does not give access to Medicare at any point.

Private health insurance covering hospital treatment must be maintained for the entire stay. For an older parent, this is not a trivial expense. Premiums for a 70-plus-year-old parent can run to several thousand dollars per year, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions are common. Families should get health insurance quotes before lodging so the ongoing cost is factored into the decision.

Travel conditions

The 870 holder can travel in and out of Australia freely during the visa period. There is no requirement to maintain a minimum period of physical presence in Australia. However, the parent must hold valid health insurance for periods in Australia, and travel conditions should be checked if the parent plans extended absences.

Cost breakdown

The government visa application charge (VAC) for the 870 is paid by the parent applicant. As at 1 July 2026, the base visa application charge for the 870 is AUD 1,515, the same whether the grant is for 3 or 5 years, and a second visa application charge instalment of up to $10,925 applies before the visa is granted, depending on the length of stay. Government charges are indexed on 1 July each year, so confirm the current figure on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply. From 1 July 2026, a lower application charge applies to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste and ASEAN member countries who lodge a valid application.

Beyond the VAC, families should budget for:

  • Health examination costs (typically $300 to $500 depending on the panel physician and tests required)
  • Police clearance certificates for countries the parent has lived in
  • Private health insurance premiums for the full visa period (highly variable by age, insurer, and pre-existing conditions)
  • Migration agent fees, if using a registered agent

Compared to the Subclass 143, which costs approximately $48,640 per person across both visa application charge instalments, the 870 is far cheaper in government fees (our 143 vs 103 comparison sets out the permanent visa costs in full). The recurring cost of private health insurance over a 10-year period can, however, be substantial.

How the 870 fits into a long-term parent visa strategy

Using the 870 while a subclass 143 is in the queue

The most common use of the 870 is as a bridging arrangement while a Subclass 143 application waits in the queue. As of March 2026, the Department is processing Subclass 143 applications lodged in November 2018. New applications lodged today face a realistic wait of 12 to 15 years before they are invited to the second stage.

The 870’s maximum stay of 10 years means it cannot bridge the entire 143 queue for a new applicant. However, for families who lodged a 143 application several years ago, the 870 can cover much or all of the remaining wait. For families lodging a 143 now, the 870 buys a decade of time in Australia before another solution is needed.

The 870 and the 143 are compatible: holding an 870 does not prevent the parent from also being an applicant for a permanent parent visa.

Limitations and risks

The 870 is a useful visa, but it is not a complete solution for most families. The key limitations to understand before committing:

  • The 10-year total cap is absolute. Once exhausted, there is no further access to the 870.
  • No Medicare means ongoing health insurance costs for the life of the visa. For parents with significant health needs, this can become financially burdensome.
  • The annual cap of 15,000 grants per year means the visa is not always available on demand. If the cap fills early in a program year, new applications may be delayed.
  • The visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residence. At the end of the 870 period, the parent needs another solution, whether through a permanent parent visa being granted or another basis to remain.
  • Policy changes are a real risk with temporary visas. The 870 is a relatively new visa (introduced 2019) and its conditions and availability are subject to government policy decisions.
  • There is no Assurance of Support bond for the 870 itself, but if the parent later applies for a permanent parent visa, an Assurance of Support bond will apply: $10,000 for one adult and $14,000 for two adults, held for 10 years.

Frequently asked questions

Does the parent need to pass the balance of family test to get the 870?

No. The balance of family test does not apply to the Subclass 870. This is one of its significant advantages over the permanent parent visa options. The balance of family test requires that at least half of the parent’s children live permanently in Australia, or that more children live in Australia than in any other single country. Many families cannot meet this test for the permanent visas, making the 870 their only viable option.

Can my parent apply for the 870 if they are already in Australia on a visitor visa?

Yes, the 870 can generally be applied for onshore (in Australia) or offshore (outside Australia). Being in Australia on a visitor visa at the time of lodgement does not disqualify the parent, provided they hold a substantive visa at the time of application. Specific circumstances should be checked with a registered migration agent before lodging.

Can the sponsor be a New Zealand citizen?

Eligible New Zealand citizens who are Special Category visa holders and ordinarily resident in Australia can be sponsors. However, not all New Zealand citizens qualify. The specific rules for NZ citizen sponsors are worth confirming with a registered migration agent, as the eligibility requirements are more nuanced than for Australian citizens and permanent residents.

What happens if the sponsor’s income drops below the threshold during the visa period?

The income threshold applies at the time of the sponsor application and at renewal. There is no ongoing income reporting requirement during the visa period itself. However, if the parent applies for a renewal and the sponsor no longer meets the income threshold, the renewal application will have a problem. Sponsors should be aware of this when planning.

Is the 870 a good option if my parent needs a lot of medical care?

It depends on the circumstances, but caution is warranted. The health examination at lodgement may identify conditions that complicate the application. More practically, no Medicare access means all medical costs are borne by the parent and their private health insurer. Parents with significant ongoing medical needs may face high premiums, gaps in cover, and out-of-pocket costs that make the 870 financially very demanding over time. This is a factor that deserves serious consideration before committing to the strategy.

Ready to get your parent to Australia sooner?

I am Andrew Heathcote, a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) based in Brisbane with over 15 years of experience handling parent visa applications. The 870 can be a genuinely useful tool when it is applied strategically. I can assess whether it is right for your family’s situation and manage the entire two-step process for you.

Get in touch for a consultation

Father with daughters in Australia using the subclass 870 while waiting for their subclass 143 to be granted

Can Your Parent Be on an 870 While Waiting for the Subclass 143?

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

Yes, your parent can hold a Subclass 870 while a Subclass 143 application is pending in the queue. The two visas are compatible, and combining them is the most common parent visa strategy I see in practice. But it requires careful planning to make it work across a 12-to-15-year wait.

Can your parent be on an 870 while waiting for the subclass 143?

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that holding an 870 does not affect or jeopardise a pending Subclass 143 application. Your parent can be an 870 holder at the same time as being an applicant or intending applicant for the 143. There is no conflict between the two.

This matters because the 143 queue, as of March 2026, is processing applications lodged in November 2018. A new application lodged today faces a realistic wait of 12 to 15 years before the Department invites the applicant to pay the second instalment and complete the assessment. Without a solution in the interim, many parents would simply not be able to spend meaningful time in Australia during that window.

How the 870-as-bridge strategy works

The strategy is straightforward: lodge the 143 application to secure a place in the queue, then apply for the 870 separately to give the parent a legal basis to live in Australia while the 143 works its way through.

The parent can be outside Australia when the 143 is lodged. From 22 April 2026, permanent parent visas are lodged online via ImmiAccount, which makes the process simpler. Once the 143 application is in the queue, the family can then initiate the 870 sponsor application.

Timeline: when to apply for the 870

The 870 process is a two-step sequence. The Australian-based child (the sponsor) applies first, and the parent cannot apply until that sponsor approval is granted. Once the sponsor is approved, the parent has six months to lodge their own 870 application.

Processing of the parent’s 870 application typically takes around seven months. Families should factor this in when planning: if the parent wants to be in Australia for a specific occasion or needs to arrive by a particular date, the 870 application needs to be running well before that.

There is no requirement to lodge the 143 and the 870 simultaneously. Many families lodge the 143 first, then start the 870 process. Others get the 870 underway first so the parent can arrive while the 143 is being lodged. Either sequence is workable.

How many years can the 870 cover?

The 870 has a maximum total stay of 10 years across all grants combined. Grants come in three-year or five-year increments. So in theory, a parent could use the 870 for up to 10 years before it is exhausted.

For a family that lodged the 143 in 2020 or 2021 and is now looking at a remaining wait of roughly eight to ten years, the 870 can credibly bridge most or all of the remaining queue time. For a family lodging the 143 now, the 870 can cover the first decade of the wait, after which another arrangement will be needed if the 143 has not yet been granted.

Key considerations before committing to this strategy

Health insurance costs over the waiting period

The 870 does not include Medicare. Private health insurance covering hospital treatment is a mandatory visa condition and must be maintained for the entire stay. This is not a minor cost item.

For a parent in their late 60s or 70s, hospital-grade private health insurance can cost $4,000 to $8,000 per year or more depending on the insurer, the level of cover, and any pre-existing conditions. Over a five-year 870 period, that is $20,000 to $40,000 in insurance premiums alone. Over a 10-year run using two grants, the figure can exceed $50,000 to $70,000 for a single parent.

This cost needs to be weighed against the alternative: having the parent remain overseas or use visitor visas, which have their own costs and limitations.

The 10-year total cap on the 870

The 10-year cap is absolute and non-negotiable. Once a parent has used 10 years of 870 stay, that is the end of their 870 eligibility, regardless of whether the 143 has been granted. There is no exemption and no ministerial discretion to extend beyond 10 years.

This creates a real planning challenge for families lodging a fresh 143 today. If the 143 takes 13 to 15 years to process, the 870 will run out several years before the 143 is granted. Families need to think about what happens in the gap, which might mean the parent is on visitor visas for a period, or has returned home while waiting.

Potential risks of this strategy

The main risks to keep in mind:

  • Health complications at renewal. Each 870 renewal involves a new health examination. If the parent’s health has deteriorated significantly, meeting the health requirement for renewal may become difficult. This can strand a parent mid-strategy.
  • Sponsor income changes. The sponsor must re-qualify at each renewal. If the sponsor’s financial circumstances change and they no longer meet the $83,454.80 income threshold (or cannot combine with a partner to reach it), renewal is at risk.
  • Policy risk. The 870 is a government creation and can be modified or discontinued by policy change. This is a risk with any temporary visa arrangement.
  • The 10-year gap. As described above, for new 143 applicants, the 870 runs out before the 143 is likely to be granted. Families need a plan for that gap period.
  • Second instalment cost. When the 143 eventually reaches the second stage, the family will need to pay the second instalment of approximately $43,600. Families should be saving for this throughout the waiting period.

When this strategy makes sense

The 870-plus-143 combination makes strong sense when:

  • The parent genuinely wants to spend most of their time in Australia, not just visit occasionally.
  • The sponsor comfortably meets the income threshold and is likely to continue doing so.
  • The family has already lodged the 143 (or is planning to) and wants the parent in Australia during the wait.
  • The parent’s health is currently reasonable and the health examination is not expected to be a barrier.
  • The family has factored in the health insurance costs and can sustain them over the visa period.
  • The parent does not need to work and does not rely on Medicare.

It makes less sense when the parent has significant health conditions that may make renewal difficult, when the sponsor’s income is borderline, or when the family cannot sustain the ongoing health insurance cost.

Frequently asked questions

Does lodging the 143 affect the parent’s eligibility for the 870?

No. Being an applicant or intending applicant for the Subclass 143 does not disqualify the parent from applying for or holding the 870. The two visa streams are independent of each other.

When the 143 is eventually granted, what happens to the 870?

When the 143 is granted, the parent becomes a permanent resident and the 870 ceases. The parent does not need to take any particular action to cancel the 870; the grant of the permanent visa effectively supersedes it. The parent should not continue to hold themselves out as an 870 holder after the 143 grant.

Can two parents both be on the 870 at the same time with the same sponsor?

A sponsor can have up to two parents or step-parents sponsored on the 870 at any one time. So yes, both parents can hold the 870 simultaneously if they are both parents of the same sponsor and the sponsor meets the income requirement. The annual grant cap of 15,000 applies across all 870 applications, not per sponsor.

What if the parent needs to leave Australia for an extended period while on the 870?

The 870 permits travel in and out of Australia freely. There is no minimum presence requirement. If the parent leaves Australia for an extended period, the time outside Australia does not count toward the 10-year cap, which is calculated based on time spent in Australia. However, they must maintain valid health insurance for any periods they are in Australia.

Want to work out the right strategy for your family?

The 870-plus-143 combination is the most common strategy I put together for clients, but the details matter: timing, income, health, costs. I am Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840, and I have helped dozens of families build and execute this approach.

Talk to me about your parents’ situation