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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

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.

Several family members of different ages stacking their hands together, representing the balance of family test for Australian parent visas

The Balance of Family Test for Australian Parent Visas: A Plain-English Guide

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

What is the Balance of Family Test?

The balance of family test is an eligibility requirement for Australian permanent parent visas. It exists to ensure that Australia’s parent visa program benefits families where the majority of the parent’s children are already settled here. Put simply: if most of your parent’s children live somewhere other than Australia, the Australian government will not grant a permanent parent visa.

This test applies at the time the Department of Home Affairs assesses the application. It is not assessed at lodgement, though you should be confident your parent passes it before you lodge and pay the application fees. Failing the test means refusal, and visa application fees are generally not refunded.

The balance of family test is one of the first things I check when a family comes to me about a parent visa. It is the single most common reason an otherwise straightforward application is not possible.

How do you pass it?

The two ways to satisfy the test

Your parent can pass the balance of family test in either of two ways:

  1. At least half of their eligible children usually reside in Australia, or
  2. More of their eligible children usually reside in Australia than in any other single country.

The second limb exists for situations where no single country has half the children but Australia still has more than any individual alternative. For example: a parent with four children, two in Australia, one in the UK, and one in India, passes the test under limb two even though Australia does not have a majority.

Only one of these two tests needs to be satisfied. If either applies, your parent passes.

Who counts as an “eligible child”?

Children included in the count

All of the following count as eligible children for the purposes of the test:

  • Biological children of the parent
  • Legally adopted children
  • Stepchildren (where there is or was a genuine family relationship)

The child’s nationality does not matter. Australian citizens, foreign nationals, and children of any residency status can all be counted, subject to the exclusions below.

Children excluded from the count

Deceased children are excluded. They are not counted as residing anywhere.

Children who have been adopted by a person outside the family unit may be excluded depending on the circumstances. Legal adoption severs the relationship in some cases.

The most significant exclusion in practice is this: children who are in Australia on temporary visas do not count as “usually resident in Australia.” This is a critical and frequently misunderstood point. A sibling on a student visa, a working holiday visa, a partner visa that has not yet been granted permanently, or any other temporary visa does not tip the balance in favour of Australia. Only children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise settled in Australia on a long-term basis satisfy the “usually resident” standard.

Common situations that trip families up

Children living in multiple countries

When the parent’s children are spread across three or more countries, families sometimes assume Australia “wins” because it has the most children in absolute terms. That is correct if Australia has more children than any other single country. But if, say, two children are in Australia, two are in India, and one is in Canada, Australia does not satisfy either limb of the test and the application cannot proceed.

Counting carefully and honestly before lodgement is essential. The Department will request birth certificates for all eligible children and evidence of their usual country of residence, so the numbers will be verified.

Children on temporary visas in Australia

This is the most common trap. A family where two children are in Australia (one as a permanent resident, one on a student visa) and one child is overseas assumes the test is passed two-to-one. In fact, only the permanent resident child counts. The balance is one-to-one, and the test fails under the first limb. Whether it passes under the second limb depends on where the overseas child is and whether any single country can claim more than one Australian-based child.

I have seen families lodge applications and pay tens of thousands of dollars in fees based on a miscalculation involving a temporary visa sibling. The fees are not recovered on refusal.

Can the test ever be waived?

No. The balance of family test cannot be waived under any circumstances. There is no ministerial discretion, no compassionate grounds exception, and no alternative criteria that substitute for it. If your parent does not pass the test, no permanent parent visa is available to them.

The only pathway for a parent who fails the balance of family test is the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, which does not require the balance of family test. The 870 allows your parent to live in Australia for up to 10 years but does not lead to permanent residency.

Which parent visas require the balance of family test? (See our guide to choosing the right parent visa.)

The balance of family test applies to all four permanent parent visa subclasses:

The test does not apply to the 870 temporary visa. This is one of the reasons the 870 is a useful option for families where the permanent visa pathway is blocked or uncertain.

Frequently asked questions

My parent has children from two different relationships. Do all of them count?

Yes. All eligible children, regardless of which relationship they came from, are included in the count. Half-siblings, stepchildren from a prior marriage, and children from a current relationship all count if they meet the eligibility criteria.

What evidence does the Department require to prove usual residence?

The Department typically requires birth certificates for all eligible children and supporting evidence of their usual country of residence. This might include copies of their passport (showing visa status), utility bills or lease agreements, employment records, or statutory declarations. Evidence should be recent and clearly demonstrate that Australia is the child’s usual home, not a temporary stop.

Can we wait for a sibling to get permanent residency before lodging?

Yes, and in many cases this is the right approach. If a sibling is currently on a temporary visa and is likely to obtain permanent residency within the next year or two, it may be worth waiting until that happens before lodging the parent visa. Once the sibling holds PR, they count in the balance. This is a timing strategy worth discussing with a migration agent before committing to lodgement.

Does the balance of family test apply to the parent or to the sponsor?

It applies to the parent (the visa applicant). It counts the parent’s eligible children and assesses where those children usually reside. The sponsor’s personal circumstances do not affect the test calculation directly, though the sponsor’s residency in Australia contributes to the count of Australian-resident children.

Not sure if your family passes the balance of family test?

It’s worth getting this right before you spend anything. I’m Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840, and I offer consultations specifically to assess eligibility before lodgement. A short consultation can save you thousands in non-refundable fees.

Check your eligibility

Australian passport and parent visa application documents representing the 1 July 2026 visa fee increase

Parent Visa Fees Have Gone Up: What Changed on 1 July 2026

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

If you are planning to bring a parent to Australia, the cost of doing so rose on 1 July 2026. The Department of Home Affairs lifted its visa application charges across almost every visa, and the parent program was part of that increase. Here is what actually changed, and what it means before you lodge.

The increase is on the first instalment, not the contribution

The rise applies to the first instalment, the charge you pay when you lodge. Across the parent program this went up by about 25 per cent.

The much larger second instalment, the contribution that contributory parent applicants pay before the visa is granted, did not change. That distinction matters, because for a contributory visa the second instalment is where most of the money sits.

Here are the new first instalments for a main applicant, current as at 1 July 2026, with the second instalment payable before grant.

Visa First instalment (was) First instalment (now) Second instalment before grant
Parent (subclass 103) $5,280 $6,600 $2,065
Aged Parent (subclass 804) $5,280 $6,600 $2,065
Contributory Parent (subclass 143) $5,040 $6,300 $43,600
Contributory Aged Parent (subclass 864) $5,040 $6,300 $43,600
Contributory Parent Temporary (subclass 173) $3,395 $4,245 applied toward the 143
Sponsored Parent Temporary (subclass 870) $1,215 $1,515 up to $10,925

These charges are per person. A second adult applicant pays a further additional applicant charge on top.

The contributory reality

For a contributory parent visa, 143 or 864, the headline cost is still the second instalment of $43,600 per adult. That amount did not move on 1 July, but it remains the single largest charge in the parent program. For a couple applying together, that is about $87,200 in second instalments alone, before you add the first instalment, the Assurance of Support bond and any professional fees.

The Assurance of Support also sits on top. For contributory parents this is a refundable bond lodged with the government, currently around $10,000 for the main applicant, held for ten years.

The lower-cost pathways

The non-contributory Parent (103) and Aged Parent (804) visas are far cheaper, with a second instalment of just $2,065. The trade-off is the queue. These visas have processing times measured in decades, so for most families they are a long-term hold rather than a practical route to reunion.

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870) is not permanent residence. It lets a parent stay for up to five years at a time. Its first instalment rose only modestly to $1,515, though a second instalment of up to $10,925 applies before grant depending on the length of stay.

What it means for you

If your parent’s application is not yet lodged, the higher first instalment now applies. That is a reason to plan the budget properly, not to rush a half-ready application in. A refused or invalid parent visa application is an expensive mistake given the charges involved.

Before you commit, confirm the exact charge for your situation using the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator, and factor in the second instalment, the Assurance of Support bond, health checks and police clearances. Our 143 vs 103 comparison sets out how the pathways differ on cost and wait.

At MigrationBuro we help families weigh the contributory and non-contributory pathways against cost, timing and each parent’s circumstances. If you are thinking about bringing a parent to Australia, talk to us before you lodge.

This article is general information only and is current as at 1 July 2026. Visa charges change, and your circumstances can affect the amount payable. It is not migration or legal advice. For advice on your own situation, contact a registered migration agent.

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.

Couple reviewing eligibility requirements for an Australian parent visa application

Australian Parent Visa Eligibility: Do You and Your Parent Qualify?

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News. 1 Comment on Australian Parent Visa Eligibility: Do You and Your Parent Qualify?

Who can apply for an Australian parent visa?

Australian parent visa eligibility has two sides: the sponsor (the Australian-based child) and the visa applicant (the parent). Both must satisfy their respective requirements before an application can proceed. Getting clarity on both sets of criteria before lodgement is essential. Visa application fees are not refunded on refusal, and for the contributory visas, that means up to $5,040 per person is at risk if you lodge without confirming eligibility first.

There are four permanent parent visa subclasses and one temporary option. The right one depends primarily on the parent’s age, the family’s financial position, and how long you can realistically wait: our guide to choosing the right parent visa walks through that decision. This article covers the eligibility rules that apply across all of them.

Sponsor eligibility requirements

The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Eligible NZ citizens are those who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV) and have been lawfully resident in Australia for at least two continuous years immediately before sponsoring.

Temporary visa holders cannot sponsor a parent for a permanent parent visa. If you are currently on a skilled temporary visa, a partner visa that has not yet been granted permanently, a student visa, or any other temporary status, you will need to obtain permanent residency before you can sponsor.

The sponsor must also be settled in Australia. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis but essentially means Australia must be your usual place of residence. If you have only recently arrived or spend the majority of your time overseas, the Department may question whether Australia is genuinely your home.

There is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a permanent parent visa. The financial obligation is met through the Assurance of Support, which is a bond requirement, not an ongoing income test.

Parent eligibility requirements

Age requirements: standard vs aged parent visas

The parent visa stream available depends on the parent’s age:

The “aged parent” classification is based on Australian pension age, which is currently 67. Age is assessed at the time of application. If a parent turns 67 after lodging a 103 or 143, they cannot automatically transfer to the aged parent stream. They would need to lodge a new application under the 804 or 864.

The aged parent visas (804 and 864) have one additional requirement not applicable to the standard stream: the parent must be in Australia at the time of visa grant. This means the parent needs to hold a valid visa to be lawfully in Australia throughout the waiting period and at grant time.

Relationship to the sponsor

The applicant must be the parent of the sponsoring Australian citizen or permanent resident. “Parent” includes biological parents, legal adoptive parents, and step-parents where a genuine parent-child relationship exists or existed.

The Department will request documentary evidence of the relationship: typically the sponsor’s birth certificate showing the parent’s name. For adoptive and step-parent relationships, additional documents are required to establish the legal or factual basis of the relationship.

Balance of family test

The balance of family test is the eligibility requirement that eliminates the most applicants. Your parent must pass it before a permanent visa can be granted.

The test has two limbs. Your parent passes if either is satisfied:

  1. At least half of their eligible children usually reside in Australia, or
  2. More of their eligible children usually reside in Australia than in any other single country.

Eligible children include biological, adopted, and step-children. Deceased children are excluded. Children on temporary visas in Australia do not count as “usually resident in Australia” for this test, even if they have lived here for years. Only children with permanent residency, citizenship, or equivalent long-term settled status count.

This test cannot be waived. If your parent does not pass it, no permanent parent visa is available. The Subclass 870 temporary visa is the only option that does not require the balance of family test.

Health requirements

All parent visa applicants must meet Australia’s health requirement. This involves a medical examination by a Department-approved panel physician. The examination includes a general health assessment, blood tests, and a chest X-ray. Additional testing may be required depending on age and health history.

Australia applies a public interest criterion that assesses whether an applicant’s health condition would be likely to result in significant healthcare or community service costs, or would prejudice the access of Australian citizens and residents to those services. For older applicants with chronic conditions, this assessment is more closely scrutinised.

A health waiver exists in limited circumstances, most commonly for applicants with a disability where the costs are below a certain threshold and there are compelling reasons to grant the visa despite the health concern. Waivers are not routinely available and should not be assumed.

Medical examination results are valid for 12 months. For applications with a long queue time (which applies to all permanent parent visas), the medical will need to be repeated when the application approaches finalisation.

Character requirements

Your parent must satisfy Australia’s character requirement. This means:

  • No substantial criminal record (generally, no sentences of 12 months or more)
  • No history of conduct that would suggest the applicant is not of good character
  • Police clearance certificates from every country where the parent has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years

If your parent has a criminal conviction, the outcome depends on the nature and seriousness of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of subsequent conduct. It does not automatically result in refusal but does require careful handling. Seek advice from a registered migration agent if there is any criminal history.

Financial requirements

The primary financial requirement is the Assurance of Support (AoS). The AoS is not paid at lodgement. It is arranged when the application is close to being finalised, which for the 143 and 864 is approximately seven to eight years after lodgement from today (see current parent visa processing times).

The bond amounts are:

  • $10,000 for one adult applicant
  • $14,000 for two adult applicants (typically both parents applying together)

The bond is lodged with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and held for 10 years. If no social security payments are claimed against it during that period, the full amount is returned. It is a contingency bond, not a payment.

For the Subclass 870 temporary visa, the sponsor must meet an income threshold of $83,454.80, which can be combined with a partner’s income. This is the only parent visa stream with an ongoing income requirement for the sponsor.

Which visa matches your situation?

Situation Likely visa
Parent under 67, passes balance of family test, cost is not the primary concern Subclass 143
Parent under 67, passes balance of family test, lower cost is the priority and family accepts 30+ year wait Subclass 103
Parent is 67 or older, passes balance of family test, cost is not the primary concern Subclass 864
Parent is 67 or older, passes balance of family test, lower cost is the priority and family accepts 30+ year wait Subclass 804
Parent does not pass the balance of family test, or family wants parent here while permanent application is in the queue Subclass 870

Frequently asked questions

Can a grandparent apply for an Australian parent visa?

No. Parent visas are limited to the direct parent of the sponsoring Australian citizen or permanent resident. Grandparents do not qualify unless they have legally adopted the sponsoring child. A grandparent who was not the primary caregiver and was not legally the applicant’s parent cannot be sponsored through the parent visa program.

My parent was a stepparent but we were not formally adopted. Can they still apply?

Possibly. Step-parents can qualify where there is evidence of a genuine parent-child relationship, even without a legal adoption. The Department assesses whether the relationship is genuine based on factors such as when the step-parent entered the child’s life, whether they lived together, and whether they acted in the role of parent. Evidence of the genuine relationship, such as statutory declarations, photographs, school records, and other documents, is important.

What if my parent’s health condition makes them likely to be refused?

It is worth getting advice before lodging. In some cases, a health waiver application can be made alongside the visa application. The waiver is not guaranteed but may succeed depending on the nature of the condition and the circumstances. Lodging without considering the health waiver strategy, or without advice, risks a refusal that could have been avoided or better managed.

Can my parent apply from outside Australia?

For the Subclass 143 and 103, yes. These visas can be lodged and granted while the applicant is offshore. For the 864 and 804 (aged parent visas), the parent must be in Australia at the time of grant. This means aged parent applicants generally need to hold a lawful visa to remain in Australia during the waiting period and at the time the visa is finalised.

Want to know if your family qualifies?

Eligibility for Australian parent visas is not always straightforward. The balance of family test, health requirements, and the choice between visa subclasses all depend on your specific family’s circumstances. I’m Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840. A consultation gives you a clear answer before you commit to anything.

Book an eligibility check

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

Australian Parent Visa Processing Times in 2026: The Honest Guide

Written by isoadmin on . Posted in News.

Most parent visa processing time information online is vague, outdated, or both. This guide gives you the actual current queue dates, explains how the system works, and tells you honestly what to expect if you are planning to apply or are already in the queue.

How long does a parent visa take in 2026?

Processing times vary enormously by visa type. The temporary option is measured in months. The permanent non-contributory options are measured in decades. Here is the current picture:

Visa Type Subclass Current Queue Date (March 2026) Wait for New Applications
Contributory Parent 143 November 2018 Approximately 8 years
Parent (Non-Contributory) 103 July 2013 30+ years
Contributory Aged Parent 864 Approximately in line with 143 Approximately 8 years
Aged Parent (Non-Contributory) 804 July 2013 30+ years
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) 870 No queue system Approximately 7 months

These figures reflect the reality of a program with extremely limited places and massive global demand. Understanding why the waits are this long requires understanding how the queue system works. You can also estimate your own wait with our parent visa wait time calculator, and if you are still weighing up options, see our guide to choosing the right parent visa.

How the parent visa queue system works

Australia’s parent visa program is not first-come-first-served in the way most people expect. It operates on a queue and allocation system that is governed by the number of visa places available each year and the order in which eligible applications were lodged.

What is a queue date?

When you lodge a parent visa application and it is found to be valid, it receives a queue date based on when it was submitted. The Department of Home Affairs works through the queue chronologically, granting visas to applications in order of their queue date as places become available.

The “current queue date” published by the Department tells you how far along the queue the Department is currently working. As at March 2026, the 143 queue is at November 2018. That means the Department is currently processing and granting 143 applications lodged in November 2018. Applications lodged in December 2018, January 2019, and onwards are still waiting.

The queue date advances as places are allocated and visas are granted. The rate of advancement depends on how many places are available and how efficiently the Department is processing applications.

How places are allocated each year

The parent visa program receives approximately 8,500 places per year in the annual migration program. These are split between contributory and non-contributory pathways:

  • Contributory parent visas (143, 864, and related temporary-to-permanent pathways): approximately 7,250 places per year
  • Non-contributory parent visas (103, 804): approximately 1,250 places per year

These allocations are set by the government as part of the annual migration planning process and can change from year to year. When the government increases or decreases the parent visa allocation, the queue advancement rate changes accordingly. In years where allocations are cut, the queue barely moves. In years where allocations increase, the queue advances more quickly.

The program year runs from 1 July to 30 June. Applications that cannot be granted within a program year roll over to the next allocation, which keeps the backlog persistent rather than clearing it.

Contributory Parent Visa 143 processing time

Current queue date and what it means

As at March 2026, the Department is processing 143 applications lodged up to November 2018. This is the current queue date. If you lodged your 143 in November 2018 or earlier, you are likely either being processed now or close to it. If you lodged in 2019, 2020 or later, you are still in the queue.

The queue for the 143 has been advancing at roughly 10 to 14 months per calendar year in recent years, depending on annual place allocations and administrative processing volumes. At that rate, an application lodged today might expect to wait approximately 7 to 9 years before the second instalment invitation arrives.

Realistic timeline if you apply today

An application lodged in mid-2026 on the 143 would receive a queue date of mid-2026. Based on current processing, the Department would not reach that date until approximately 2033 to 2034 at the earliest. That is the realistic horizon, not a worst-case scenario.

This does not mean nothing happens for 8 years. The application is lodged, assessed for completeness, and sits in the queue. Medicals and police checks are typically requested closer to when the application nears the front. The second instalment invitation arrives when the visa is ready to be granted.

If your parent needs to be in Australia during that waiting period, the Subclass 870 is the practical bridging option. Most families pursuing a 143 use the 870 concurrently.

Non-Contributory Visa 103 processing time

Why the wait is 30+ years

The Subclass 103 receives only around 1,250 places per year across all non-contributory parent visa categories. The current queue date is July 2013. That means applications lodged 13 years ago are only now being processed.

The mathematics are straightforward and grim. If the queue is currently at July 2013 and advances roughly one year per calendar year (an optimistic estimate given the low allocation), an application lodged today in June 2026 would not reach the front of the queue until approximately 2039 or later. In practice, the non-contributory queue advances more slowly than that, which is why the accepted estimate for new applications is 30+ years.

For parents in their 60s today, that means the 103 is not a realistic path to permanent residence within their likely lifetime. The 103 is almost never the right primary strategy for parents hoping to live with family in Australia. It may be worth lodging as a secondary application alongside a 143 as a theoretical fallback, but it should not be relied upon as the primary plan.

Aged parent visas 804 and 864 processing times

The Subclass 864 and Subclass 804 follow the same queue logic as the 143 and 103 respectively. The 864 has a similar queue position to the 143, and the 804 mirrors the 103’s 30+ year wait.

One significant difference with aged parent visas is that the 864 (and 804) can be lodged onshore: the parent can be physically in Australia when the application is made. For parents who are already in Australia on a visitor visa or the 870 and who meet the aged parent criteria (pension age in Australia), the 864 offers the option to begin the permanent residence process without the parent needing to return overseas to lodge.

The aged parent category also has its own balance of family test requirements. Eligibility for aged parent visas depends on more than just the applicant’s age, so confirming parent visa eligibility before lodging is important.

Sponsored Parent Visa 870: the fastest option

The Subclass 870 is the only parent visa option with processing times measured in months rather than years. The Department has been processing 870 applications in approximately 7 months. Unlike the permanent visas, the 870 does not operate on a queue system. It is assessed on individual merit and processed in order of lodgement without the annual allocation constraint.

There is, however, a cap. The government allows 15,000 new 870 approvals per year. In years where the cap is reached early, later applications in the program year may experience delays or be held over to the next year. Applying early in the program year (from 1 July) reduces this risk.

The 870 does not lead to permanent residence. It allows up to 10 years total stay in Australia across multiple grants, with no pathway to citizenship and no Medicare access. It is a temporary solution, not a destination.

How to check current processing times

The most reliable source for current queue dates is the Department of Home Affairs’ parent visa processing times page, updated monthly at homeaffairs.gov.au. The queue dates for 143, 103, 864, and 804 are published there, along with the current processing month for each stream.

The Department also publishes estimated processing times for the 870 on the same page. These are typically expressed as a range (for example, “75% of applications processed within 8 months”) and are updated periodically.

One practical note: the Department’s published queue dates reflect when they are currently granting visas, not when they are doing preliminary assessment work. An application that is sitting at the front of the queue may still take several more months to reach grant after the queue date is passed, because medicals, police checks, and second instalment payment all need to be completed.

What to do while waiting

If you have lodged a permanent parent visa and face a multi-year wait, there are several things worth attending to during that period.

  • Keep contact details current with the Department. All correspondence goes through ImmiAccount. If your email address changes, update it immediately. Missed second instalment invitations are a real and avoidable problem.
  • Maintain valid bridging arrangements. If the parent wants to spend time in Australia during the wait, the 870 is the structured option. Visitor visas can supplement this but have limitations on total time in Australia.
  • Plan for the second instalment. For 143 and 864 applications, the second instalment of approximately $43,600 per person will arrive. Start saving or making financial arrangements now rather than scrambling when the invitation comes.
  • Keep documents accessible. Health records, police checks, and identity documents will be requested when the application nears grant. Having organised records reduces delays at that stage.
  • Review your migration agent’s ongoing role. Some agents offer annual review services to ensure your application file remains current. This is worth having for long-queue applications.

Frequently asked questions

Can I speed up my parent visa application by paying extra?

No. There is no priority processing or fast-track option for parent visas. All applications are processed in queue order based on their lodgement date. The only way to get a parent to Australia faster is through the 870, which is a separate temporary visa with its own processing stream.

What happens if processing times improve significantly?

If the government increases the annual parent visa allocation, queue dates advance more quickly and wait times shorten. This has happened before when migration program settings were adjusted. It can also go the other way: if allocations are reduced, the queue slows down. The estimates in this guide reflect current settings and recent trends, not a guarantee of future processing times.

Does lodging early in the program year affect my queue date?

Your queue date is based on the date your application is validly lodged, not the program year. Lodging on 1 July rather than 30 June gets you one day ahead in the queue, not a full year. The program year matters for when annual places are allocated, but your position in the queue relative to other applicants is determined by your individual lodgement date.

My parent is currently in Australia on a visitor visa. Can they lodge a 143 from onshore?

For the standard Subclass 143, the application is generally lodged onshore or offshore, and a parent who is in Australia on a valid temporary visa can lodge from here. Since April 2026, lodgement must be done online through ImmiAccount regardless of where the applicant is located. The parent can remain in Australia on a bridging visa after lodging, subject to the conditions of that bridging visa. The April 2026 lodgement changes are worth reviewing if you are planning to lodge soon.

Can I withdraw my 103 application and lodge a 143 instead?

Yes. Families who lodged a 103 and have since decided the wait is unrealistic can withdraw and lodge a 143 instead. The 103 application fee is not refunded, and the 143 lodgement fee applies as a new application. However, a new 143 application today gets a 2026 queue date, which means an approximately 8-year wait for grant rather than the 30+ years remaining on the 103 queue. For many families, this trade-off is worth it.

Get clear on your timeline before you commit

Processing times shape every financial and practical decision your family makes around a parent visa. I am Andrew Heathcote, a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) based in Brisbane, with more than 15 years working specifically in parent migration. I can tell you exactly where your application sits, what to expect, and how to structure your family’s arrangements sensibly in the meantime.

Contact me for a consultation and let’s map out a realistic plan.

Choosing the Right Australian Parent Visa: A Decision Framework

Written by isoadmin on . Posted in News.

Australia offers five distinct parent visa pathways. Each one has a different cost, waiting time, eligibility test, and set of ongoing conditions. Choosing the wrong one does not just cost money. It can mean your parent waits years longer than necessary, or spends years outside Australia when they could have been here.

This guide walks through the key decision factors clearly and honestly. I am Andrew Heathcote, a registered migration agent with over 15 years of experience handling parent visas. This is the framework I use with clients.

Why the right strategy matters more than you think

Parent visa decisions have consequences that play out over decades. The Subclass 143, for example, involves lodging an application that will sit in a queue for 12 to 15 years before it progresses to the second stage. The wrong choice made at lodgement cannot easily be undone. Similarly, committing to the Subclass 103 rather than the 143 to save the initial application fee means a 30-plus-year wait instead of 12-to-15. That is not a theoretical difference.

The decisions made now, including whether to also apply for a Subclass 870 while waiting, will shape your family’s life for a long time. Getting it right at the start is worth the investment.

The full landscape: all five parent visa options

Visa Type Cost (per person) Wait time Balance of family test Medicare
Subclass 143 Permanent ~$48,640 12-15 years Required On arrival
Subclass 103 Permanent ~$7,345 30+ years Required After grant
Subclass 864 Permanent (onshore) ~$48,640 12-15 years Required On arrival
Subclass 804 Permanent (onshore) ~$7,345 30+ years Required After grant
Subclass 870 Temporary ~$1,045-$5,175 ~7 months Not required No access

Annual places across the entire parent visa program are approximately 8,500: roughly 7,250 contributory places (143 and 864) and 1,250 non-contributory places (103 and 804). The 870 has a separate cap of 15,000 grants per year.

Decision factor 1: how urgently does your parent need to be in Australia?

If urgency is the primary driver, the permanent visa queues are not the answer. The fastest permanent visa pathway still takes over a decade. See current parent visa processing times for the queue dates behind that. If your parent needs to be in Australia within the next one to three years, the only viable option is the Subclass 870 or a visitor visa arrangement while a longer-term strategy is built.

If urgency is moderate, meaning the parent wants to be in Australia within two to five years, the 870 can get them here quickly and the permanent visa application can run in parallel. This is the 870-plus-143 combination strategy and it is the most commonly recommended approach for families with reasonable financial resources.

If the family is playing a long game and the parent is happy to wait abroad until the permanent visa is granted, lodging the permanent visa now and waiting is a viable path, provided the balance of family test and other eligibility rules are met.

Decision factor 2: what can you afford?

Budget scenarios by visa type

The cost difference between the contributory and non-contributory permanent visas is stark. The Subclass 143 costs approximately $48,640 per person across both instalments. The Subclass 103 costs approximately $7,345 per person. The non-contributory option saves roughly $41,000 per parent.

But the 103’s 30-plus-year wait compared to 12-to-15 years for the 143 means the parent will likely never see the visa granted if they are already in their 50s or 60s. The apparent saving is illusory for most families. Paying the higher contributory fee is usually the right financial decision when the alternative is waiting 30 years.

For the 870, the upfront government fees are low. The ongoing cost is private health insurance, which is mandatory. For an older parent, this can be several thousand dollars per year. Over a decade, the health insurance cost can approach or exceed the second instalment of the 143.

Families pursuing the 870-plus-143 strategy need to budget for: the 143 first instalment now (~$5,040), ongoing 870 health insurance for up to 10 years, and the 143 second instalment (~$43,600) when invited.

Decision factor 3: your parent’s age and health situation

Age affects several things. The Aged Parent visas (Subclass 864 onshore and Subclass 804 onshore) require the parent to be of pension age. If the parent is not yet pension age, only the 143 and 103 are available as permanent options, plus the 870 as a temporary option.

Health is a factor for every parent visa application. All permanent and temporary parent visas require a health examination. Parents with significant medical conditions may face health requirement complications. The contributory visas do not waive the health requirement, and meeting it is a condition of grant.

For the 870, health must be met at each renewal. A parent whose health is currently good but may deteriorate over a 10-year bridge period faces real risk of failing the health examination at a later renewal.

Decision factor 4: will your parent pass the balance of family test?

The balance of family test is required for all four permanent parent visa subclasses. It cannot be waived. The test requires that at least half of the parent’s children who are still living must reside permanently in Australia, or that more of the parent’s children live in Australia than in any other single country.

For families spread across multiple countries, this test can be the decisive barrier. If the parent has four children and only one lives in Australia while three live in the UK, the test fails. No amount of sponsorship or financial contribution overcomes a failed balance of family test for the permanent visas.

This is where the Subclass 870 becomes genuinely important. The balance of family test does not apply to the 870. For parents who cannot pass the test, the 870 may be the only realistic path to spending meaningful time in Australia.

The 870-then-143 combination strategy

For most families with adequate financial resources, the recommended approach is to lodge the 143 now to secure a queue position, then apply for the 870 to get the parent to Australia in the interim. The 870’s 10-year maximum allows the parent to spend up to a decade in Australia while the 143 queue moves.

This strategy works best when the family lodged the 143 application some years ago (reducing the remaining wait below 10 years), when the sponsor consistently meets the $83,454.80 income threshold, and when the parent’s health allows for health insurance at a reasonable premium.

For newly lodging families, the 10-year 870 cap will run out before the 143 is granted, meaning a gap period will need to be managed. This is a real limitation of the strategy and should be planned for, not ignored.

When a registered migration agent makes a real difference

Parent visa decisions have long consequences and significant costs. The interaction between the balance of family test, the queue dates, the 870 cap, the Assurance of Support bond ($10,000 for one adult, $14,000 for two adults), and the health requirements means there are many variables to get right simultaneously.

A registered migration agent can assess your specific family circumstances, identify whether the balance of family test is met, calculate which combination of visas makes sense, manage the applications, and ensure documents are prepared correctly. Errors on a parent visa application are not easily fixed after lodgement.

Since 22 April 2026, all permanent parent visa applications lodge online via ImmiAccount, which has changed some procedural aspects of the process. Getting advice from an agent who is current with those changes matters.

Frequently asked questions

Can my parent apply for both a permanent parent visa and the 870 at the same time?

Yes. The 870 and any of the permanent parent visas are independent applications. Holding or applying for the 870 does not affect a pending permanent visa application. Many families run both simultaneously.

What is the Assurance of Support bond and does it apply to the 870?

The Assurance of Support (AoS) is a financial bond required for permanent parent visa grants. It is $10,000 for one adult and $14,000 for two adults, held with a bank for 10 years after the visa is granted. It is not required for the 870. If the parent later transitions to a permanent parent visa, the AoS will apply at that point.

What if my parent cannot pass the balance of family test but I still want them here permanently?

If the balance of family test cannot be met, none of the four permanent parent visas are available. The 870 is the only pathway for extended stays. The 870 cannot lead to permanent residence, so unless the family’s circumstances change (for example, other children relocate to Australia), permanent residence through a parent visa may not be achievable. This is a hard reality that is better understood early than discovered after years of planning.

Is the Subclass 864 the same as the 143 but for older parents?

They are similar but not the same. The Subclass 864 is the onshore version of the contributory parent visa, meaning the parent must be in Australia when they apply. The Subclass 143 can be applied for onshore or offshore. Both cost approximately $48,640 per person and have similar processing times. The key distinction is where the parent is at time of application.

How do I know which permanent visa to lodge if my parent is overseas?

For a parent who is not of pension age and is outside Australia, the Subclass 143 is typically the relevant option. For a parent of pension age outside Australia, the 143 is still available. The 864 and 804 require the parent to be in Australia at time of application. If your parent is overseas and needs guidance on which visa to lodge, a consultation with a registered migration agent will give you a clear answer based on their age, location, and family composition.

Get a strategy that actually fits your family

Every family’s situation is different. The visa that is right for one family may be wrong for another. I am Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840, based in Brisbane. I will give you a straight assessment of your options, the costs, and the realistic timeline, then manage the applications if you want to proceed.

Book a parent visa strategy consultation