Length of stay
3 years or 5 years. You choose which you want when you apply, and the cost depends on the length chosen.
Temporary · 3 or 5 Years · Renewable to 10 Max
The 870 is not permanent. But for many families, it is the most practical option.
It is a long-stay temporary visa that lets parents live in Australia with their children for up to 5 years at a time, up to 10 years total. For families who cannot afford the 143 and cannot wait for the 103, the 870 is often the right answer.
Key features of the 870
Five things to know before applying.
The 870 was created in 2019 to fill the gap between short visitor visas and permanent parent visas.
Renewable once
After one 870 ends, the parent can apply for a second. Combined maximum is 10 years (two 5-year visas, or a 3+5, or other combinations).
No pathway to PR
The 870 is temporary. It does not lead directly to the 103 or 143. However, applying for the 103 or 143 while holding an 870 is possible and sometimes strategically useful.
Multiple entry
The 870 is a multiple-entry visa. The parent can travel in and out of Australia during the visa period without needing separate visas.
No work rights
The 870 does not allow work in Australia. Parents on this visa can visit family, travel, and live in Australia, but they cannot be employed.
Eligibility
Sponsor tests first. Parent tests second.
Unlike the 103 and 143, there is no Balance of Family test for the 870. This is one of the biggest advantages of this visa.
The sponsor (child in Australia)
Must be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen. Parent's child (biological, step, or adopted). At least 18. Usually resident in Australia for at least 4 years. Meets an income threshold (updated annually).
The applicant (parent)
Must be the parent of the sponsor. Meets health and character requirements. Access to health insurance in Australia (or pay out of pocket for medical care). Must not have exceeded the 10-year cap.
No Balance of Family test
The 870 has no Balance of Family requirement. Parents can qualify even when most of their children live outside Australia. A major advantage over the 103 and 143.
How the 870 fits with the 103 and 143
Three strategic uses for the 870.
As a bridge while waiting for the 103Families who have lodged a 103 can use the 870 to allow the parent to live in Australia during the very long wait. One of the most common use cases.
As a trial period before the 143Some families use the 870 to give parents an extended stay in Australia before committing to the much larger 143. If the parents love Australia, the 143 can be pursued later.
As a permanent alternativeFor families who cannot afford the 143, the 870 can function as a long-term family solution, renewed to fill the full 10-year maximum.
Costs and practical considerations
What to plan for beyond the visa fee.
The 870 application fee varies by length (3 or 5 years). But the visa fee is only part of the cost.
Visa application charge
Depends on the length of stay (3 or 5 years). Fees are published by the Department and updated annually.
Health insurance
Parents on an 870 are not covered by Medicare. Comprehensive health insurance is essential. Usually a significant ongoing cost.
No work means no income
Parents cannot work. They need to be financially supported by the sponsor or have their own retirement income. Plan carefully.
The 870 has no Balance of Family test requirement.
This is a major advantage for families where most children live overseas. A parent who fails the 103 and 143 Balance of Family test because only one child is in Australia can still qualify for the Subclass 870.
Common 870 questions
The questions we hear most.
For 870 strategy, book with Neha Sharma.
Can my parents work on the 870?
No. The 870 has no work rights. Parents on this visa are supported by their Australian child or have their own retirement income.
Does the 870 lead to permanent residency?
Can I have my parents on Medicare with an 870?
No. The 870 does not provide Medicare access. Comprehensive private health insurance is strongly recommended, and the Department will want to see evidence that the family has planned for health costs.
How does the 870 compare to a regular visitor visa?
A Subclass 600 visitor visa typically allows a 3, 6, or 12 month stay. The 870 allows 3 or 5 years, renewable to a total of 10 years. The 870 is for parents who want to live in Australia long-term, not just visit.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.