Australia’s Subclass 864 Visa: Bring Your Aged Parents to Live Permanently
Overview
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) allows older parents to settle permanently in Australia if their child is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Many applicants first enter on the temporary Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 884), which is valid for two years and cannot be extended or renewed. To remain in Australia permanently, applicants must then transition to the subclass 864 visa before their temporary visa expires.
Sponsorship
For both visas, sponsorship is essential and must generally come from the applicant’s child. However, if the child is under 18 years old, the sponsorship can be provided by:
- The child’s spouse (aged 18 or above) who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- A relative or guardian of the child or the child’s spouse who meets the same eligibility criteria.
- An approved community organisation.
Note: Where a community organisation sponsors the applicant, there must be documented evidence of the relationship or a signed statement from a senior representative agreeing to provide support once the applicant arrives in Australia.
Benefits of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa
Temporary 884 visa benefits:
- Live, work, and study in Australia for two years.
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance scheme.
Permanent 864 visa benefits:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Work and study with no restrictions.
- Access Medicare healthcare services.
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible).
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the visa grant date.
Eligibility Criteria
For the temporary 884 visa:
- Must have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia.
- Meet the minimum age requirement.
- Have an eligible sponsor.
- Satisfy the balance-of-family test.
- Meet health and character requirements.
For the permanent 864 visa:
- Must hold a valid temporary 884 visa.
- Continue to meet all requirements of the 884 visa.
Relationship Evidence
When applying, evidence of the relationship with the sponsoring child must be provided. This may include:
- Birth certificates.
- Family records or relationship registers.
- Other valid documents confirming the relationship.
If a relative, guardian, or the child’s spouse is the sponsor, additional documents such as:
- Marriage certificates.
- Guardianship papers.
- Further proof of family ties may be required.
If a community organisation sponsors the applicant, evidence such as:
- Registration documents of the organisation.
- Authority of the representative acting on behalf of the organisation.
- Proof of financial ability to support the applicant.
Including Family Members
- A spouse or partner.
- Dependent children or stepchildren of the applicant or their partner.
Health and Character Requirements
- Complete a medical examination within 12 months of applying.
- Provide police clearance certificates from any country lived in for more than 12 months during the past ten years.
Australian Values Statement
Applicants over 18 years old are required to sign the Australian Values Statement, confirming commitment to Australian laws and way of life.
Debts to the Australian Government
Any outstanding debts to the Australian government must be cleared before the visa is granted.
Application Process for Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility
- Ensure you meet the age requirement (eligible for the Australian Age Pension).
- Confirm that your child is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Make sure you satisfy the balance-of-family test and health/character requirements.
Step 2 — Arrange a Sponsor
- Secure sponsorship from your child, their spouse/partner, a relative, guardian, or an approved community organisation.
- The sponsor must commit to providing financial and settlement support.
Step 3 — Gather Documents
- Prepare certified copies of relationship documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, family records).
- Collect identification, financial, health, and police clearance documents.
- Include evidence of the sponsor’s eligibility and capacity to support.
Step 4 — Submit the Application
- Lodge your Subclass 864 visa application online or by paper through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Pay the visa application charge (significantly higher than many other visas due to the “contributory” component).
Step 5 — Undertake Health and Character Checks
- Complete medical examinations as instructed.
- Provide police certificates from countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Step 6 — Await Processing & Provide Additional Information
- The Department of Home Affairs may request further documents or clarification during assessment.
- You may need to provide updated evidence if processing takes longer.
Step 7 — Visa Outcome
- If granted, you will receive permanent residency through the Subclass 864 visa.
- You can live, study, and work in Australia indefinitely, with access to Medicare and the option to apply for citizenship (if eligible).
- If refused, you will be notified of the reason and whether you have review rights.
Why Apical Immigration Experts — Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
- Deep specialist knowledge — extensive experience with contributory parent streams, balance-of-family rules, AoS timing and payment staging.
- Practical AoS & financial guidance — we advise sponsors on Assurance of Support steps, bond timing and Centrelink interactions to avoid surprises.
- Decision-ready applications — meticulous document preparation (relationship evidence, health/character proofs) to reduce requests and delays.
- Personalised case management — one point of contact, 7-day support for departmental queries, and timely updates through each processing stage.
- Post-grant assistance — help with Medicare enrolment, settlement planning and next steps for citizenship or family sponsorship.
Book a consultation and let us take care of the paperwork so your family can focus on preparing for life in Australia.
FAQs : Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
A permanent visa for older parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen that lets them live, work and access Medicare in Australia indefinitely.
Usually a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen; if the child is under 18, an eligible spouse/guardian, relative or approved community organisation may sponsor.
An AoS may be required in some cases to reduce the risk of applicants needing certain welfare payments; sponsors should be prepared to provide it if requested by the department.
Yes — you can include an eligible spouse/partner and dependent children or stepchildren in the same application provided they meet the health and character requirements.
Processing times vary (often lengthy due to demand and places); contributory parent visas also require staged, higher application charges — expect a significant second (contributory) payment before grant.
Sumit Katyal
