Subclass 864 - Contributory Aged Parent Visa
Onshore Parent Visa
About this visa
The Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent Visa is designed for elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who wish to reunite with their family members in Australia. This visa provides elderly parents with the opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia on a permanent basis.
Similar to the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa, a key feature of the Subclass 864 visa is its contributory aspect, which entails the payment of significant visa application fees. However, this contribution results in faster processing times compared to non-contributory parent visas (Subclass 804).
Once granted, this visa allows elderly parents to enjoy the benefits of Australian permanent residency, including access to healthcare services, social security benefits, and the opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship. It also provides elderly parents with the chance to fully integrate into Australian society and enjoy a high quality of life with their loved ones.
Eligibility for Applicant
- Age
Period within which a person was born Minimum Age Requirement for Visa From 1 July 1952 to 31 December 1953 65 years and 6 months From 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955 66 years From 1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956 66 years and 6 months From 1 January 1957 onwards 67 years - Location:
The applicant must be inside Australia when applying for the visa. - Current Visa:
Applicant’s Visa Status: The applicant should hold a substantive visa or a specific Bridging visa (A, B, or C) at the time of applying for the Subclass 864 visa.
No Further Stay Condition: If the applicant’s current visa has a ‘No Further Stay’ condition (such as condition 8503), they may not be eligible to apply for the Subclass 864 visa while in Australia, unless this condition is waived.
870 visa holders: Applicants who are currently holding a Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa are not eligible to apply for Parent Visa. - Family Balance Requirements
Please find the family balance test requirements below. - Health and Character:
Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. - Previous Visa History:
You should not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused. - Specific Visa Conditions:
Certain regional visa holders may not be eligible. - Debt to the Australian Government:
You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government. - Child Welfare:
The application must take into consideration the best interests of any children involved, as defined by Australian immigration law and child welfare guidelines.
Eligibility for Sponsor
Relationship
The sponsor must be an eligible child of the parent visa applicant. An eligible child is usually an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.Age:
18 years of age or older, or
if the applicant’s child is under 18 years of age, please find the alternative sponsorship options below.Settlement Assurance:
The sponsor may need to provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) to assure the Australian government that the parent will not rely on social welfare once in Australia. This typically involves financial support for the parent and any family members included in the visa application.Financial Capacity:
The sponsor must demonstrate the financial capacity to fulfill the AoS obligations. This includes meeting a minimum income threshold and providing a security bond if required.Residency:
The sponsor must be an Australian resident, typically residing and working in Australia for at least 2 years.Legal Obligations:
The sponsor is required to meet all legal obligations associated with being a sponsor, including providing financial support and ensuring the parent complies with visa conditions.
Family Balance Test Requirements
To meet the test:
- At least half of the applicant’s children must be permanent residents in Australia, or
- More of the applicant’s children must reside in Australia than in any other single country.
In cases of remarriage, stepchildren are also counted as children for the purpose of the Balance of Family Test in the Australian Parent Visa application. This inclusion ensures that all familial relationships are considered in assessing an applicant’s ties to Australia.
This test helps determine the applicant’s ties to Australia, influencing their eligibility for the parent visa. It’s not based on the total number of children, but rather where the majority of them live.
Alternative Sponsorship Options
If the applicant’s child is under 18 years of age, alternative sponsorship options are available. The sponsor can be one of the following:
- The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The sponsor must reside in Australia.
- The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
Furthermore, the sponsor must fall into one of the following categories:
- The sponsor must be the child’s co-habiting spouse.
- The sponsor must be the child’s relative or guardian.
- The sponsor must be a relative or guardian of the child’s co-habiting spouse.
Alternatively, a community organization can sponsor an applicant provided that:
- There exists a relationship between the organization and the applicant’s child.
- A senior representative of the organization agrees to sponsor the applicant.
- The organization is legally established in Australia.
- The organization has been actively operating in Australia for at least one year.
- The organization can meet its financial commitments.
Eligibility for applicant's dependent children
- Age Requirement:
- Dependent children must be under 18 years of age, or
- If they are 18 to 23 years old, they must be financially dependent on the primary applicant or their partner, and be full-time students, or
- If they have a disability that prevents them from working, there is no age limit.
- Financial Dependency:
Dependent children aged 18 to 23 must provide evidence of financial dependency on the primary applicant or their partner. This may include proof of financial support for living expenses, education, or other essential needs. - Full-Time Student Status:
If dependent children are between 18 and 23 years old and are claiming to be full-time students, they must provide evidence of their enrollment in an eligible course. - Disability:
If a dependent child has a disability that prevents them from working, there is no age limit, and they do not need to be financially dependent. - Health and Character Requirements:
Dependent children must meet health and character requirements, just like the primary applicant.
Stay Period
It is a permanent visa.
Cost
Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $4,765
Secondary Applicants (18 and over) : AUD $2,380
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $1,195
AoS Payment
Second instalment: AUD $43,600/each
AoS bond:
AUD $10,000 for one assured parent (if only one parent is included in the application),
AUD $14,000 for two assured parents (if both parents are included in the application).
The bond will be returned to the assurer after 10 years.
If the applicant hold Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa (subclass 884)
Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $420
Secondary Applicants (18 and over) : AUD $215
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $105
AoS Payment
Second instalment: AUD $19,420/each (the second instalment of AUD $29,130 must be paid before 884 visa grant)
AoS bond:
AUD $10,000 for one assured parent (if only one parent is included in the application),
AUD $14,000 for two assured parents (if both parents are included in the application).
The bond will be returned to the assurer after 10 years.
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Processing time
1.5-2 years
The Australian Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications, and it’s essential to provide all required documents with your application. Please note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times than the estimated duration. Additionally, processing times are subject to change and should be used as a general reference only.
Benefits
- Work in Australia: Holders of the Subclass 864 Visa can work.
- Study: You can pursue further studies or enroll in courses in Australia, which can enhance your skills and qualifications.
- Family Sponsorship: The applicant can include eligible family members, such as your dependent children, in your visa application.
- Access to Healthcare: Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, which provides essential medical services.
- Multiple Entries: Enjoy multiple entries to and exits from Australia for a period of up to five years, allowing for flexibility in travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Subclass 864 visa?
A: The Subclass 864 visa is a permanent visa for aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.
Q: Who can apply for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: Aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who meet the balance of family test and are in Australia.
Q: What is the balance of family test for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: It requires that at least half of your children live permanently in Australia or more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
Q: Are there any age requirements for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: Yes, applicants must be old enough to receive the aged pension in Australia.
Q: How long does the processing of a Subclass 864 visa take?
A: Processing times vary; it’s recommended to check the current times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Q: Can I include my partner in my Subclass 864 visa application?
A: Yes, your partner can be included in the application if they meet certain requirements.
Q: What are the health requirements for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: Applicants must meet certain health standards, which may include health examinations.
Q: Are there any character requirements for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: Yes, applicants must meet character requirements, including police checks from countries they have lived in.
Q: How much does the Subclass 864 visa cost?
A: The visa fees vary and are subject to change; it’s best to check the latest fees on the official website.
Q: What are the benefits of the Subclass 864 visa?
A: It allows aged parents to live permanently in Australia and access healthcare and social services.
Q: Can I work in Australia on a Subclass 864 visa?
A: Yes, there are no work restrictions on the Subclass 864 visa.
Q: What is the assurance of support for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: It is a legal commitment by a sponsor to support you financially in Australia.
Q: Can I travel outside Australia on the Subclass 864 visa?
A: Yes, you can travel, but there are limitations on the time spent outside Australia.
Q: Can the Subclass 864 visa lead to Australian citizenship?
A: Yes, after meeting residency and other criteria, you can apply for citizenship.
Q: What happens if my circumstances change after applying for the visa?
A: You must inform the Department of Home Affairs about significant changes.
Q: Are there any conditions attached to the Subclass 864 visa?
A: Standard conditions include obeying Australian laws and maintaining your residency.
Q: Is private health insurance required for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: While not mandatory, it’s advisable to have health insurance to cover healthcare costs in Australia.
Q: What if I am outside Australia when my Subclass 864 visa is granted?
A: You need to be in Australia when the visa is granted.
Q: Can I apply for a Subclass 864 visa if my child is not an Australian citizen?
A: Your child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to sponsor you.
Q: How can I prove a genuine relationship with my child for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: Evidence can include communication records, financial support, and joint activities.
Q: What if I have had a previous visa application refused?
A: A previous refusal may impact your application, and you should disclose all relevant details.
Q: Can I study in Australia on the Subclass 864 visa?
A: Yes, you can study, but you will not have access to government funding for education.
Q: Are there any English language requirements for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: There are no English language requirements for the Subclass 864 visa.
Q: What is the main difference between the Subclass 864 and 143 visas?
A: The Subclass 864 is for aged parents, while the Subclass 143 is for parents of any age.
Q: What is the visa application process for the Subclass 864 visa?
A: The process involves submitting an application with required documents, meeting health and character requirements, and waiting for processing.
Q: Are there any restrictions on how many times I can apply for a Subclass 864 visa?
A: There are no specific limits, but all applications must meet the visa criteria.
Q: How long is the Subclass 864 visa valid?
A: The Subclass 864 visa is a permanent visa with no expiry date, provided you remain a resident of Australia.