Subclass 864 - Contributory Aged Parent Visa
The Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent Visa lets elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens gain permanent residency in Australia. It requires high application fees but offers faster processing than non-contributory parent visas and provides full residency benefits.
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
| Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age |
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| Location |
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| Current Visa |
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| Family Balance Requirements | ||
| Debt to the Australian Government |
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| Health & Character |
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| Child Welfare |
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Age Criteria
Birth Date Range | Minimum Age Requirement for Visa |
|---|---|
1 Jul 1952 – 31 Dec 1953 | 65 years 6 months |
1 Jan 1954 – 30 Jun 1955 | 66 years |
1 Jul 1955 – 31 Dec 1956 | 66 years 6 months |
From 1 Jan 1957 onwards | 67 years |
Eligibility for Sponsor
| Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Relationship |
| |
| Age |
| |
| Settlement Assurance |
| |
| Financial Capacity |
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| Residency |
| |
| Legal Obligations |
| |
Family Balance Test
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 Sponsors
If the applicant’s child is under 18 years of age, alternative sponsorship options are available.
| Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Basic Sponsor Requirements |
| |
| Eligible Sponsor Categories |
| |
| Community Organization Sponsorship |
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| Financial Capacity |
| |
Eligibility for applicant's dependent children
| Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age |
| |
| Financial Dependency |
| |
| Full-Time Student Status |
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| Disability |
| |
| Health and Character Requirements |
| |
AoS Financial Criteria
| Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor: 1 person Assuring: 1 parent |
| |
| Sponsor: 1 person Assuring: 2 parents |
| |
| Sponsor: Couple Assuring: 1 parent |
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| Sponsor: Couple with 1 child Assuring: 1 parent |
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| Sponsor: Couple with 2 children Assuring: 1 parent |
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| Sponsor: Couple Assuring: 2 parents |
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| Sponsor: Couple with 1 child Assuring: 2 parents |
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| Sponsor: Couple with 2 children Assuring: 2 parents |
| |
The bank guarantee will be returned to the assurer after 10 years.
Process
Lodge Visa
Queue Stage
AoS & Health
Visa Outcome
Cost
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | AUD 5,280 |
| Secondary Applicants (aged 18 and over) | AUD 2,640 each |
| Dependent Children (under 18) | AUD 1,325 each |
| Second Visa Application Charge | AUD 43,600 each |
For Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (subclass 173) Holders
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | AUD 445 |
| Secondary Applicants (aged 18 and over) | AUD 225 each |
| Dependent Children (under 18) | AUD 110 each |
| Second Visa Application Charge | AUD 19,420 each (the second instalment of AUD $29,130 must be paid before 173 visa grant) |
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Stay Period
-
It’s permanent visa.
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
Do applicants for the 864 visa have to first apply for the 884 temporary visa?
Not necessarily. Applicants can apply directly for the 864 permanent visa or apply for the 884 temporary visa first and then transition to 864. Many choose the 884 pathway to split the high contribution cost into two payments.
If the applicant currently holds a Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa, can they switch to the 864?
No. Holders of the Subclass 870 visa are not eligible to apply for the 804 or 864 visas onshore.
What are the age requirements for the 864 visa?
Applicants must meet the Australian age pension age, currently 67 (subject to variation depending on date of birth).
If the sponsoring child moves overseas during the long processing period, will it affect the 864 application?
Possibly. Sponsors must be “usually resident” in Australia. Long absences from Australia may jeopardize the sponsor’s eligibility.
Does the 864 visa require applicants to meet the balance of family test?
Yes. At least half of the applicant’s children must be settled in Australia, or the number of children settled in Australia must exceed those in any other single country.
Is the Assurance of Support (AoS) for the 864 visa different from that for the 804?
No major difference. Both require the sponsor to provide an AoS and possibly a bond, but for the 864 visa the AoS process is reached sooner due to faster processing.
If the applicant’s health deteriorates while waiting for the 864 visa, will the application be refused?
It could be. All applicants must still pass health checks before final approval. Conditions that impose significant public health costs can result in refusal.
Are the high application fees for the 864 visa refundable?
Usually not. Even if the visa is refused, most of the visa application charge is non-refundable, with only limited refunds possible in specific cases.
If the sponsoring child dies during processing, what happens to the 864 application?
In some cases, the applicant may be able to apply for a replacement sponsor, but strict conditions apply. Otherwise, the visa may be terminated.
What is the main difference between the 864 and 143 visas?
The 864 requires applicants to be in Australia and meet the age requirement, while the 143 is applied for offshore with no age restriction. Both have similar high contributory costs.
Note: This FAQ is general information only and not legal advice. Settings (e.g., eligibility tests, exemptions, and evidentiary rules) can change; always check the latest legislative instruments before applying.
