What is the Contributory Aged Parent
Visa (Subclass 884 & 864)?
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa pathway allows older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. This pathway consists of two visa subclasses:
Subclass 884 – a temporary, two-year visa
Subclass 864 – a permanent visa
The Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884) permits eligible parents who have reached Age Pension age to live in Australia for up to two years. This visa cannot be renewed or extended. Parents who wish to remain in Australia permanently must apply for the Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 864) before the Subclass 884 visa expires.
Highlights
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 884 Benefits
Allows the holder to live, work, and study in Australia for the two-year temporary period.
Provides access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) Visa – Subclass 864 Benefits
Grants permanent residency, allowing the holder to live, work, and study indefinitely in Australia.
Provides full access to Medicare.
Offers eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met.
Enables the holder to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
Includes a five-year travel facility, allowing unrestricted travel to and from Australia during that period.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa
The sponsoring child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.
The applicant must have reached the minimum age required for the Australian Age Pension.
A formal sponsor must be approved before the application can proceed.
Applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test.
All applicants must satisfy Australian health and character requirements.
Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) Visa
The applicant must currently hold the Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884).
All conditions of the Subclass 884 visa must have been complied with.
The remaining visa application charges and the Assurance of Support (AoS) must be arranged and paid before the permanent visa can be granted.
FAQs About Contributory Aged Parent Visa
What is the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 and 864) for Australia?
The Australian government provides the Contributory Aged Parent Visa, allowing aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia with a substantial financial contribution.
Difference between Subclass 884 and Subclass 864
Subclass 884 permits a two-year temporary stay in Australia, while Subclass 864 permits indefinite stay for elderly parents. Subclass 864 is often applied for after or in conjunction with Subclass 884 to transition to permanent residency.
Who can sponsor an applicant for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa?
The visa application requires a sponsoring child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must meet Australian residency and financial requirements.
Main eligibility requirements for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa
- Meet age requirements as per Australian immigration law.
- Pass the Balance-of-Family Test.
- Meet Australian health and character requirements.
- Have a sponsoring child residing in Australia.
- Be prepared for substantial financial contributions toward visa application fees and associated costs.
What is the Balance-of-Family Test?
The Balance-of-Family Test requires that at least half of the applicant’s children reside in Australia, or that more children live in Australia than in any other single country.
