Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 and 864)

Contributory Aged Parent Visa
(Subclass 884 and 864)
The Contributory Aged Parent visas (Subclasses 884 and 864) provide a pathway for elderly parents to live in Australia, as long as they have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. These visas require a substantial financial contribution, designed to help balance the costs associated with accessing Australia’s healthcare and social security services.
Key Benefits of Contributory Aged Parent Visas
For Subclass 884 (Temporary) visa holders:
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Live, work, and study in Australia for up to two years.
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Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
For Subclass 864 (Permanent) visa holders:
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Live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
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Access full Medicare benefits.
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Become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship (subject to criteria).
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Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
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Travel to and from Australia freely for five years from the visa grant date (after which a Resident Return Visa may be needed).
Visa Class
Parent Visa
Australian Parent visas fall under the broader category of family visas, designed to allow parents to join their children who are
Sponsorship Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for both subclasses must be sponsored, usually by their child, who must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be settled in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Have lawfully resided in Australia for a minimum of two years before the application is submitted.
If the sponsoring child is under 18, sponsorship can be provided by:
- The child’s spouse (aged 18 or older and settled in Australia).
- A relative or guardian of the child or the child’s spouse (aged 18 or older and settled in Australia).
- A community organization.
Note for Community Organization Sponsors:
The organization must either show a genuine connection to the applicant or provide a written commitment from a senior representative to support the applicant upon arrival, along with evidence of financial capacity.
Eligibility Criteria for Visa Applicants
For Temporary (Subclass 884) visa applicants, you must:
- Have a child who is settled in Australia as an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia (currently 67 years old for those born on or after January 1, 1957).
- Have an approved sponsor.
- Meet the “Balance-of-Family Test”. This test requires that at least half of your children and stepchildren live permanently in Australia, or that more of your children and stepchildren live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
- Meet Australia’s health requirements, typically involving medical examinations within 12 months of lodging your application.
- Meet Australia’s character requirements, generally requiring police certificates from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the last ten years.
- Not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa.
- Be in Australia when you apply for the visa.
Relationship Evidence Requirements
To verify your relationship with your sponsor, you will typically need to submit certified copies of the following documents:
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Birth certificates
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Family relationship records (if applicable)
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Any other credible documents supporting the relationship
If your sponsor is a relative, partner, or guardian of the child, you may also need to provide supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate or proof of legal guardianship to establish the relationship.
Adding Family Members
Your visa application can also include:
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Your spouse or de facto partner
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Your or your partner’s dependent child or step-child (who meets the age and dependency criteria)
Note: All family members included in your application must meet Australia’s health and character standards.
Need Help with Your Application?
Reach out to our registered migration agents for expert advice and a tailored assessment to ensure your application is accurate and complete.
Disclaimer
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored advice, it is recommended to consult a Registered Migration Agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website directly: Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884).
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