Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) – Live Permanently in Australia with Your Children
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) lets eligible older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens live permanently in Australia. This visa is part of the Contributory Parent Visa program, which has higher costs but faster processing times than standard parent visas.
Other Contributory Parent Visas Include:
- Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa
- Subclass 173 – Temporary Contributory Parent Visa
- Subclass 884 – Temporary Contributory Aged Parent Visa
This page focuses on the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864).
What Can You Do with a Subclass 864 Visa?
As a permanent resident, this visa gives you many benefits, such as:
- Live in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study freely
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public health system
- Apply for Australian citizenship (once eligible)
- Sponsor your family members to come to Australia (if eligible)
- Travel in and out of Australia for five years from the date your visa is granted
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 864 Visa?
To be eligible for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864), you must meet the following criteria:
1. Be Sponsored by Your Child (or an Approved Sponsor)
You must be sponsored by a child who is:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Over 18 years old and settled in Australia (usually living here lawfully for at least two years)
If your child is under 18, other eligible sponsors may include:
- A relative or guardian
- Your child’s partner
- A community organisation
2. Meet the Balance of Family Test
You must show that:
- At least half of your children live in Australia as citizens or permanent residents, OR
- You have more children in Australia than in any other single country
3. Assurance of Support (AoS)
Your sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support – a financial commitment to make sure you don’t need to rely on government payments.
4. Age Requirement
You must be old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension (currently 67 years or older, depending on your birth date).
5. Health and Character Checks
You and any family members applying with you must:
- Pass a health examination
- Meet character requirements (including police checks)
⚠️ If you have any health concerns, it’s best to speak with a registered migration agent, as health issues can lead to visa refusal.
6. Additional Conditions
You must also:
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- Sign the Australian Values Statement
- Not have had a previous visa refused or cancelled
How to Apply for the Subclass 864 Visa
Applying for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) involves several key steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
- Complete your visa application and sponsorship form
- Pay the first visa application fee
Step 2: Wait for Your Turn
- Your application will be placed in a queue
- You may be asked to provide extra information
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
- Assurance of Support documents
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical check results
Step 4: Pay the Second Visa Charge
- Before your visa is granted, you must pay the second installment of the visa fee
- The second payment is $43,000 per applicant
Summary – Benefits of the Subclass 864 Visa
With the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864), you can:
- Live permanently in Australia
- Work and study without restrictions
- Access Medicare healthcare
- Apply for citizenship (once eligible)
- Bring family members to Australia
- Travel freely for up to 5 years