The Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 864 is a permanent residency visa for parents of pension age whose children are settled in Australia. It has a higher contributory fee than the 804 but significantly faster processing of approximately 12 years.
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 864 is a permanent residency visa for parents of pension age whose children are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens settled in Australia.
It is the contributory version of the Subclass 804 — with a significantly higher contributory fee ($5,040 + $43,600) but much faster processing of approximately 12 years compared to 30 years for the 804.
An Assurance of Support is required, and applicants who lodge the 864 while inside Australia with a valid visa (such as a Visitor Visa) may be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia during processing.
Two-Stage Pathway: Many applicants first apply for the temporary Subclass 884 (temporary contributory aged parent visa), live in Australia for 2 years, then transition to the permanent 864. This spreads the cost and provides Medicare access earlier.
The 864 requirements are very similar to the 804 — the key difference is the contributory fee:
Satisfied if: (a) at least half of your children are Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible NZ citizens living in Australia, OR (b) more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
An Assurance of Support is a legally binding commitment by a sponsor to provide financial support so the visa holder does not rely on government welfare. Up to three people can jointly provide this assurance. The assurer must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support the applicant.
Secure permanent residence in Australia and live alongside your children and grandchildren indefinitely.
Enjoy full rights to work and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions.
Travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years from the visa grant date. After 5 years, a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or Australian citizenship is required to re-enter.
Once granted, the 864 allows holders to sponsor other relatives for permanent residency in Australia — expanding the family reunion opportunity beyond just the immediate parent.
Once the 804 visa is granted, enrol in Medicare — Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. Note: not available while application is pending on this visa.
After meeting the residence requirements as a permanent resident, apply for Australian citizenship and become a fully settled Australian.
Bridging Visa A (BVA): Applicants who are inside Australia with a valid visa (e.g., Visitor Visa) and lodge the 864 may receive a Bridging Visa A, allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia during the approximately 12-year processing period.
The Subclass 864 is subject to capping — a maximum number of visas granted each migration year. Once the cap is reached, remaining applications queue until places become available. As at 30 September 2023, the contributory parent visa queue was at May 2017 — meaning new applications face an expected wait of approximately 12 years.
Queue Date Note: Applications lodged before 1 June 2018 were assigned a queue date based on submission date. Applications lodged on or after 1 June 2018 are assessed for eligibility first. As at 30 September 2023, queued to May 2017. Our OMARA-registered migration agents Perth team can advise on your expected timeline and 884 stepping-stone strategy.
The Subclass 864 has a two-part fee structure — the second instalment is the contributory charge:
Additional applicant fee (18+): $2,515. Under 18: $1,260. Total for main applicant approximately AUD $48,640. Reduced second instalment applies for former Subclass 884 holders. Additional costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
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