What is the Contributory Aged Parent Visa 884 and 864?
The Subclass 884 is a temporary visa (2 years) for pension-age parents to live in Australia. It is the stepping stone to the permanent Subclass 864. Applying for the 884 first allows parents to arrive in Australia sooner and split the total cost — the second instalment for the 884 ($29,130) is lower than the 864 ($43,600), and former 884 holders pay a reduced amount when transitioning to the 864.
What is the difference between the 173 and 884 visa?
Both the 173 and 884 are temporary contributory visas, but the 884 is specifically for parents who have reached pension age (67+ from July 2023). The 173 is available to parents of any age and can only be applied for offshore. The 884 can be lodged onshore or offshore.
What is the difference between the 804 and 884?
Both require pension age and the balance of family test. The key differences: the 884 is a temporary visa (2 years) with a much higher contributory fee ($5,040 + $29,130 ≈ $34,170 total) but significantly better processing time (~12 years) than the 804 (30 years). The 804 is permanent with lower fees ($5,280 + $2,065) but extremely long processing. The 884 also grants Medicare immediately on grant.
Can I apply for the 884 from inside Australia?
Yes. The 884 can be lodged both onshore (inside Australia) and offshore (outside Australia). This differs from the 173, which is offshore only. However, you must not have a “No Further Stay” condition on your current visa if applying onshore.
Does the 884 give access to Medicare?
Yes. Unlike the non-contributory parent visas (103 and 804), holders of the Subclass 884 receive Medicare access immediately on grant — so parents can access Australian public healthcare throughout their 2-year temporary stay.
How much does the 884 visa cost?
First instalment: AUD $5,040 for the main applicant (paid at lodgement), $2,515 for additional applicants 18+, $1,260 for under 18. Second instalment (contributory): AUD $29,130 per applicant 18+, $2,095 for dependent children under 18. Total for main applicant: approximately AUD $34,170.
What happens after 2 years on the 884?
After 2 years on the 884, holders must apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 864. The 884 cannot be renewed. Former 884 holders pay a reduced second instalment when transitioning to the 864, making the two-stage approach cost-effective overall.
What is an Assurance of Support for the 884?
An Assurance of Support is a legally binding commitment by one or more sponsors to ensure the visa holder does not rely on government welfare. This is required for the 884. The assurer must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. This is the same requirement as the 804 and 864.
