The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 and 864) allows aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. Designed for family reunification, these visas provide aged parents with temporary (Subclass 884) or permanent (Subclass 864) residency options. They offer a pathway to join loved ones and enjoy Australia's quality of life.
What Is the Contributory Aged Parent Visa?
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 and 864) is designed to help aged parents live with their children in Australia. This visa category offers two options:
- Subclass 884: A temporary visa that allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years. It provides a pathway to apply for the permanent Subclass 864 visa.
- Subclass 864: A permanent visa granting full residency benefits, including access to Medicare, work rights, and the ability to live in Australia indefinitely.
To qualify, applicants must meet the definition of an "aged parent," which aligns with Australia's age pension eligibility.
Subclass 884 vs. Subclass 864
Understanding the differences between Subclass 884 (temporary) and Subclass 864 (permanent) is essential to choosing the right option for your circumstances. Here's a comparison
| Feature | Subclass 884 (Temporary) | Subclass 864 (Permanent) |
| Duration | Valid for up to 2 years | Permanent Residency |
| Eligibility | For aged parents; a pathway to 864 | For aged parents; direct PR option |
| Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Benefits | Limited Medicare access, no PR benefits | Full PR benefits, including Medicare |
| Purpose | Test living in Australia, transitional | Direct settlement with full PR rights |
When to Choose Subclass 884
When to Choose Subclass 864
Pro Tip
Start with Subclass 884 if you're unsure about permanent residency and transition to Subclass 864 when you're ready. This approach spreads out the costs over time.
Eligibility Criteria for Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 and 864)
To apply for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements
1. Age Requirement
- Applicants must qualify as "aged parents," which means they are eligible for the Australian age pension based on their age.
2. Child Residency
- The applicant must have a child who is:
- An Australian citizen,
- A permanent resident, or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The child must have lived in Australia lawfully for at least 2 years.
3. Balance of Family Test
- At least half of the applicant's children must live in Australia, or more of their children must reside in Australia than in any other single country.
4. Financial Requirements
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay the high visa application charges, as this is a contributory visa.
5. Health and Character
- Meet Australia's health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearance.
Pro Tip
Ensure your child in Australia meets the residency requirements before applying, as this is a critical eligibility factor.
Costs and Processing Times for Contributory Aged Parent Visa
Here's a concise breakdown of the costs and processing times for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 and 864)
| Visa Type | Cost (Approx.) | Processing Time |
| Subclass 884 (Temporary) | AUD 33,000 | 2–3 years |
| Subclass 864 (Permanent) | AUD 47,755 | 5+ years |
Key Points to Note
- Subclass 884: Temporary visa with a lower upfront cost; allows transition to Subclass 864 later.
- Subclass 864: Grants full Permanent Residency but has higher costs and longer processing times.
- Both visas include additional charges for dependents, medical checks, and biometrics.
Pro Tip
Starting with Subclass 884 can spread costs over time, making it easier to transition to permanent residency.
Steps to Apply for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa
- Prepare Documents:
- Identity documents (passports, birth certificates).
- Proof of your child's Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Evidence of your relationship with the child.
- Choose the Right Visa:
- Apply for Subclass 884 (temporary) if you prefer a staged approach.
- Apply for Subclass 864 (permanent) if you meet the financial requirements upfront.
- Submit the Application:
- Lodge the visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs portal or by mail.
- Pay the Visa Fee:
- Ensure payment is completed at the required stages.
- Await Processing:
- Subclass 884: ~2–3 years.
- Subclass 864: 5+ years.
Pro Tip
If cost is a concern, consider starting with Subclass 884 and transitioning to Subclass 864 later to spread out payments.
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 and 864) allows aged parents to reunite with their children in Australia and offers a pathway to permanent residency. By choosing the right subclass and preparing thoroughly, applicants can secure long-term residency and family stability. Consulting a migration expert can help ensure a smooth process.
