Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 864)
The Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent Visa allows elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. This visa is for parents who meet the age requirements for an Australian age pension and have a sponsor, typically their child, who resides in Australia. It also requires a significant contribution towards Australia's healthcare system.
Benefits of the Subclass 864 Visa
Permanent Residency
Successful applicants can live in Australia permanently
Sponsor Relatives
Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
Work and Study Rights
This visa will allow you to work and study in Australia without restrictions.
Travel Rights
Travel in and out of Australia for the first 5 years upon visa approval
Citizenship Pathway
After meeting residency requirements, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship
Healthcare Scheme
Gain access to Australia’s public health care scheme (Medicare)
Social Security
After meeting certain waiting periods, visa holders are eligible for social security benefits
Subclass 864 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Subclass 864, Permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa, applicants must meet several essential criteria:
Visa Application History in Australia
You are not eligible to apply if you applied or already hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa - subclass 870 visa
Sponsorship
Applicants must be sponsored by their child, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and must be able to financially support the parent.
Balance-of-Family Test
You are required to meet the balance of family test
At least half of the parent’s children must live in Australia or;
more of their must live in Australia than in any other country.
Assurance of Support
An assurance of support (a financial bond) is required to ensure that the applicant will not become reliant on government welfare services.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must pass health checks and provide police certificates to meet the character requirements.
Steps to apply for the Subclass 864 Visa
Confirm Eligibility
Ensure the applicant meets the sponsorship, balance of family, and health/character requirements.
1
Prepare Documents
Gather necessary documents, including proof of relationship to the sponsor, identification, and health/character clearances.
2
Submit the Application
Submit the visa application online or by paper through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure that all required documents are attached to avoid delays.
3
Assurance of Support
Your sponsor or an assurer must lodge an assurance of support, which involves a financial bond to ensure you will not rely on government assistance.
4
Health and Character Checks
Undergo medical examinations and submit police clearances from all countries you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
5
Wait for processing
After submitting the application, you may be granted a bridging visa to remain in Australia while waiting for the decision.
6
Current Processing Time: Subclass 864 Visa
When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.
| Stream | Processing time frame (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Contributory Aged Parent Visa (SC 864) | 14 years |
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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The balance of family test requires that at least half of your children live in Australia as citizens or permanent residents, or more of your children reside in Australia than in any other country.
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Due to the high demand for Parent Visas and the limited number of places available annually, processing times can be extremely long, often up to 30 years.
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Processing times for the 864 visa can take several years due to high demand and limited places. It typically takes around 1.5 to 2 years to process an 864 visa.
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The 864 visa is for elderly parents applying from within Australia, while the 143 visa is for parents applying from overseas.
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Yes, applicants for the 864 visa can access Medicare once their application is lodged.