Contributory Aged Parent Visa – Permanent (Subclass 864)

The subclass 864 visa allows the pension-aged parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live, work and study in Australia permanently.

 Cost and Processing Time

The subclass 864 visa has a shorter processing time but higher application fees than non-contributory parent visas.

What can you do with this visa?

• Stay in Australia permanently
• Work and study anywhere in Australia
• Enrol in Medicare
• Include family members on your application
• Travel to and from Australia without restriction for 5 years from the date the visa is granted
• If eligible, become an Australian citizen

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Be sponsored by an eligible child (an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen)
• Meet the balance of family test:
  • at least half of your children/step-children are eligible, or
  • there are more eligible children living in Australia than in any other single country
• Obtain an assurance of support
• Have health insurance
• Meet health and character requirements
• Be old enough (65-67 depending on date of birth) to receive the age pension in Australia
• Be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, during visa application

Application Process

1. Check your eligibility
2. Gather all documents, including sponsor documents
3. Apply for the visa and pay the first installment
4. Application will be assessed and placed in queue
5. Applicants must wait for a visa to become available
6. Applications will be assessed again when a place becomes available
7. Second installment must be paid before visa is granted