Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
A permanent pathway for eligible aged parents applying in Australia, with higher charges than the non-contributory aged parent option.
- Status
- Permanent
- Age
- Australian Age Pension age threshold
- Balance of family
- Generally required; exemptions may apply
- Where to apply
- In Australia to apply, not in immigration clearance; confirm grant-location requirements for your circumstances.
What this visa allows
- Live permanently in Australia after grant.
- Work and study in Australia after grant.
- Enrol in Medicare as an eligible permanent resident; citizenship requires a separate application and eligibility.
Eligibility at a glance
- Have reached the qualifying Australian Age Pension age. This is an age threshold, not a promise of eligibility for pension payments.
- An eligible settled child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and an eligible sponsor, subject to applicable exemptions.
- Meet the Balance of Family Test, unless a specific exemption applies.
- Be able to obtain an Assurance of Support where required; sponsorship and Assurance of Support are separate requirements.
- Meet health, character and other applicable visa requirements.
- Be in Australia, not in immigration clearance, and eligible to make a valid application.
Important limitations
- Places are capped and applications are queued. Substantial waits can apply; a contributory visa is not a fast-track or guaranteed outcome.
- Being in Australia does not itself make an application valid. Current visa conditions, including any No Further Stay condition, and immigration history need assessment.
- You cannot apply for this visa if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870). Seek advice before choosing the order of applications.
- A two-stage 884 → 864 application generally costs more overall than a direct 864 application. Do not assume Medicare or unrestricted travel rights while waiting.
Costs and waiting times
Higher government charges than subclass 804. Capped and queued; not a fast-track.
Government charges are separate from professional fees; other costs may apply. Check current amounts on the official subclass page rather than relying on a fixed quote here.
Check the Department’s current parent visa queue information. It is not a promised decision date.
Related pathway
Eligible parents may compare a direct subclass 864 application with subclass 884 followed by a separate 864 application. Assess age, current visa conditions and transition timing before choosing.
This is general information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing change. Check the current position on the Department of Home Affairs page for subclass 864 (opens in a new tab).
About the 864
Age is only one criterion. Sponsorship, family circumstances, application validity, health, character and financial requirements also need assessment. Pension payments have separate eligibility rules.
That depends on your current visa and any bridging visa conditions. Obtain advice before leaving Australia; a pending application is not itself permission to return.
Home Affairs currently requires new subclass 864 applications online through ImmiAccount. Check the official subclass instructions and your application eligibility first.
Your matter:
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864).
Selected service · Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your contributory aged parent visa (subclass 864) consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
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