864 Visa (Contributory Aged Parent Visa)

The Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 864) Visa offers a valuable opportunity for aging parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live permanently in Australia, fostering family reunification and providing emotional support. Being close to family members significantly enhances the well-being of both parents and their children, allowing them to share life’s milestones and daily moments.

Additionally, elderly parents can benefit from Australia’s high-quality healthcare system, ensuring they receive excellent medical care as their health needs increase with age.

Parent Visa Comparison Table

864 Visa Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Subclass 864 Visa, applicants must meet several specific requirements. They must have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia. Additionally, applicants need to pass a balance of family test, proving that at least half of their children live permanently in Australia.

A critical financial aspect of this visa involves a substantial contributory fee, paid in instalments. This fee supports public health and other services. Prospective applicants are also required to meet health and character checks, contributing to a comprehensive evaluation process designed to ensure the well-being of both applicants and the wider Australian community.

Applying for the 864 Visa

The 864 Visa application involves several important steps, including ensuring eligibility, compiling necessary documents, and undergoing health and police checks. A thorough understanding of these components helps increase the likelihood of a successful application.

Application Process

Applicants must primarily confirm their eligibility for the 864 Visa. They should have a sponsor who is an eligible child residing in Australia. The application requires a paper form submission, accompanied by necessary fees.

Applicants must be in Australia both at the time of application and when the visa decision is made and must be of retirement age in Australia. The process could take several months to years, depending on the queue length and the completeness of the application.

864 Visa Required Documents

Key documents include identity papers such as passports and birth certificates, proving the relationship to the eligible sponsor. Additional documents might include marriage certificates or evidence of any past legal name changes. Financial dependency documents are needed if applicable.

Police Certificates and Health Checks

Police certificates are required from each country where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months over the past 10 years. These documents ensure that applicants meet character requirements set by the Australian Government.

Health checks are mandatory, and applicants need to be evaluated by a panel-approved doctor. This includes a general health examination, chest x-ray, and possibly additional tests. The results must confirm that the applicant has no health conditions that could endanger public health or result in significant healthcare costs.

864 Visa Fee

The current Government Visa Fee is AUD $48,495 (updated Feb 2025)

Financial Obligations and Support

Recipients of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) must meet specific financial obligations. These commitments ensure that applicants and their sponsors are prepared to support the visa holder economically. The key areas of financial obligations include the Assurance of Support and the Contributory Payment.

Assurance of Support

The Assurance of Support is a mandatory financial undertaking required for applicants of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864). The assurance ensures that visa recipients will not become a financial burden on the Australian community. Sponsors, usually the visa applicant’s child, provide the Assurance of Support. This commitment typically lasts for ten years.

The assuror must prove the capability to provide financial support if needed. It includes depositing a bond, which acts as a safety net in case the visa holder requires government financial assistance. The bond amount is specified by the Department of Home Affairs, reflecting the number of people supported.

Contributory Payment

A key financial requirement involves a Contributory Payment, which is paid in addition to standard visa application charges. This payment offsets the cost of providing permanent residency benefits earlier compared to other parent visas. The payment is made in 2 installments.

The first instalment is required when the application is lodged, and the second is paid before visa grant. The costs are significant, ensuring only committed applicants proceed. These payments are non-refundable once processed, even if the visa application is withdrawn or refused.

Post-Visa Grant Information

Receipt of the 864 Visa comes with generous benefits, including access to Medicare and the option for permanent residency. Beneficiaries are also presented with the possibility of Australian citizenship in due course.

Permanent Residency Benefits

The 864 Visa grants permanent residency, allowing individuals to live, work, and study indefinitely in Australia. Visa holders gain access to the public health care scheme, Medicare, providing essential health services. This also includes free or subsidised treatments and prescription medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Permanent residents can travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date of the visa grant. Renewal of the travel facility will ensure continued freedom to travel internationally. Moreover, they have the right to sponsor relatives for permanent residency and access to certain social security payments after a waiting period.

Citizenship Eligibility

After obtaining the 864 Visa, individuals may become eligible for Australian citizenship. Permanent residents typically need to satisfy residency criteria, living in Australia for 4 years with at least 12 months as a permanent resident.

Applicants must demonstrate good character and pass the Australian citizenship test, which assesses knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. Once citizenship is granted, individuals can apply for an Australian passport, enhancing international mobility. They can also participate fully in the civic life of Australia by voting in elections and standing for public office.