What Is the Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 864 & 884 Australia?
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 864 & 884 Australia is designed for parents who are old enough to qualify for the Australian age pension and who wish to live permanently in Australia. These visas are part of the contributory parent visa program, meaning the government charges higher fees in exchange for faster processing.
Subclass 884 is a temporary visa that allows parents to stay in Australia during the processing period, while Subclass 864 grants permanent residency. This two-stage process allows applicants to remain onshore while progressing toward permanent settlement.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following main requirements:
- The parent must be of pension age at the time of application
- The sponsoring child must be an Australian citizen, copyright, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- The Balance of Family Test must be satisfied
- The applicant must meet health and character requirements
- An Assurance of Support must be provided
- The applicant should not have outstanding public health debts
Meeting these conditions is necessary before submitting an application.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa Australia – Key Benefits
The contributory aged parent visa Australia offers several long-term advantages for families and applicants:
- Legal right to remain in Australia during processing
- Faster permanent residency compared to non-contributory visas
- Access to Medicare
- Full work rights after PR grant
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members
- A clear pathway to Australian citizenship
This visa offers security, healthcare access, and permanent settlement for aged parents.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa Processing Time
The contributory aged parent visa processing time is significantly shorter than standard non-contributory parent visas. On average:
- Temporary Subclass 884 may take 2 to 4 years
- Permanent Subclass 864 may take 4 to 7 years total
Processing times vary based on application quality, health assessments, assurance of support approval, and case complexity. While the wait is still long, it is far quicker than the 20+ years associated with non-contributory parent visas.
Cost of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa
This visa comes with a high government application cost due to its faster processing. Fees are generally paid in two stages:
- Initial application lodgement charge
- Second VAC (major contribution) before final grant
In addition to government charges, other costs may include:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearances
- Document translations
- Assurance of Support bond
- Migration agent fees (if used)
Families must carefully plan finances before choosing this visa pathway.
Subclass 884 Temporary Visa Explained
Subclass 884 is the first stage of the contributory aged parent pathway. It allows parents to:
- Stay legally in Australia while waiting
- Access limited healthcare
- Remain with family during long processing times
- Transition to permanent residency through Subclass 864
This temporary visa helps reduce separation stress for families.
Life After Permanent Residency Grant
Once Subclass 864 is granted, parents receive full copyright benefits, including:
- Permanent settlement rights
- Medicare access
- Work and study rights
- Ability to sponsor certain family members
- Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency rules
This allows parents to fully integrate into Australian life.
Is This Visa the Right Choice?
The contributory aged parent pathway is ideal for families who need faster outcomes and can afford higher visa charges. It is especially suitable for elderly parents already living in Australia who cannot manage extended separation from their children.
Conclusion
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 864 & 884 Australia offers a faster and more secure permanent residency option for aged parents who wish to settle in Australia with their families. While the contributory aged parent visa processing time is still several years, it is significantly quicker than non-contributory options. The contributory aged parent visa Australia provides healthcare access, legal security, and citizenship pathways, making it one of the most reliable parent migration solutions for families seeking long-term stability.