Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) Explained

What Is the 864 Visa?

The 864 visa is a permanent resident visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are of pension age and already in Australia.

Also known as the aged parent visa 864, this visa allows parents to:

• Live in Australia permanently
  
  

• Stay with their children and family
  
  

• Access Medicare
  
  

• Work and study without restrictions
  
  

• Apply for Australian citizenship later

Unlike queue-based parent visas, the contributory aged parent visa 864 offers much faster processing because applicants pay a higher visa contribution charge.

Who Is the 864 Visa Designed For?

The visa subclass 864 is best suited for:

• Parents who meet Australia’s aged parent definition
  
  

• Families wanting faster outcomes compared to non-contributory visas
  
  

• Parents already inside Australia on a valid visa
  
  

• Applicants who can meet health, character, and financial requirements

If your parents are outside Australia, this visa will not apply. In that case, offshore parent visa options must be considered.

Key Features of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864

Here’s what makes the contributory parent visa 864 unique:

• Permanent residency from day one
  
  

• Onshore application (must be in Australia)
  
  

• Faster than non-contributory parent visas
  
  

• Includes access to Medicare
  
  

• No work or study restrictions
  
  

• Pathway to Australian citizenship
  
  

• Sponsor support through Assurance of Support (AoS)

Eligibility Criteria for Aged Parent Visa 864

To qualify for the aged parents visa 864, applicants must meet all of the following requirements.

1. Age Requirement (Aged Parent Criteria)

The applicant must be of Australian pension age at the time of application.

Currently:

• Pension age is 67 years (subject to future changes)

This age rule is what distinguishes the aged parent visa 864 from other parent visas.

2. Balance of Family Test

The balance of family test is mandatory for the 864 visa.

You must meet one of the following:

• At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
  
  

• More children live in Australia than in any other single country

Children include biological, adopted, and stepchildren.

3. Sponsorship Requirement

Applicants must be sponsored by:

• An Australian citizen
  
  

• An Australian permanent resident
  
  

• Or an eligible New Zealand citizen
  
  

The sponsor must:

• Be settled in Australia
  
  

• Be at least 18 years old

4. Onshore Presence Requirement

For the visa 864, the parent must:

• Be inside Australia when applying
  
  

• Hold a valid substantive visa (or eligible bridging visa)
  
  

This is a critical requirement. Applications lodged offshore are refused.

5. Health and Character Checks

Applicants must:

• Meet Australian health standards
  
  

• Provide police clearance certificates
  
  

• Undergo medical examinations
  
  

These checks apply to all applicants under the visa subclass 864.

6. Assurance of Support (AoS)

The Assurance of Support is a financial commitment by the sponsor to support the parent.

Key points:

• Required for contributory aged parent visa 864
  
  

• Usually valid for 10 years
  
  

• Includes a refundable bond paid to the government

Cost of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864

One of the most searched questions is about visa 864 cost—and rightly so.

The contributory aged parent subclass 864 visa is among the most expensive Australian visas.

Current Cost Breakdown (Indicative)

• First instalment: Paid at application lodgement
  
  

• Second instalment: Paid before visa grant
  
  

• Additional applicant charges apply for dependent partners

The high cost is the reason why subclass 864 processing time is significantly faster than queue-based parent visas.

Costs may change, so always confirm before applying.

Aged Parent Visa 864 Processing Time

The aged parent visa 864 processing time depends on application quality, demand, and government priorities.

Typical Processing Time

• 4 to 6 years (approximate, subject to change)

Compared to non-contributory parent visas (which can exceed 20–30 years), the contributory aged parent visa 864 processing time is considerably shorter.

Factors affecting subclass 864 processing time include:

• Completeness of documents
  
  

• Health and character results
  
  

• AoS approval timelines
  
  

• Annual visa caps

Step-by-Step Application Process for Visa Subclass 864

Here’s how the 864 visa application typically works:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm age, balance of family test, and onshore status.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Includes:

• Identity documents
  
  

• Relationship proof
  
  

• Sponsor documents
  
  

• Health and character evidence

Step 3: Lodge Application (Paper-Based)

Unlike many visas, the visa subclass 864 is usually paper-based.

Step 4: Receive Bridging Visa

Applicants generally receive a Bridging Visa A, allowing them to stay lawfully in Australia.

Step 5: Health, Police & AoS Requests

Complete medical exams and Assurance of Support when requested.

Step 6: Pay Second Instalment

Before final decision, the remaining contributory parent visa 864 charges must be paid.

Step 7: Visa Grant

Once approved, the parent becomes a permanent resident of Australia.

Benefits of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864

The contributory aged parent visa 864 offers long-term stability and security.

Key benefits include:

• Permanent residence
  
  

• Family reunification
  
  

• Medicare access
  
  

• Social security (after waiting periods)
  
  

• Work and study rights
  
  

• Travel freedom
  
  

• Citizenship eligibility

For families, this visa brings emotional relief and long-term settlement certainty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Visa 864

Many applications face delays or refusal due to avoidable mistakes.

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Failing the balance of family test
  
  

• Lodging while offshore
  
  

• Incomplete documentation
  
  

• Incorrect Assurance of Support details
  
  

• Health issues not disclosed upfront
  
  

• Applying without professional guidance

A single mistake can significantly impact aged parent visa 864 processing time.

864 Visa vs Other Parent Visas

Understanding alternatives helps families choose wisely.

864 Visa vs 804 Visa

• 864 visa: Faster, higher cost, permanent
  
  

• 804 visa: Cheaper, extremely long queue
  
  

864 Visa vs 143 Visa

• Visa 864: Onshore (aged parents)
  
  

• Visa 143: Offshore (no age requirement)
  
  

Each option suits different family circumstances.

Is the 864 Visa Worth It?

For many families, yes.

If your parents:

• Are of pension age
  
  

• Are already in Australia
  
  

• Want faster permanent residency
  
  

• Have strong family support
  
  

Then the contributory aged parent subclass 864 visa is often the most practical and humane choice.

FAQs: 

1. What is the 864 visa?

The 864 visa is a permanent contributory aged parent visa for parents who are already in Australia and meet the age and balance of family requirements.

2. What is the aged parent visa 864 processing time?

The aged parent visa 864 processing time is generally 4 to 6 years, depending on application volume, document completeness, and government visa caps.

3. Can parents work on visa subclass 864?

Yes. Once granted, the visa subclass 864 allows parents to work and study in Australia without restrictions.

4. Is Medicare available on the contributory parent visa 864?

Yes. Applicants are usually eligible for Medicare while on a bridging visa and continue to have full access after the contributory parent visa 864 is granted.

5. Can both parents be included in one 864 visa application?

Yes. Married or de facto couples can apply together under the 864 parent visa, but additional visa charges apply for the second applicant.

6. Does the contributory aged parent visa 864 lead to Australian citizenship?

Yes. After meeting residency and eligibility requirements, holders of the contributory aged parent visa 864 can apply for Australian citizenship.

7. What happens if the applicant’s current visa expires during processing?

If applied correctly, applicants are granted a bridging visa, allowing them to stay lawfully in Australia during the subclass 864 processing time.

Final Thoughts

The 864 visa is one of the most reliable pathways for aged parents to gain permanent residency in Australia. While the contributory aged parent visa 864 comes with a higher financial commitment, it offers faster processing, long-term security, and priceless family togetherness.

If your family values certainty, stability, and being together in Australia, the visa subclass 864 is often worth every step of the journey.