Understanding the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864): A Pathway to Family Reunion in Australia
Australia has long been a destination for individuals who have had the opportunity to reunite with high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and family. For the older parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents, the contributor provides a route to live permanently in Australia and enjoy these benefits with their children and grandchildren. However, this visa comes with unique features, requirements and financial obligations that applicants and sponsors should consider carefully.
What is the contributor aged parent visa (subclass 864)?
The contributor visa is a permanent visa for Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or older parents of New Zealand citizens who have already settled in Australia. This allows parents to allow her family to use Medicare (Australia’s public health system), and eventually apply for Australian citizenship if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Unlike the standard original parent visa 103, the contributor visa is processed very fast – but falls at a high cost. The term “contribution” refers to sufficient contribution to the cost of future health and social care in Australia by applicants.
Major features of subclass 864 visa
Permanent residence: It provides immediate permanent resident position on visa approval.
Services access: The holders are entitled to medicare, can work in Australia and study, and sponsor family members for permanent residence.
Citizenship path: After meeting the residence and other requirements, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship.
Family Reunion: This visa supports the elderly parents to spend close to their later years.
1. Age Requirement
Applicants must be “aged,” meaning they are old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension. Eligibility Age varies depending on the birth date of the applicant, but currently it is about 67 years.
2. Sponsorship
The applicant should be sponsored by his child, which should be:
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or character of New Zealand,
At least 18 years old, and
Settled in Australia (typically interpreted as living in Australia for at least 2 years).
3. Balance of Family Test
This crucial test requires that:
At least half of the applicant’s children must live in Australia as citizens or permanent residents, or
More of the applicant’s children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
4. Health and character requirements
Applicants should complete strict health and character investigation including medical examinations and police approval.
Financial cost: an important idea
Contributory aged parent visa 864 is one of the most expensive Australian visa types. By 2025, the visa application fee is around 48,000 per applicant, which is usually paid in two installments:
A first installment (AUD 4,000) is paid if the application is submitted.
A second, very large installment (Aud 43,000) is paid before the visa is given.
Additionally, the sponsor should be assured of support (AOS), a financial bond (AUD 14,000 for an applicant, additional family members) to ensure that parents do not rely on public funds during the early years of settlement.
While the financial burden is sufficient, many families see it as a meaningful investment for the benefits of being close to parents and involvement in family life.
Processing Time
Although faster than the standard parents’ visas, subcontinent 864 visas may still take several years in the process, depending on the demand and annual quota set by the department of home affairs. Because the number of places is shaved every year, the waiting time can be expanded, even with the high cost of this contributor stream.
For parents -father in Australia on a temporary visa, applying for 864 visas may allow them to stay in Australia on a bridging visa while waiting for the decision – although it should be verified with an immigration advisor.
Options and staged approaches
Given the high cost of 864 visa, some applicants opt for a two-step process:
Contributing aged parents (temporary) Visa (subclass 884) – a temporary visa which is valid for two years.
Later infection in permanent subclass 864 visa, paying the remaining part of the visa charge.
This staging approach spreads the cost over a few years, providing more financial flexibility to families.
final thoughts
The contributor aged parents Visa (subclass 864) presents an invaluable opportunity for the family reunion in Australia, allowing the elderly parents to join their children and grandchildren and make a meaningful contribution in family life. While the visa involves a significant financial commitment, the benefits of permanent habitat are especially a safe, well-supported environment for the age of.
