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Contributory Aged Parent Visa
Allow aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily (Subclass 884) or permanently (Subclass 864)
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Contributory Aged Parent Visa – Subclass 884 & 864
Onshore pathway for “aged” parents
The Contributory Aged Parent visas (Subclass 884 temporary and 864 permanent) are for parents who are old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension and who have a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen child living in Australia.
Faster processing than non-contributory parent visas
Because they are “contributory” visas with higher government fees and an Assurance of Support requirement, Subclass 884/864 applications generally receive shorter queue times than non-contributory parent options such as the Aged Parent 804 visa, making them a realistic pathway for many families.
Live in Australia with your children and grandchildren
These visas are designed for parents who want to live close to family in Australia, sharing day-to-day life rather than short visits on a tourist visa. Holders can live, work and study in Australia, and permanent 864 visa holders can also access Medicare and, later, apply for citizenship if eligible.
Two-step or direct permanent options
Families can either:
start with the Subclass 884 temporary visa (up to 2 years in Australia) and then move to the Subclass 864 permanent visa, or
apply directly for Subclass 864 if they’re ready for the full permanent pathway.
The two-step 884 → 864 route lets you spread government visa charges over time, which can help with cash flow.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa – Subclass 884 & 864
School students (not secondary exchange) must be 6+ and within year-level age limits when commencing Years 9–12.
ANY – applicants can be citizens of any country. You must be the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who usually lives in Australia.
You must be “aged” – old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension on the day you apply (this age changes over time under social security law).
You must be formally sponsored by your eligible child. If your child is under 18, an eligible relative, your child’s partner, or an approved community organisation can act as sponsor. Sponsorship must be approved by the Department.
You must meet the Balance of Family Test – generally meaning at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country (including step-children and adopted children).
For both 884 and 864 you must be in Australia on an eligible visa (usually without a “No Further Stay” condition) when you apply, and you must not hold or have applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) 870 visa.
Before grant of the permanent 864 visa, an Assurance of Support is required. This is a financial commitment and bond from an assurer in Australia to help cover potential welfare costs for a set period.
All applicants must meet health and character requirements, sign the Australian Values Statement (if required), and have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, or have an approved repayment arrangement in place.
Subclass 884 (temporary): you must be in Australia when the visa is granted. Subclass 864 (permanent): you are usually required to be in Australia at time of decision and grant as well.
We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts
Excellence speaks for itself—our clients’ emotions tell the story.
Aleeha and Nirav at Knowbal Migration demonstrated outstanding guidance, persistence, and professionalism in securing a Visitor Visa Family Stream for a sister, successfully navigating earlier difficulties to achieve the outcome. Their dedication and genuine care throughout the process were truly appreciated.
Very good experience with Knowbal Migration. Nirav and Aleeha provided great support throughout my visa process and helped achieve a positive outcome. Thank you to the team for their assistance.
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s mainly a cash-flow vs simplicity decision.
- 884 → 864 lets your parents move to Australia sooner and split the big contributory fees over two stages (temporary then permanent).
- Direct 864 is one application and slightly cheaper overall, but the full cost hits at once.
In strategy calls we usually map your income, mortgage plans and sibling contributions, then pick the pathway that won’t crush your budget two years from now.
Yes, most onshore applicants receive a Bridging Visa A linked to the parent application, letting them remain in Australia lawfully until a decision is made. But:
- travel usually needs a Bridging Visa B, and
- any previous visa conditions (e.g. no work) may apply at first.
We always check your parents’ current visa and build a travel/work plan around the bridging conditions so there are no surprises.
It depends on:
- whether their current visa allows a further onshore application (no 8503 “No Further Stay”),
- how strong their GTE history is, and
- whether they’re realistically ready to settle.
Sometimes it’s better to convert while they’re here; other times, forcing an onshore application can look like they never intended to be genuine visitors. We review their travel history and visa conditions before recommending an onshore or offshore approach.
For aged parent visas, the AoS bond + ongoing living costs are just as important as the visa fee. We look at:
- your current and projected income,
- whether a co-assurer (e.g. sibling) can share the load, and
- how supporting your parents fits with other goals (buying a home, further study, starting a family).
We’d rather tell you “wait 12–18 months” than have you commit to an AoS that will cause serious financial stress later.
Yes, but it must be carefully managed. If they’re on a Bridging Visa A, they’ll usually need a Bridging Visa B before leaving. Too much time spent overseas can also make it look like they’re not really settling in Australia. We help you plan trips for weddings, medical check-ups or property matters without undermining the story that their primary home is now with you in Australia.
Aged parent visas involve a strict health test, and chronic conditions can create problems. Before you pay the full contributory fees, it’s smart to:
- obtain detailed specialist reports,
- estimate treatment costs in Australia, and
- have a migration professional do a health-risk review.
If the risk looks high, we’ll be direct with you and talk through alternatives (e.g. structured long-stay visits rather than permanent migration).
Sponsoring parents doesn’t normally block your own citizenship or PR, but it can affect you indirectly through time and money. AoS responsibilities, extra living costs and trips to manage your parents’ affairs can impact how quickly you:
- build savings for a home,
- meet physical presence rules for citizenship (if you travel a lot with them), and
- manage your own study or career moves.
When we design a parent-visa strategy, we always overlay it with your long-term plan as a former student now settling in Australia, so helping mum and dad doesn’t derail your own future.
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