Reuniting families is at the heart of Australia’s migration system, and for many migrant families, bringing parents to live permanently in Australia is a lifelong dream. The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) is one of the most reliable pathways for eligible parents who are already in Australia and wish to settle permanently with their children.
At Hkang Immigration, a Registered Migration Agent in Melbourne, Australia, we provide expert guidance to families navigating the complex parent visa system. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the 864 visa, including eligibility, costs, processing time, benefits, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What Is the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)?
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) is a permanent residence visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are of pension age and already in Australia.
Once granted, the aged parent visa 864 allows parents to:
Live in Australia permanently
Stay with their children and family
Access Medicare
Work and study without restrictions
Travel freely in and out of Australia
Apply for Australian citizenship (when eligible)
Unlike non-contributory parent visas with extremely long queues, the contributory aged parent visa 864 offers significantly faster processing due to higher visa charges.
Who Should Apply for the 864 Parent Visa?
The visa subclass 864 is best suited for parents who:
Are of Australian pension age
Are already in Australia on a valid visa
Meet the Balance of Family Test
Want faster permanent residency outcomes
Have an eligible child willing to sponsor them
If parents are outside Australia, offshore options such as the Subclass 143 should be considered instead. A Top Immigration Consultant like Hkang Immigration can help you choose the right pathway.
Key Features of the Aged Parent Visa 864
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) stands out because it offers:
Permanent residency from day one
Onshore application (must be in Australia)
Faster processing than queue-based parent visas
Medicare access
No work or study limitations
Pathway to Australian citizenship
Assurance of Support (AoS) for financial stability
These benefits make the 864 visa one of the most secure parent visa options available.
Eligibility Criteria for Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864
To qualify for the aged parent visa 864, applicants must meet all the following conditions.
1. Age Requirement
The applicant must be of Australian pension age at the time of application.
Currently: 67 years (subject to change)
This age requirement is what differentiates the 864 visa from other parent visas.
2. Balance of Family Test
This is a mandatory requirement.
You must have:
At least half of your children living permanently in Australia, or
More children living in Australia than in any other single country
3. Sponsorship Requirement
Applicants must be sponsored by a child who is:
An Australian citizen
An Australian permanent resident
An eligible New Zealand citizen
The sponsor must be:
At least 18 years old
Settled in Australia
4. Onshore Requirement
For visa subclass 864, the parent must:
Be inside Australia at the time of application
Hold a valid substantive or eligible bridging visa
Offshore applications are not accepted.
5. Health and Character Checks
Applicants must:
Meet Australian health standards
Provide police clearance certificates
Complete medical examinations
6. Assurance of Support (AoS)
The Assurance of Support is a legal commitment by the sponsor to financially support the parent.
Key points:
Mandatory for the contributory aged parent visa 864
Usually valid for 10 years
Requires a refundable bond
Cost of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864
One of the most common questions families ask Hkang Immigration, a trusted PR and TR Consultant, is about cost.
The contributory aged parent subclass 864 is one of Australia’s most expensive visas.
Cost Structure (Indicative)
First instalment: Paid at application lodgement
Second instalment: Paid before visa grant
Additional charges apply for secondary applicants
Although the cost is high, it directly contributes to faster processing times compared to non-contributory parent visas.
Aged Parent Visa 864 Processing Time
The aged parent visa 864 processing time depends on application quality, visa caps, and government priorities.
Average Processing Time
Approximately 4–6 years
While this may seem long, it is significantly shorter than non-contributory parent visas, which can take 20–30 years.
Factors affecting processing time include:
Completeness of documents
Health and character checks
Assurance of Support approval
Annual visa allocation limits
Step-by-Step Application Process for Visa Subclass 864
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
Confirm age, balance of family test, and onshore status.
Step 2: Document Preparation :
Identity and relationship documents
Sponsor evidence
Health and police checks
Step 3: Lodge Application
The visa subclass 864 is generally paper-based, not online.
Step 4: Bridging Visa Grant
Applicants usually receive a Bridging Visa A, allowing them to stay lawfully in Australia.
Step 5: AoS, Health & Police Checks
Completed when requested by the Department.
Step 6: Pay Second Instalment
Required before final approval.
Step 7: Visa Grant
Once approved, the parent becomes a permanent resident of Australia.
Benefits of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864
The aged parent visa 864 offers long-term security and peace of mind:
Permanent residency
Family reunification
Medicare access
Social security (after waiting periods)
Work and study rights
Citizenship eligibility
For families, this visa delivers emotional relief and lasting stability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications can be delayed or refused due to avoidable errors such as:
Failing the balance of family test
Applying while offshore
Incomplete documentation
Incorrect Assurance of Support details
Applying without professional advice
Working with a Registered Migration Agent in Melbourne, Australia, like Hkang Immigration, significantly reduces these risks.
Confirm age, balance of family test, and onshore status..
864: Faster, higher cost, permanent
804: Cheaper, extremely long queue
864 vs 143 Visa
864: Onshore, aged parents
143: Offshore, no age requirement
Choosing the right visa depends on family circumstances—expert advice matters.
Is the Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864 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 visa subclass 864 is often the most practical and compassionate solution.
Why Choose Hkang Immigration?
At Hkang Immigration, we are proud to be recognized as a Best Migration Agent in Melbourne, Australia. Our team offers:
Strategic parent visa planning
End-to-end application management
Transparent and ethical advice
Expertise across PR and TR pathways
As a Top Immigration Consultant and trusted PR and TR Consultant, we focus on outcomes—not promises.
Final Thoughts
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) is one of the most reliable pathways for aged parents to gain permanent residency in Australia. While the cost is higher, the benefits—certainty, stability, and family togetherness—are invaluable.
If you want expert, honest guidance from a Registered Migration Agent in Melbourne, Australia, Hkang Immigration is here to help you every step of the way.