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Contributory Aged Parent Visas 884 & 864

Purpose: These onshore visas allow aged parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia temporarily (Subclass 884) or permanently (Subclass 864). Applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test and obtain an Assurance of Support.

Criteria	Subclass 884 (Temporary)	Subclass 864 (Permanent)
Visa Type	Temporary (2 years)	Permanent
Age Requirement	Eligible for Age Pension	Eligible for Age Pension
Balance of Family Test	Required	Required
Assurance of Support	Not required	Required (10 years)
Work & Study Rights	Yes	Yes
Access to Medicare	No	Yes
Transition	Apply for 864 during 884 period	Pathway to citizenship
Application Location	Onshore only	Onshore only
Include Family	Partner and dependents	Partner and dependents

The Contributory Aged Parent Visa program consists of Subclass 884 (Temporary) and Subclass 864 (Permanent), designed for aged parents who meet the Australian Age Pension age and have children settled in Australia.

Subclass 884 is a temporary visa valid for 2 years and allows holders to live, work, and study in Australia. Applicants must be onshore when applying and when the visa is granted. During this period, they can apply for the permanent Subclass 864 visa without needing to meet the Balance of Family Test again.

Subclass 864 is a permanent visa that grants full residency rights, including work and study rights, Medicare access, and a pathway to citizenship.

Applicants must pass the Balance of Family Test, meaning at least half of their children must live in Australia as permanent residents or citizens, or more children must live in Australia than in any other single country.

An Assurance of Support (AoS) is mandatory for Subclass 864, requiring the sponsor to financially support the applicant for 10 years to ensure they do not rely on government assistance.

Applicants must satisfy health and character requirements. Processing times can be long due to high demand.

Can I apply for the 884 or 864 visa while outside Australia?

No, both visas require you to be onshore at time of application and grant.

Can I work and access Medicare on these visas?

Both visas allow you to work and study; Medicare is available on the 864 (permanent) visa.

What happens after the 884 visa expires?

You must apply for the permanent 864 visa within two years.

Who can sponsor me?

Your child, stepchild, or their partner, provided they are settled in Australia.

Is there a waiting period?

Yes, processing times can be lengthy due to annual caps..

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