Imagine a place where you can reunite with your loved ones and start a new chapter of your life, all while enjoying the beautiful Australian lifestyle. The Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) offers exactly that opportunity. This permanent visa is designed for aged parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, allowing them to move to Australia and live here indefinitely.
Duration: Permanent
Cost: AUD 48,495
Additional Costs: Charges for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics may apply. The visa fee is payable in two parts: the first installment is paid at the time of application, and the second installment is paid when requested.
Benefits
With this visa, you can:
Stay in Australia Indefinitely
Work and study throughout your stay
Access Australia’s public health care system
Sponsor your relatives to join you in Australia
Apply for Australian citizenship, if you meet the eligibility requirements
Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like for 5 years from the visa grant date, as long as the travel facility remains valid
Travel Facility
Initial 5-Year Travel
Once your Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) is granted, you will enjoy the flexibility of traveling in and out of Australia as often as you wish for a period of 5 years. This travel facility begins from the date your visa is granted and allows you to reconnect with family, explore new destinations, or simply return to your home country without the need for additional visa arrangements for the duration of this initial period.
After 5 Years
As the 5-year travel facility approaches its end, you will need to consider your options for maintaining your ability to enter and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident:
Resident Return Visa (RRV): To keep traveling in and out of Australia beyond the initial 5-year period, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV). This visa permits you to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. Make sure to submit your RRV application before your current travel status ends to maintain compliance with visa regulations.
Australian Citizenship: As an Australian citizen, you will not require a visa to enter Australia. Citizenship also offers additional benefits, such as eligibility to apply for an Australian passport, which facilitates international travel. If you choose this route, you will need to meet the residency and other eligibility criteria for citizenship.
Eligibility
Have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. If your child is under 18, you may be sponsored by an eligible relative or a community organization.
Be of age to receive the age pension in Australia.
Not have applied for or held a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa.
If you hold a subclass 884 visa, you can apply for the subclass 864 visa as a two-step process. This allows you to spread the cost of the visas over several years.
Ensure you meet the balance-of-family test, which requires at least half of your children and step-children to be eligible children, or more eligible children living in Australia than any other single country.
Application
Step 1: Ensure you have a valid passport and gather all necessary documents. If needed, get help from a registered migration agent or legal practitioner.
Step 2: Gather and prepare your documents, including identity documents, sponsor documents, and proof of the balance-of-family test. If applicable, include details for dependents under and over 18 years old.
Step 3: Apply for the visa on paper while you are in Australia.
Step 4: After submitting your application, wait for communication from the Department regarding receipt and further steps.
Step 5: Upon decision, if granted, follow the conditions. If refused, seeking guidance from immigration experts can reduce errors and simplify the application process.
Your Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) will be digitally linked to your passport, meaning no physical label will be placed in it. To support your application, you must provide an assurance of support, which guarantees that you will not depend on government assistance. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that any existing debts to the Australian Government are settled or that an approved arrangement to repay them is in place.
Please note that immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply for the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) if I already hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa?
- No, you cannot apply for this visa if you already hold or have applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa.
Q2: What happens if my sponsor dies before my application is processed?
- If you hold a Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (subclass 884) visa, you might still be eligible for the subclass 864 visa if your sponsor dies.
Q3: How long does it take to process the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)?
- Processing times vary due to high demand and the visa queue. Processing can be lengthy, and your application might take longer if not filled out correctly or if additional information is required.
Q4: Can I include family members in my application?
- Yes, you can include family members in your application, but they must also be in Australia and not in immigration clearance. They must meet health and character requirements.
Q5: What if my child is born after I apply?
- You must update your application with details of the newborn child, including proof of the relationship and any required documents.
Q6: What legal obligations must I and my family members follow while holding the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)?
- During your stay in Australia, you and your family must comply with all local laws, including regulations and legal standards.
Q7: How can I check my visa conditions and entitlements?
- You can review your visa conditions and entitlements by using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). VEVO provides detailed information about your visa status, including your rights to work and study.
Q8: What should I do if there are changes in my situation, such as a change in sponsor or relationship status?
- If there are any changes in your situation, such as a change in sponsor, relationship status, or contact details, you must promptly notify the Department of Home Affairs. Keeping your details current helps ensure that you remain compliant with your visa conditions and avoids any potential issues with your visa status.
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