Australia is the home of millions of migrants who have made it their permanent residence, and for many people, desire to reunite with their parents – especially as they grow up – become a priority. The contributor is a valuable route that allows the elderly parents to live in Australia and permanent residents of Australian citizens and permanent residents in Australia.
While the process can be complicated and the cost may be higher, the rewards of your parents to be near their later years are often worthy of effort. In this blog, we will break everything required to learn about 864 visas – from eligibility to processing time, cost and practical tips.
What is the contributory aged parent visa 864 ?
The contributor visa is a permanent residence visa for older parents Visa (subclass 864) old parents who are already in Australia and meet specific families and financial norms. This allows the parents to permanently live in Australia, reach Medicare and eventually apply for citizenship when eligible.
This contributor falls under the visa stream, which means that applicants will have to pay a high visa application fee to reach rapid processing time compared to standard guardian visa options, such as old original visa (subclass 804), which may take decades.
Key Features of the 864 Visa
Permanent residency for aged parents of settled Australians.
Access to Medicare and other government services.
No work or study restrictions.
Australian citizenship route after meeting residence requirements.
Applicants should be in Australia at the time of application and visa decision.
Provides the right to sponsor other family members once granted.
Who is the character?
To qualify for the subclass 864 visa, both the applicant (parents) and the sponsor (child) must meet specific criteria.
Parent Eligibility
An Australian citizen, permanent resident or character should be the parents of a New Zealand citizen.
Based on the birth date of the applicant, currently 66.5 and 67 years old, age pension should be of age.
Must be onshore when applying and when the visa is granted.
Must pass the Balance of Family Test, meaning:
At least half of the applicant’s children live permanently in Australia, or
More children live in Australia than in any other single country.
Must meet health and character requirements.
Sponsor Eligibility
Must be 18 years or older.
One settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible should be a citizen of New Zealand.
Support should be assured (AOS) – a financial binding to ensure that parents do not rely on social security for the first 10 years.
Must commit to supporting the parent financially and with accommodation if needed.
Cost of the Subclass 864 Visa
The cost of the 864 visa is significantly higher than other parent visa options, which is why it’s called a “contributory” visa — the high fee contributes to the costs of public services.
As of 2025, the cost per applicant is:
First instalment (on application): AUD $4,990
Second instalment (before visa grant): AUD $43,600
Total: AUD $48,590 per applicant
Additional charges apply for dependents included in the application, and you may also need to budget for:
Medical examinations
Police certificates
Translation of documents
Private health insurance (until Medicare access is granted)
Processing Time
One of the main benefits of the subclass 864 visa is a faster processing compared to non-odd visa. However, it is still subject to the annual migration cap and high demand, so the waiting time can be several years.
By 2025, the estimated processing time is:
Between 3 and 6 years, how many places are available and depends on the complexity of the case.
Also Read :- visa consultant Melbourne
The good news is that, once you apply while onshore, you can remain in Australia legally on a Bridging Visa A. This allows you to stay and potentially work while your application is processed.
Health and Medicare Access
One of the main benefits of the subclass 864 visa is accessible to the medicare after being given a visa. However, you have to maintain private health insurance during the application period if you are not yet eligible for Medicare (while on a bridging visa).
After providing permanent residence, you will have full access:
Public healthcare
Social security (after a 10-year waiting period for some services)
Concession cards for seniors
Subclass 864 vs Subclass 884
There is also a temporary version of this visa – the subclass 884 contributing old original visa – which is valid for two years and cannot be extended. Many families choose the two-step process (884 to 864) to spread out the financial burden.
Subclass 884 → 864 Pathway:
884 allows temporary stay for 2 years.
Transition to 864 after 2 years.
The total cost is similar but split over two separate payments.
This is ideal for families who want to bring parents soon, but require more time to arrange full visa costs.
final thoughts
Bringing your elderly parents to Australia can be a deep -fulfilling step, helping generations re -adding and strengthening family relations. The contributor provides a practical – although the way of doing this, offering permanent residence, access to healthcare and peace of mind to your loved ones.
However, due to its high cost and strict eligibility criteria, it is necessary to prepare carefully. Consult a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to make your application accurate, complete and to suit your family needs.
