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Contributory Aged Parent visa (Subclass 864)

AustraliaFamily

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Explore pathways in Australia Read the five questions ↓

Which family relationships qualify?

The qualifying family relationship is that of an aged parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The parent must have an eligible child settled in Australia and must be old enough to receive the Australian age pension, and must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying.

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Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

The parent must have an eligible sponsor, usually the eligible child; if that child is under 18, an eligible relative or a community organisation may sponsor instead. The Department must approve the sponsorship before the visa can be granted. A holder of the Temporary Contributory Aged Parent (subclass 884) visa may still be eligible for this visa even if their sponsor dies.

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What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

Proof of the qualifying relationship centres on the 'balance of family test': the parent must show that at least half of their children and step-children are eligible children settled in Australia, or that more of their eligible children live in Australia than in any other single country. A parent who already holds the Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (subclass 884) visa has already met this test.

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What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

The parent must obtain an Assurance of Support (unless applying as a retiree under the Retirement visa pathway), guaranteeing they will not need government assistance after arrival; an individual, several people, or an organisation may provide it. The parent and any family members applying with them must also meet Australia's health and character requirements, repay (or arrange to repay) any debt owed to the Australian Government, and sign the Australian Values Statement if aged 18 or over.

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How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

This is a permanent visa: once granted, the parent can stay in Australia indefinitely, work and study, enrol in Medicare, sponsor family members, travel to and from Australia for 5 years, attend free English classes under the Adult Migrant English Program if eligible, and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible. Cost is from AUD49,900 over 2 instalments for a single applicant (concessions apply in limited circumstances; a lower cost applies from 1 July 2026 for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens).

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These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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