On this page
- Australia contributory aged parent: Overview
- Required Documents
- Prepare your evidence and forms
- Path to Permanent Residence
- Fees and Processing Times
- Conditions and Rights
- When to Get Help
- Renewal and Extension
- The Two-Stage Process
- Eligibility Requirements
- Relationship Scrutiny Red Flags
- Why use the subclass 864 two-step process?
- Fees
- Required forms
- Related visa types
- Related goals
- Next steps
Australia contributory aged parent: Overview
#The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) allows you to live in Australia permanently if you are an aged parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It involves higher costs than non‑contributory options but offers faster processing.
Who this visa is for
You apply for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) if you are of pension age and want to stay in Australia permanently with your child. Your child must be a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Home Affairs assesses your eligibility and supporting documents. Filing the application does not guarantee approval.
This visa suits you if:
- You meet the age requirement for an aged parent visa
- You have a qualifying child who is settled in Australia
- You want permanent residence rather than a temporary stay
- You’re prepared to pay higher contributory visa charges for faster processing
You may also consider related parent visas, depending on your goals and circumstances.
| Visa | Key Feature | Permanent |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Visa (subclass 103) | Lower cost, longer processing | Yes |
| Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) | Higher cost, faster processing | Yes |
| Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) | For aged parents in Australia | Yes |
| Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173) | Temporary pathway to permanent | No |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) | Temporary stay only | No |
You may need to provide detailed personal history information, including Form Form 80, if requested by Home Affairs.
What the visa grants
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) is a permanent visa. It allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely once granted.
With this visa, you can:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Stay in Australia with your settled child
- Apply directly through the Department of Home Affairs
Because it is a contributory visa, you pay higher application charges in AUD (A$) than for non‑contributory parent visas. In return, Home Affairs processes these applications faster than the Parent Visa (subclass 103).
This visa differs from temporary options such as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), which does not lead to permanent residence. It also differs from the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173), which serves as a temporary stage before a permanent contributory parent visa.
The Department of Home Affairs makes all decisions on this visa. Approval depends on meeting all eligibility and evidentiary requirements.
Required Documents
#You must provide clear evidence of your identity, age, family relationship, and character. The Department of Home Affairs will not assess your Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) or related parent visa without complete and valid documentation.
Identity, age and relationship documents
You must prove who you are and that you qualify as an aged parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Provide:
- Current passport (bio-data page) for you and each dependant
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Four recent photographs of each applicant
- Proof of age to show you meet the age requirement for an age-related pension
- Birth certificates or official documents confirming your relationship to your child
- Evidence of your child’s citizenship or permanent residence status
If you include dependants, submit identity documents for each person, even if they will not migrate.
The same core identity documents apply across parent visa categories.
| Visa Type | Identity and Relationship Evidence Required |
|---|---|
| Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) | Passport, proof of age, child’s status, relationship documents |
| Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173) | Same as subclass 143 |
| Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) | Proof of age and relationship to eligible child |
| Parent Visa (subclass 103) | Identity and child’s citizenship or PR evidence |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) | Identity and proof of family relationship |
Ensure all passports remain valid during processing.
Health, character and police checks
You must meet health and character requirements. Home Affairs requires supporting documents for you, your dependants, and in some cases non‑migrating family members.
Provide:
- Police certificates from every country where you lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Military service records if you served more than 12 months in any country’s armed forces
- Completed Form Form 80 if requested
- Any required health examination documentation
Police certificates expire 12 months after issue. If processing takes longer, you may need to obtain updated certificates.
Apply for police clearances early, especially if you lived in multiple countries. Delays in character documents often slow down Parent Visa (subclass 103), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), and Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) applications.
Prepare your evidence and forms
#You must lodge complete forms and certified documents with the Department of Home Affairs. Incomplete applications for the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173), or Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) can delay assessment.
Organise sponsorship paperwork, identity documents, and character evidence before you submit through ImmiAccount.
Sponsor forms and sponsorship evidence
Your sponsor must complete Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia. Home Affairs will assess both your visa application and your sponsor’s eligibility.
Include:
- Completed Form 40 signed by your sponsor
- Evidence your sponsor is approved or eligible to sponsor
- Information confirming the sponsorship arrangement
If you apply for the Parent Visa (subclass 103), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173), or Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), you can’t skip this step.
Provide certified copies of supporting documents unless Home Affairs asks for originals. After you lodge, import the application into your ImmiAccount so you can track messages and upload additional documents.
Don’t submit sponsorship forms for visa subclasses that do not require them, such as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), unless specifically instructed by Home Affairs.
Other supporting forms and photos
You must complete all personal and dependent forms in full. Errors or missing history can lead to delays.
Key forms and documents include:
| Document or Form | Who Must Provide It | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form Form 80 | All applicants as required | Personal history and character details |
| Form 47A | Each dependant aged 18+ | Dependant’s migration details |
| Marriage certificate or de facto evidence | Partner applicants | Proof of relationship |
| Identity documents | All applicants | Biographical and identity confirmation |
You must also provide:
- Character documents for all applicants
- Health and character documents for non‑migrating family members where required
- Evidence of dependency for any dependant
- Evidence of compelling and compassionate circumstances, if you rely on them
Submit certified copies of documents except police certificates, which must be original where required. Every document needs to match the details in your application exactly.
Path to Permanent Residence
#Your outcome depends on the visa subclass you hold and whether you applied for a temporary or permanent parent visa. Some visas grant permanent residence immediately, while others require a second application stage through Home Affairs.
After visa outcome
If Home Affairs grants the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) or the Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), you receive permanent residence on approval. You can remain in Australia indefinitely and hold a permanent visa subject to its travel facility.
If you hold the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173), you must apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) before your temporary visa ceases. This second-stage application finalizes your permanent status.
If you applied under the Parent Visa (subclass 103), you become a permanent resident once Home Affairs approves the visa. Processing details and current charges appear on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) does not lead to permanent residence. You must apply separately for a permanent parent visa if eligible.
| Visa Subclass | Permanent on Grant | Further Application Required |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 143 | Yes | No |
| Subclass 804 | Yes | No |
| Subclass 173 | No | Yes – apply for Subclass 143 |
| Subclass 103 | Yes | No |
| Subclass 870 | No | Yes – separate permanent visa required |
Typical next steps
After approval, you must:
- Review your visa grant notice from Home Affairs
- Check travel facility conditions
- Keep your contact details updated with Home Affairs
If you transition from Subclass 173 to Subclass 143, prepare updated documents as required. Home Affairs may request identity documents, health assessments, police clearances, or a completed Form Form 80.
If you hold the Subclass 870, confirm your eligibility before lodging a new permanent parent visa application. You can’t convert it automatically.
For contributory visas, confirm payment stages and any outstanding charges through the official fee calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website. All payments use AUD (A$).
The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border, but Home Affairs controls your visa status. Always rely on your written grant notice as the controlling document for your rights and conditions.
Fees and Processing Times
#You pay a high upfront charge for contributory parent visas, and you wait several years for a decision due to capped annual places. Home Affairs manages both the fee structure and the queue system.
Visa costs and instalments
For the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), Home Affairs charges a substantial first instalment at lodgement.
| Applicant | First instalment (as of July 2025) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | A$43,600 |
You must pay this amount when you lodge a valid application. Additional instalments and charges may apply, so confirm current totals using the Department of Home Affairs fee information before you apply.
The lower‑cost Parent Visa (subclass 103) and Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) have different fee structures. The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173) and Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) also carry separate charges set by Home Affairs.
If Home Affairs requests Form Form 80 for character assessment, processing of that form can take about 13 months under the “Skilled (Permanent)” category as of February
- Timeframes vary by category and location.
Processing windows and queues
Parent visa demand exceeds the number of places available each program year. As a result, queues are long across subclasses.
For the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), current processing times sit at approximately 4 to 6 years. Home Affairs publishes queue release dates and a processing times guide to show how far it has progressed in the backlog.
Non‑contributory options such as the Parent Visa (subclass 103) and Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) also follow queue systems. You should review the Parent visa queue information issued by Home Affairs to track movement.
Home Affairs prioritises cases with compelling or compassionate circumstances, including applicants in immigration detention. In all other cases, your place in the queue largely determines when a case officer assesses your application.
Conditions and Rights
#You must meet strict health and character standards, and you must manage your travel carefully while Home Affairs assesses your case. These obligations apply to the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) and related parent visas.
Health and character obligations
Home Affairs won’t grant a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) unless you meet Australia’s health and character requirements. These standards also apply to the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), and Parent Visa (subclass 103).
You’ll need to:
- Complete required health examinations if instructed
- Meet the minimum health standard set by Home Affairs
- Satisfy character requirements to be granted the visa
- Continue to meet character requirements while you remain in Australia
Australia maintains high public health standards. If you don’t meet the health requirement, Home Affairs can refuse your application.
For character assessment, you might need to provide detailed background information. This can include Form Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment) if requested.
| Requirement | What You Must Do | Who Assesses It |
|---|---|---|
| Health | Attend medical exams and meet minimum standard | Department of Home Affairs |
| Character | Provide background details and satisfy character test | Department of Home Affairs |
If you’ve applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), you can’t apply for this visa.
Application location and travel cautions
You need to plan your travel with care while Home Affairs assesses your character. Don’t finalise travel plans until you receive the outcome of your character assessment.
If you leave Australia during processing, make sure you hold a valid visa that allows you to return. The Australian Border Force manages border entry, and you must meet entry requirements at the time you arrive.
Key points to manage:
-
Confirm your current visa status before travel.
-
Wait for character clearance before committing to flights.
-
Monitor all correspondence from Home Affairs.
Parent visa categories have different onshore and offshore pathways, including the Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) and the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143). Your location at the time of application and decision can affect your options, so check your specific visa conditions with Home Affairs before you travel.
When to Get Help
#You’ll want targeted advice if your background raises character concerns or if Home Affairs has previously refused or cancelled a visa. These situations can block access to parent visas and limit you to very narrow options.
Complex history or character issues
Seek advice before you apply if you have any criminal history, past visa breaches, or prior dealings with Home Affairs that could raise character concerns. A refusal or cancellation on character grounds can prevent you from applying for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864).
If Home Affairs cancelled or refused a visa on character grounds since your last arrival in Australia, your options become extremely limited. In most cases, you can only apply for a Protection visa (subclass 866), provided you meet its criteria.
This restriction can affect multiple parent visa pathways:
| Visa Type | Impact of Character Refusal or Cancellation |
|---|---|
| Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) | Not available after certain character decisions |
| Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) | May be affected depending on your circumstances |
| Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) | May be affected depending on your circumstances |
| Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173) | May be affected depending on your circumstances |
You should also prepare to complete Form Form 80, which requires detailed personal history. Inconsistent or incomplete information can trigger further character scrutiny.
Early legal advice helps you assess risk before you lodge and pay significant A$ visa charges.
Prior refusals, cancellations and limits
Get help immediately if Home Affairs has ever refused or cancelled one of your visas. The reason for that decision determines what you can apply for next.
If the refusal or cancellation was based on character grounds since your last entry to Australia, you generally can’t apply for another parent visa. In most cases, only a Protection visa (subclass 866) remains available unless the Minister intervenes on public interest grounds.
You should review:
- The written refusal or cancellation notice
- The specific section cited for the decision
- The date of your last arrival in Australia
These details affect eligibility for visas such as:
- Parent Visa (subclass 103)
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
- Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
- Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173)
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870)
Don’t assume you can switch to another parent category. A single character-based decision can close most pathways, and lodging the wrong application can result in further refusals and lost A$ application charges.
Renewal and Extension
#The contributory aged parent pathway doesn’t operate as a simple renewal. You either move from a temporary visa to a permanent visa or apply under a different parent category.
Your next step depends on the visa you currently hold and your long‑term plans.
Two-step (temporary then permanent) route
You can follow a two‑step pathway by first holding the Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (subclass 884) visa and then applying for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864).
This approach generally moves faster than the Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) process, but it costs more overall. You pay charges at both stages.
If you already hold a subclass 884 visa, you apply for the permanent subclass 864 as the second step.
If you don’t hold a subclass 884 visa, you must complete:
- Form 47PA – Application for a parent to migrate to Australia
Home Affairs assesses both stages. The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border, not visa processing.
| Pathway | First Step | Second Step | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-step contributory route | Subclass 884 (temporary) | Subclass 864 (permanent) | Faster than subclass 804, higher overall cost, two separate applications |
Other pathways and forms
You can’t “renew” a parent visa in the usual sense. Instead, you apply under another parent category if you meet its criteria.
Other parent visa options include:
- Parent Visa (subclass 103)
- Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870)
Each visa has different costs and processing priorities. The contributory categories (subclass 143 and subclass 864) generally involve higher A$ charges than non‑contributory options such as subclass 103 or subclass 804.
Home Affairs may also require supporting forms, including:
- Form Form 80 – Personal particulars for character assessment
You must submit all required forms and documents together. Incomplete applications delay assessment and can lead to refusal.
The Two-Stage Process
#You need to complete two distinct steps with the Department of Home Affairs: sponsor approval and then the visa application. You can’t skip the sponsor stage, and you must lodge a complete application with all required forms and documents.
Sponsor approval then visa application
Home Affairs first assesses the Australian sponsor, not the parent applicant. This applies to contributory and non‑contributory pathways, including the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), and Parent Visa (subclass 103).
Your sponsor must provide all requested information and complete the required sponsorship forms. Home Affairs won’t move forward until the sponsorship stage meets its requirements.
After sponsor approval, you lodge the parent visa application with all supporting documents. You must include:
- Completed visa application form
- Identity documents
- Sponsorship forms
- Form Form 80 (if requested)
- Certified copies of documents (except police certificates)
- Any additional evidence Home Affairs specifies
If you use an authorised recipient, you must formally nominate that person.
For temporary pathways such as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), sponsorship approval also occurs before the visa application stage.
| Step | Who Is Assessed | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sponsor | Lodge and obtain sponsorship approval |
| 2 | Parent applicant | Submit complete visa application with documents |
Paper vs Immi Account steps
Some parent visas require you to apply on paper, particularly if you are onshore when lodging. In that case, you must:
-
Complete the correct paper form for your visa subclass.
-
Gather all supporting documents.
-
Submit certified copies (except police certificates).
-
Lodge the full application package as instructed by Home Affairs.
Incomplete paper applications risk delays because Home Affairs expects all required documents at lodgement.
You can also use Immi Account to manage certain applications. Through Immi Account, you can:
- Log in and select the correct visa type
- Upload documents
- Provide additional information when requested
- Monitor application progress
If you lodge on paper, you can later import the application into Immi Account to manage correspondence more efficiently.
Always select the correct visa subclass in Immi Account, such as subclass 143, 173, 804, or 103, to avoid processing issues.
Eligibility Requirements
#You must meet age, relationship, sponsorship, and family composition rules set by the Department of Home Affairs. These criteria apply to the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) and Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173), and they differ from non‑contributory options such as the Parent Visa (subclass 103) and Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804).
Who qualifies as the applicant
You qualify if you are the aged parent of an eligible child who is:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
You must be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia at the time you apply. For onshore applications, you must be in Australia and not in immigration clearance when you lodge your application.
You must also:
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements
- Provide required personal history information, which may include Form Form 80
If you include dependants:
- A dependant over 23 must be unable to earn a living due to a physical or cognitive condition.
- That dependant must rely on you or your partner for financial support.
The table below outlines core applicant criteria.
| Requirement | What You Must Show |
|---|---|
| Relationship | You are the parent of an eligible child |
| Age | You meet the age requirement for the Australian age pension |
| Location (if applying onshore) | You are in Australia, not in immigration clearance |
| Health and character | You satisfy Home Affairs checks |
| Adult dependants | Medical inability to work and financial dependency |
Sponsor and family tests
You must have an approved sponsor. In most cases, your sponsor is your eligible child.
If your child is under 18, another eligible relative may sponsor you.
Your sponsor must be settled in Australia and hold one of the following statuses:
- Australian citizen
- Australian permanent resident
- Eligible New Zealand citizen
Home Affairs must approve the sponsorship before the visa can be granted.
You must also pass the balance of family test. This test requires that:
- At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
- More of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country
You must provide evidence of where each child lives to meet this test.
The balance of family test applies to parent categories including:
| Visa Category | Balance of Family Test Required |
|---|---|
| Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) | Yes |
| Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173) | Yes |
| Parent Visa (subclass 103) | Yes |
| Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) | Yes |
This test does not apply to the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), which follows a different framework.
Relationship Scrutiny Red Flags
#Home Affairs closely reviews your identity, character history, sponsorship details, and supporting documents across all parent visa subclasses. Incomplete forms, missing disclosures, or inconsistencies between applications often trigger delays or refusal.
Common mistakes that cause delays
You must provide complete and accurate information for the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), Parent Visa (subclass 103), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173), or Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870).
Errors in forms or missing documents slow assessment.
Common delay triggers include:
- Failing to submit required identity documents
- Sending original documents instead of certified copies (police certificates are the exception)
- Leaving questions blank on Form Form 80
- Your sponsor incorrectly completing the sponsorship form
- Not providing evidence for the balance of family test
- Omitting details about previous visa refusals or cancellations
Home Affairs may also delay processing if any family member, including non‑migrating relatives, does not meet health requirements.
| Issue | Likely Impact |
|---|---|
| Incomplete Form 80 | Character assessment delay |
| Missing identity documents | Possible refusal |
| Inaccurate information | Processing delay or refusal |
| Incorrect sponsorship form | Request for further information |
Cases referred for character consideration often involve complex matters and take longer to finalise.
Character and travel omissions to avoid
You have to disclose all criminal conduct, not just convictions. This covers charges, findings of guilt, and anything that's still ongoing.
If you committed serious criminal offences, Home Affairs generally won't grant the visa.
Disclosure must also include:
- Any previous visa refusals
- Any visa cancellations, including those on character grounds
- Full immigration history for Australia and other countries
- Accurate travel history on Form 80
Don't try to minimise or skip past issues. Home Affairs checks your answers against their records.
| Disclosure Area | What You Must Provide |
|---|---|
| Criminal history | Full details of offences and outcomes |
| Visa refusals | Date, visa type, and reason |
| Visa cancellations | Grounds for cancellation |
| Immigration history | All prior applications and outcomes |
Incomplete disclosures often lead to extra assessment, which delays processing for subclasses 143, 173, 804, and 103.
Why use the subclass 864 two-step process?
#The two-step pathway runs through a temporary contributory visa before you get permanent residence. It moves more quickly than the non‑contributory aged option, but you'll pay higher visa charges.
When the two-step route applies
You take the two-step process by applying first for the Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 884), then later for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864).
This pathway suits you if:
- You want a contributory pathway rather than the Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804).
- You accept higher visa charges in return for faster processing.
- You meet Home Affairs requirements for an aged parent and have an eligible sponsor.
If you already hold a subclass 884 visa, you lodge the subclass 864 as the next step.
If you don't hold a subclass 884 visa, you complete:
-
Form 47PA – Application for a parent to migrate to Australia.
-
Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia (completed by your sponsor).
Home Affairs assesses both stages. The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border, but doesn't decide your visa.
Alternatives include:
- Parent Visa (subclass 103)
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
- Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
- Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173)
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870)
Each option comes with its own cost structure and processing model.
Trade-offs: speed vs cost
The two-step contributory pathway is faster than the Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804). The cost is higher, both up front and at the second stage.
Here's a summary:
| Visa pathway | Processing pace | Cost level | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 804 (Aged Parent) | Slower | Lower | Single permanent stage |
| Subclass 884 → 864 | Faster | Higher | Temporary stage, then permanent |
You go through two applications and commit to contributory-level charges.
Detailed personal history is required, sometimes including Form Form 80 if Home Affairs asks for it. Accurate documentation helps avoid delays.
Choose this route if your priority is faster permanent residence and you're able to pay the higher charges.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| First instalment (primary applicant)Contributory Aged Parent 864. Second instalment $5,040; secondary 18+ $2,515, under 18 $1,260 | A$43,600 (approx $30,084 USD) |
Fees change; always verify on Home Affairs.
Next steps
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FAQs
How does the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) differ?
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) is a temporary visa and doesn't lead to permanent residence.
It requires an approved sponsor and is managed by the Department of Home Affairs.
Do you need to submit Form 80?
Home Affairs sometimes asks for Form Form 80 to look into your background.
If they do, make sure you fill it out carefully as part of your parent visa application.
Who is eligible to apply for this visa?
You must be the aged parent of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and meet age, health and character requirements. You also need an eligible sponsor and to meet the balance of family test.
Do I have to be in Australia to apply?
Yes — applicants must be in Australia (and not in immigration clearance) when applying for this visa.
What documents do I need to prove identity and relationship?
Provide identity documents such as passport pages and national ID, birth and relationship evidence, proof of your child’s citizenship or residency status, and proof of age if claiming pension age.
What health and character checks are required?
You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements; submit health documentation and police certificates from countries you lived in for over 12 months as requested.
Can I apply if I hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa?
No — applicants cannot apply for this visa if they have applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa.
How much does the visa cost?
The first instalment (primary applicant) is A$43,600 (approx US$30,084) as of 2025-07; the contributory route is higher cost than non-contributory options.
How long will processing take?
processing times are lengthy due to demand; typical processing time for this visa is generally in the range of 4–6 years.
What happens if I have a visa refusal or cancellation on character grounds?
If you have had a visa cancelled or refused on character grounds since your last arrival in Australia, the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) is not available; in such cases the only visa generally available is a Protection visa (subclass 866) if eligible.
Is filing the form a guarantee of approval?
No — lodging the contributory aged parent (subclass 864) application does not guarantee approval; you must meet all requirements and provide requested evidence.
What are common mistakes that delay or cause refusal?
Common mistakes include failing to provide required or accurate information, omissions in travel or employment history, inconsistencies between forms, undisclosed criminal history, and missing identity documents; these can cause delays or refusal.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
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