Onshore Contributory Parent Visa (Subclasses 864/884)

Overview

These visas allow you to live and settle in Australia if you are the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

The subclass 884 visa is a temporary visa allowing a 2 year stay, whilst the 864 visa is a permanent visa.

These visas have substantial application charges, however applicants can spread the cost over a number of years through a 2-step process, by first applying for the temporary visa, then applying for the permanent visa later.

This may be the right visa for you if:

What You Can Do & How Long You Can Stay

The subclass 864 visa is a permanent visa. The subclass 884 visa is a temporary visa lasting 2 years.
You can travel to and from Australia multiple times.
You can live, work and study in Australia whilst on these visas.
You can access Medicare whilst on these visas.
You can include your dependent child in your application.
You may be eligible for a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia while waiting for these visas to be processed.

Limitations and Important Things to Know

You must be over the Australian Aged Pension age.
You must be inside Australia to apply for this visa.
At least half of your children must permanently live in Australia, OR you must have more children permanently living in Australia than in any other single country. This is known as meeting the Balance of Family Test.
You may be refused this visa if a member of your family unit cannot meet health or character requirements, even if they are not accompanying you to Australia. This is known as the “One Fail, All Fail” rule.

If you are worried about encountering issues or restrictions when applying for this visa, we may be able to help. Please contact us for more information.

As part of the specific visa requirements, you may have to:

Be of Australian pension age
Be sponsored by your child, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Meet the Balance of Family test
Be able to obtain an Assurance of Support agreeing that you will not rely on government assistance. A financial bond is required.