Subclass 864 / Permanent residence for eligible aged parents
Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)
Family nearby. A longer view of home.
A permanent parent plan needs more than an age check. We help you understand the onshore requirements, contributory charges and queue before making decisions about your future.
- Visa type
- Permanent
- Application location
- In Australia
- Age threshold
- Age Pension age, currently 67
What this pathway offers
A permanent pathway. With the details in view.
The 864 is for qualifying aged parents in Australia. It can be pursued directly or as the permanent stage after the 884, subject to the relevant requirements.
Permanent residence
If granted, live, work and study in Australia as a permanent resident.
Build plans around family
Bring the family's goals together with a realistic understanding of the application, wait and financial commitments.
Compare the available route
Consider a direct 864 application alongside the separate 884-to-864 route, including the difference in total charges.
The requirements in context
What needs to line up.
Before planning an onshore application, check the requirements that apply to the parent and sponsor:
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Age and location
The primary applicant must meet the Australian Age Pension age threshold, currently 67. Applicants must be in Australia, outside immigration clearance, when applying.
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A settled child and eligible sponsor
Usually, a settled adult child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsors you. The family relationship and sponsorship arrangements need evidence.
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Balance of family and support
A standard application requires the balance-of-family test and an Assurance of Support. Existing 884 holders need the permanent-stage criteria checked against their history.
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Your ability to apply
Check current visa conditions, any No Further Stay restriction, refusal or cancellation history, and any 870 application or visa. Health and character requirements also apply.
Being old enough does not establish onshore eligibility.
The age threshold is one requirement. Your current visa, its conditions and your immigration history can affect whether a valid application is possible.
Contributory parent applications still face long queues. Any bridging visa, work, travel or health-cover arrangements while waiting need to be checked separately from the permanent visa's benefits.
A plan you can follow
From your family plans to the next step.
We review the onshore position first, then explain the application route and the work required at each stage.
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Check onshore eligibility
Review age, current status, visa conditions and family circumstances before committing to the application.
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Choose the route and prepare evidence
Compare a direct application with the temporary-stage route. Gather identity, family and sponsorship records.
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Lodge the permanent application online
Use the current ImmiAccount process and pay the initial charge. Make a separate plan for the visa held while waiting.
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Respond as assessment progresses
Keep details current and address requests for the Assurance of Support, checks and later instalment when required.
Preparation that makes sense
The right records. A clearer application.
Your checklist should reflect the pathway and your circumstances. Depending on the application, it may include:
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Passport, age evidence and current visa grant and conditions.
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Family relationship records and relevant details of children and stepchildren.
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Sponsor identity, immigration status and settlement evidence.
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884 grant and application records if using the temporary-to-permanent route.
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Assurance of Support and health or character material when requested.
A little more clarity
Your 864 questions, made clearer.
Start with the essentials, then look at how the requirements apply to your family and circumstances.
Does the age threshold give me an Australian pension?
No. The visa age threshold and pension entitlement are separate. Age Pension eligibility also involves residence rules and income and assets tests. Reaching 67 or receiving an 864 visa does not itself establish entitlement. Check the Services Australia requirements.
Must I hold an 884 before applying?
No. A direct 864 application is possible if you meet its requirements. The alternative route involves a temporary 884 visa followed by a separate 864 application. If you already hold an 884, plan the permanent application before it expires and compare the applicable criteria and charges.
What financial commitment comes with the Assurance of Support?
Sponsorship and the Assurance of Support are separate. The assurance involves financial assessment, a bond and potential repayment of specified income support payments. For contributory aged parent visas, the assurance period is ten years. Review the Services Australia guidance before committing.
Can I travel while the application is waiting?
Check the visa you hold and its travel rights before leaving. A Bridging visa A does not permit re-entry. If relying on a bridging visa, you generally need a Bridging visa B granted before departure. You must be in Australia, outside immigration clearance, for the 864 decision. Review the bridging visa travel rules.
How long will it take and what will it cost?
New contributory aged parent applications are capped and queued, with substantial waits. The higher visa charge does not guarantee a decision date. Check current queue guidance and visa charges. Plan initial and later instalments, any Assurance of Support bond and professional fees separately.
Your next step starts with you
Bring your plans into focus.
Tell us your current visa, age and family circumstances. We will help you understand the 864 pathway and what needs checking first.