Australia Contributory Aged Parent Visas: Subclass 884 & 864 Guide

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Key Takeaways:

Contributory Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 884 and 864) offer faster processing for joining children in Australia, costing over AUD 40,000.
Subclass 884 Visa is temporary with staggered payments; Subclass 864 grants permanent residency and eligibility for government support.
Applicants must meet the pension age, have more children in Australia, and fulfill character, sponsorship, and financial support requirements.

What are Contributory Aged Parent Visas?

For those looking to join their children in Australia, there are two primary options: the Subclass 884 Visa and the Subclass 864 Visa. These visas are referred to as “contributory” because they involve a significant fee, which can be upward of AUD 40,000. However, the benefit is a substantially quicker processing time compared to non-contributory aged parent visas, which can take up to 30 years.

Why Choose Contributory Aged Parent Visas?

Many opt for the Temporary Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884), allowing for a staggered payment structure. This can make the high fees more manageable, as the cost is spread over several years. Alternatively, if time is of the essence, applicants can apply directly for the Subclass 864 Visa, which grants permanent residency in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 884 and 864 Visas

Australia Contributory Aged Parent Visas: Subclass 884 & 864 Guide

Australian Sponsors: The sponsor must reside in Australia and be either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Family Requirement: The applicant should have more children living in Australia than any other country, meeting the Balance of Family Test.
Age Requirement: The applicant must be of pension age, which is currently 66 years old. This age requirement will rise to 66 years and 6 months from 1 July 2021 and to 67 years from 1 July 2023.
Character Requirement: A good character is essential, and applicants must not have had an Australian visa refused or canceled previously.
Financial Support: The sponsor must be capable of supporting the applicant financially.

Other Important Conditions

Applicants must not hold a Subclass 870 Parent Visa at the time of applying for the Subclass 884 or Subclass 864 Visa.

Document Checklist for Contributory Aged Parent Visas

What Documents Are Required?

Identification Documents: Your passport, and birth certificates for you and all family members are included in the application.
Sponsor Documents: The completed Sponsorship for Migration to Australia Form 40.
Application Form: Completed Application Form for Parent Visa (Form 47PA).
Additional Documents:
- Marriage certificates for married applicants.
- Divorce documents for those divorced.
- Death certificates for widowed applicants.
- Name change documents if applicable.
- Military service proof for those who served in the military.
Proof of Relationship: If the sponsor is not your child, provide proof of the relationship.
Photographs: Four recent photographs following the required guidelines.
Fee Payment Proof: Evidence of having paid the visa application fee.

All documents must be certified.

Differences Between Subclass 884 and 864 Visas

How Do These Visas Differ?

Subclass 884 Visa	Subclass 864 Visa
Temporary (valid for two years)	Permanent (does not expire)
Allows working and studying in Australia	Allows working and studying in Australia
Ineligible for government support	Eligible for government support
No Medicare enrollment	Eligible for Medicare enrollment
Cannot sponsor family members	Can sponsor family members
Must apply for 864 Visa within two years for permanent residency	Can apply for Australian citizenship after five years

Steps to Apply for Contributory Aged Parent Visas

What is the Application Process?

Direct Application for Subclass 864 Visa

Document Gathering: Compile all required documents listed above.
Travel to Australia: Apply for a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) to enter Australia.
Lodging the Application: Submit your application at the Parent Visa Center and pay the first installment of the visa fee (approximately AUD 4,100).
Bridging Visa: Receive a Bridging Visa, allowing you to stay in Australia while your application is processed.
Processing Time: Await the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to finalize your application, which can take up to two years.
Final Fee Payment: Pay the second installment of the visa fee (approximately AUD 43,000).
Permanent Visa Issuance: Receive your Subclass 864 Visa.

Switching from Subclass 884 to Subclass 864 Visa

Initial Travel and Application: Travel to Australia on a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600), and apply for the Subclass 884 Visa, paying the first installment of the fee (approximately AUD 4,100).
Processing and Bridging Visa: Wait for the processing (about two years), during which you receive a Bridging Visa.
Temporary Visa Issuance and Fee Payment: Pay the second installment of approximately AUD 29,000 and receive your Temporary 884 Visa.
Permanent Residency Application: Within the two-year validity of the 884 Visa, apply for the 864 Visa and pay the first installment of the 864 Visa fee (approximately AUD 365).
Final Processing and Fee Payment: Wait another two years, pay the final installment of approximately AUD 19,000, and receive your permanent 864 Visa.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Each visa, Subclass 884 and Subclass 864, takes about 1.5 to 2 years for processing. If you pursue both visas sequentially, the entire duration can exceed four years.

Costs Involved in Subclass 864 Visa

What is the Visa Fee?

The total fee for the Subclass 864 Visa starts from AUD 47,755 for the main applicant, with additional charges for each dependent family member. The fee structure is divided into two main installments:

First Installment:
- Main applicant: AUD 4,155
- Adult family member: AUD 2,075 each
- Family member under 18: AUD 1,040 each
Second Installment:
- Main applicant: Approximately AUD 43,000

When applying via the two-visa process (884 to 864), the fees are spread over four installments over several years.

Assurance of Support for Contributory Aged Parent Visas

What is the Assurance of Support (AoS)?

In addition to the visa fee, your sponsor must pay an Assurance of Support bond, ranging from AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000. This bond ensures that the applicant will not rely on government financial assistance. It is reimbursed after ten years, provided no government support was sought during this period.

Travel Rights with Contributory Aged Parent Visas

Can I Travel with Subclass 884 or 864 Visas?

Both visas allow extensive travel:

Subclass 884 Visa: Valid for two years, permitting unlimited travel within this period.
Subclass 864 Visa: Grants unrestricted travel for five years, after which a Resident Return Visa or Australian citizenship is required for further travels.

Can I Stay in Australia During the Application Process?

Yes, applicants can stay in Australia while their visa applications are being processed. Upon submitting your application, a Bridging Visa is issued, allowing you to live in Australia until you receive your Subclass 864 Visa.

For more detailed information on the application process and requirements, you can visit the official Australian Government website on Parent Visas.

This blog post provides a comprehensive view of the Contributory Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 884 and Subclass 864), elucidating the process, eligibility, documents required, processing time, costs, and additional nuanced details. These visas offer an expedited path for aged parents to join their children in Australia, reflecting both the financial commitment required and the benefits obtained, including permanent residency and eligibility for government support.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

1. Contributory Aged Parent Visa

A visa category for aged parents wishing to join their children in Australia, requiring a substantial application fee in exchange for faster processing times compared to non-contributory visas. Subclass 884 is temporary, while Subclass 864 is permanent.

2. Balance of Family Test

A criteria used in Australian parent visas assessments to ensure that an applicant has more children living in Australia than in any other country, facilitating eligibility for visas such as Subclass 884 and Subclass 864.

3. Bridging Visa

A temporary visa granted to applicants of certain other visas (such as the Contributory Aged Parent Visas) allowing them to stay in Australia legally while their longer-term visa applications are being processed.

4. Assurance of Support (AoS)

A financial bond paid by the sponsor of a Contributory Aged Parent Visa applicant, ensuring that the applicant will not rely on government financial assistance. The amount ranges from AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000 and is refundable after ten years if no government support is accessed.

5. Resident Return Visa

A visa allowing Australian permanent residents to re-enter Australia, required after the initial travel validity period of a permanent visa like the Subclass 864 Visa expires.

This Article In A Nutshell:

“Joining children in Australia? Choose contributory aged parent visas (Subclass 884 or Subclass 864) for quicker processing. Fees can exceed AUD 40,000. Eligibility includes having more kids in Australia, meeting age criteria, and financial stability. Detailed documentation and steps are essential. Enjoy travel rights and stay in Australia during processing.”
— By VisaVerge.com