Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)

The Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) is a permanent visa that allows the aged parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to stay in Australia. This visa provides an opportunity for aged parents to be with their children and enjoy the benefits of living in Australia. To apply for this visa, the applicant must meet specific eligibility criteria and be sponsored by an eligible sponsor.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Applicants must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864). These include:

• Having an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Being old enough to receive the age pension in Australia.
• Not having already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa.

Meeting these criteria is essential to proceed with the visa application process.

Important Notes

It is crucial to stay updated with the latest information and policy changes related to the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864). From 24 March 2021, a temporary concession allows visas to be granted to applicants outside Australia. Applicants should refer to the COVID-19 visa concessions for detailed information on how these concessions may affect their application.

Benefits of the Visa

The Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) offers several benefits to successful applicants:

• Stay in Australia as a permanent resident, allowing aged parents to be with their children and enjoy the Australian lifestyle.
• Work and study in Australia, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Enroll in Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare, ensuring access to quality healthcare services.
• Sponsor relatives to come to Australia, facilitating family reunification.
• Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible, offering the potential for full integration into Australian society.

These benefits make the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) an attractive option for aged parents looking to join their families in Australia.

Travel Facility

Successful applicants of the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) are granted a travel facility that allows them to travel to and from Australia as many times as they want for 5 years from the date the visa is granted. After the initial 5-year period, the applicant will need to apply for a Resident Return (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

Two-Step Process

If the applicant currently holds a Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 884) visa, they can apply for the subclass 864 visa as a two-step process. This approach allows the cost of the visas to be spread over a number of years. It is important to note that applicants must have already met the balance of family test to be eligible for this process.

Permanent Residency

The Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) grants successful applicants permanent residency in Australia. This visa allows aged parents to stay in Australia indefinitely. The applicant's permanent residency starts on the day the visa is granted, providing them with a sense of security and stability.

Including Family Members

Applicants have the option to include members of their family unit in their visa application. This includes details of all family members, whether they are migrating or not. Family members who apply for the visa must meet the health and character requirements, ensuring the overall integrity and suitability of the visa application.

Cost

Applying for the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) incurs certain costs. The visa application fee for this visa is AUD48,365. Additionally, there is an additional charge for each family member who applies with the main applicant. Other costs may include health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. It is important to consider these costs when planning to apply for this visa.

Application Process

The application process for the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) requires the submission of a paper application. The applicant and any family members who apply with them must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when the application is submitted. It is crucial to provide accurate information and all required documents to avoid delays or complications in the processing of the visa application.

Sponsorship

To sponsor an applicant for the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864), the sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be settled in Australia and agree to provide support, accommodation, and financial assistance to the applicant and their family for the first 2 years in Australia. The sponsorship application does not have a fee, but the sponsor has financial responsibilities.

Sponsor Obligations

Sponsors have certain obligations when sponsoring an applicant for the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864). These obligations include providing support, accommodation, and financial assistance to the visa applicant and their family members for the first 2 years in Australia. Additionally, sponsors must comply with any requests for information from the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the sponsorship process.

Assurance of Support

In some cases, sponsors may be asked to provide an assurance of support for the visa applicant. This is a legal commitment to repay the Australian Government any welfare payments made to the visa holder or their family. Detailed information about assurances of support can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Withdrawal of Sponsorship

Sponsors have the option to apply to withdraw their sponsorship at any time. However, if the visa has already been granted, the sponsor may not be released from their obligations. It is important to carefully consider the implications of withdrawing sponsorship and seek appropriate advice if necessary.

Changes to Circumstances

Both the applicant and the sponsor must inform the Department of Home Affairs if there are any changes to their circumstances. This includes changes to contact details, relationship status, or passport details. By keeping the department informed, applicants and sponsors can ensure that their visa application remains up to date and accurate throughout the process.

It is crucial for both applicants and sponsors to review the requirements and obligations associated with the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) carefully. Seeking professional advice when needed can help navigate the complexities of the visa application process and ensure a successful outcome.