This permanent 864 parent visa has been created to allow elderly parents to join their children who are settled in Australia. It lets you:

  • Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely

  • Enrol in Medicare

  • Travel to and from Australia for five years as you wish (you will need citizenship or a resident return visa after the five year period)

  • Apply for Australian citizenship

  • You cannot apply for the 864 visa if you have applied for, or have, the temporary 870 sponsored parent visa.

864 Visa Conditions

Visa Processing Time for 864 Visa

This visa is generally acknowledged within four weeks. For contributory parent visas, processing time is between six and twelve years. This is due to capping of visas, where only a limited number of people are approved each year.

Visa Fees for 864 Visa

This is a contributory visa, so it costs more than non-contributory visas. The cost of this visa varies from year to year. This is paid in two instalments. The first part is paid upon visa application, and the second instalment much later when asked to by the immigration department.

You can split the cost by first applying for the temporary 884 visa. From there, you can apply for the 864, allowing you to split the cost over a long period of time.

Length of Stay for 864 Visa

This visa is permanent. You can apply for citizenship after five years on this visa.

Eligibility Criteria for 864 Visa

  • You cannot apply for the 864 visa if you have applied for or have a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) 870 visa

  • You must have a sponsor, usually this is your child/ren, and they must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia for at least two years

  • You must meet the balance of family test, and either have half your children living in Australia, or have more children living in Australia than any other overseas country

  • You need to offer an assurance of support, that you will not rely on the Australian government in any financial way

  • Meet health and character requirements

  • Be older than 67 years old

How to Apply for Visa 864

There are a few different Pathways for this visa. You can apply for a tourist visa 600, and then an 864. Or, 884 visa and then 864 visa.

First, gather all documentation that is required. This includes proof of:

  • Health

  • Character

  • Balance of family

  • Assurance of support

  • Identity

  • Apply for the visa in paper. You must fill out the 864 visa form, and your sponsor the form 40.

  • Pay the first instalment

  • The immigration department will advise if more information is required

  • After some time, they will advise when second instalment of application fee is to be paid

  • They will advise if and when application is approved

Need Extra Help?

If you’re studying in Australia and wanting to choose the best option for your parents to join you, we may be able to chat to you about the options. Call to find out more.

Visa 864 FAQ

Which is the Best Australian Parent Visa to Apply For?

It depends on your location, the timeframe, and how much you can afford.

Visa type

Length of stay

Application fee

Special conditions

Processing time

Contributory Parent 143

Permanent

AU$48,365 for the main applicant

Can be living in or out of Australia at the time of application. If you are a retiree, you must be in Australia.

Between 6 to 12 years

Contributory Parent 173

2 Years

AU$32,340 for the main applicant

Must be currently living outside Australia

No specified timeframes

Contributory Aged Parent 864

Permanent

AU$48,365 for the main applicant

Must be currently living in Australia

Between 6 to 12 years

Contributory Aged Parent 884

2 years

AU$33,895 for the main applicant

Must be currently living in Australia

No specified timeframes

Non-Contributory Parent Visa 103

Permanent

AU$4,990 for the main applicant

Must be currently living outside Australia

At least 12 to 29 years

Non-Contributory Aged Parent Visa 804

Permanent

AU$4,990 for the main applicant

Must be currently living in Australia

At least 12 to 29 years

Sponsored Parent visa 870

3 to 5 years

Up to 3 years AU$5,735

Up to 5 years AU$11,470

90% processed within 6 months

What are the Benefits of Visa 864?

There are several benefits to visa 864. You can:

  • Stay in Australia indefinitely

  • Work or study as you wish

  • Be covered by Medicare, Australia’s healthcare system

  • Apply for citizenship after five years

  • Expect wait times less than non-contributory visas

  • Apply for visa 884 first and once that’s approved, you can reside in Australia

Why is the 864 Visa a Contributory Visa?

This visa costs more than other visas. This is because it is a contributory visa, operating on the idea that you pay more as you’ll be unlikely to pay income tax while you live in Australia. This is to cover costs you may incur to the Australian government such as healthcare.

What is the Mandatory Assurance of Support?

This is a bond paid to the Australian government. It’s held for ten years for contributory parent visas, and given back less any Centrelink payments claimed by the visa applicant. This may be requested by the Department of Immigration. For 864 visa, it’s $15,000 for the primary applicant, and $6,000 for the secondary applicant.

Can I Sponsor Myself on an 864 Visa?

No, you must be sponsored by an Australian permanent resident or citizen.

Enquire now