*Last updated on: 25 Nov 2024
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Subclass 884 - Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Temporary)

A Stepping Stone for Elderly Parents Towards Permanent Residency in Australia

Overview of the Subclass 884 Visa

The Subclass 884 Contributory Aged Parent Visa is a temporary visa allowing elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to two years. It is designed as a provisional step before transitioning to the Subclass 864 Permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa, providing families with an opportunity to reunite while spreading the significant visa costs over two stages.

This visa offers flexibility for families, enabling aged parents to experience life in Australia, integrate into their local communities, and assess long-term plans before committing to permanent residency.

Key Features:

Temporary Stay: Enables aged parents to reside in Australia for two years.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Allows a seamless transition to the Subclass 864 Visa without leaving Australia.
Family Reunification: Supports closer family ties by facilitating the onshore presence of elderly parents.
Work and Study Rights: Grants rights to work and study during the temporary visa period.
Access to Medicare: Visa holders can access Australia’s public healthcare system.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 884 Visa Applicants

Age Requirements

Applicants must be of the eligible age to receive the Australian aged pension based on the following:

Born from 1 July 1952 to 31 December 1953: 65 years and 6 months
Born from 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955: 66 years
Born from 1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956: 66 years and 6 months
Born from 1 January 1957 onwards: 67 years

Visa Status

Applicants must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa (A, B, or C) when applying. If a ‘No Further Stay’ condition applies to their current visa (such as condition 8503), they may not be eligible unless this condition is waived.

Location

Applicants must be inside Australia when applying for this visa.

Family Balance Test

Applicants must meet this requirement, which evaluates their ties to Australia:

At least 50% of the applicant's children must reside permanently in Australia as Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens; or
More children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.

Stepchildren are considered under this test if they meet certain conditions, ensuring all familial ties are appropriately considered.

No Outstanding Debts

Applicants must have no unresolved debts to the Australian government, or they must have formal arrangements in place for repayment.

Previous Visa History

Applicants should not have a history of visa cancellations or refusals.

Child Welfare Consideration

Applications involving children must align with Australian child welfare laws to ensure their best interests are protected.

Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must satisfy Australian health and character conditions, including any necessary examinations or police checks.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

Relationship Requirement: The sponsor must be the applicant’s child and must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Age: The sponsor must be 18 years or older. If the applicant’s child is under 18, alternative sponsorship arrangements may apply (outlined in detail below).
Residency Requirement: The sponsor must have lived in Australia for at least two years prior to sponsoring.
Assurance of Support (AoS): Sponsors must provide a financial commitment through an AoS to assure the Australian government that the applicant will not rely on public welfare for 10 years: (1) Demonstrating financial capacity, including meeting minimum income thresholds; and (2) Providing a security bond (AUD $10,000 for one parent, AUD $14,000 for two parents).

Eligibility for Dependent Children of the Applicant

Age Criteria: (1) Must be under 18 years, or (2) Aged 18 to 23 years and financially dependent on the primary applicant due to full-time study, or (3) No age limit applies if the dependent child has a disability preventing them from working.

Financial Dependence: Evidence of financial support covering essential needs (e.g., living, education).

Health & Character Requirements: Dependents must meet similar health and character standards as the primary applicant.

Application Process

Submit Visa Application

Applicants lodge their application along with supporting documentation, meeting eligibility requirements and paying the relevant fees.

Lodge and Submit AoS

Sponsors are required to provide a formal AoS, proving financial ability and commitment to support the parent(s). Sponsors will need to pay a bond, refundable after a 10-year period, if no social welfare reliance occurs.

Visa Grant

If all criteria are satisfied, the visa will be granted, allowing a two-year stay in Australia.

Stay Duration

Upon receiving the grant of visa, you can stay up to two years, while having the option to transition to the Subclass 864 Permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa, in Australia, within the period.

Visa Costs and Fees

Primary Applicant: AUD $4,895

Secondary Applicants (18 and over): AUD $2,445

Dependent Children (under 18): AUD $1,225

Second Instalment: AUD $29,130 per parent applicant. AUD 2,095 per dependent child applicant.

When transitioning to subclass 864:
Primary Applicant: AUD $430
Secondary Applicant: AUD $220
Dependent Children: AUD $105

Second Instalment: AUD $19,420 per parent applicant.

AoS Bond: AUD $10,000 for one parent. AUD $14,000 for two parents (bond returned after 10 years if conditions are met).

Note: Fees are subject to updates as per the Department of Home Affairs, they should be verified before application. Additional costs may apply for health checks, police checks, and biometrics.

Processing Times

About 5 years.

Note: Processing times vary based on the completeness of documentation, volume of applications and other factors. They are obtained from The Australian Department of Home Affairs website and only serve as guidance.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 884 Visa

Temporary Residency: A two-year stay to live, work, and study in Australia.

Transition to Permanent Residency: Simplified pathway to the Subclass 864 Visa.

Healthcare Access: Eligibility for Medicare, ensuring access to essential medical services.

Multiple Travel Entries: Ability to travel in and out of Australia freely during the visa period.

Family Reunion: Enables aged parents to spend meaningful time with their families in Australia.

Your Questions Answered

What is the Subclass 884 Visa?

The Subclass 884 Visa is a temporary visa that allows aged parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Australia for up to two years.

How long is the 884 Visa valid?

The visa is valid for two years.

Can this visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, holders can transition to the Subclass 864 Visa for permanent residency.

What is the Assurance of Support (AoS)?

The AoS is a financial guarantee provided by the sponsor to support the applicant financially and ensure they do not rely on public funds.

Are there health and character requirements for the 884 Visa?

Yes, applicants must meet Australia’s health and character criteria, including medical checks and police clearances.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes, you can include eligible family members, such as a spouse or dependent children.

What is the Family Balance Test?

At least half of your children must reside in Australia as permanent residents or citizens, or more children in Australia than any other country.

What happens if my visa expires?

You can apply for the Subclass 864 Visa before your Subclass 884 Visa expires to maintain residency. If the visa you recently held has expires, please contact us for further advice.

Can I work in Australia on the Subclass 884 Visa?

Yes, the visa allows you to work during your stay.

What happens if my circumstances change after applying for the visa?

You must notify the Department of Home Affairs about any significant changes.

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