Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864: Document Checklist 2026

The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) is a permanent onshore visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are already in Australia and old enough to receive the Australian age pension. Unlike the offshore Subclass 143, you generally need to be in Australia holding a substantive visa both when you lodge and when the visa is granted. As of 1 July 2026, the charge is from AUD $49,900 over two instalments — the same contributory fee structure as the 143 — but confirm the current figure on the Department's website, since it's reviewed periodically.

Identity documents

• Passport bio-data page
• Birth certificate
• Change of name document, if applicable

Age evidence

This visa specifically requires you to be old enough to receive the Australian age pension — not a generic retirement age — so confirm the current age pension eligibility age before applying, since it's periodically reviewed.

• Evidence of age, consistent with the current age pension eligibility age

Current Australian visa

Because the 864 is lodged onshore, you need to show your current visa status and where you're living in Australia.

• Your current substantive visa — you generally need to hold one both at lodgement and grant
• Evidence of your Australian residential address

Balance of Family test

To meet the Balance of Family test, at least half of all your children (biological, adoptive, and step-children) need to live permanently in Australia — or more need to live in Australia than in any other single country. This is one of the most common reasons parent visa applications are refused.

• A list of all your children worldwide, with their current country of residence
• Your Australian children's citizenship or permanent residency evidence
• Your Australian children's birth certificates
• Overseas children's residence evidence, if relevant to the test

Sponsorship

• Form 40 — Sponsorship for Migration to Australia
• Sponsor's proof of identity
• Sponsor's evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
• Sponsor's birth certificate
• Form 47PA — Additional applicant details, if more than one applicant is included

Assurance of Support

Contributory Aged Parent applicants generally need an Assurance of Support (AoS) lodged by the sponsor or another assurer with Services Australia, guaranteeing you won't need to rely on certain social security payments for a specified period. The exact guarantee period and bond amount are set by Services Australia and reviewed periodically — confirm the current settings before lodging.

• Assurance of Support (AoS) receipt
• The AoS holder's financial evidence supporting their capacity to provide the assurance

Contributory payment

The Subclass 864 charge is generally paid in instalments — an initial charge at lodgement, with the larger contributory instalment paid later.

• First visa application charge receipt
• Second instalment payment evidence, if paying upfront

Health and character

• Health examination through an approved panel physician
• Police clearance certificate(s) from your country of citizenship and any country lived in for 12 months or more since turning 16
• Form 80 — Personal Particulars
• A signed Australian Values Statement, if you're 18 or over

Additional documents

• Marriage certificate, if your spouse or partner is included on the application
• Spouse or partner's passport, if included

Common mistakes to avoid

• Letting your substantive visa lapse while the 864 is being processed, since you generally need to hold one at both lodgement and grant
• Missing children in the Balance of Family test list, including from previous relationships
• Assuming the AoS period or bond amount without checking current Services Australia settings
• Applying for this visa while you've already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) — this makes you ineligible
• Underestimating total cost by focusing only on the first instalment and not the larger contributory charge

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the 864 and the 143?

The 143 is available to applicants offshore or onshore and doesn't require age pension eligibility. The 864 is specifically for parents who are old enough to receive the age pension and are already in Australia holding a substantive visa at both lodgement and grant. Compare current processing times and charges for both before deciding which applies to your situation.

What if I already hold a Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)?

If you hold or held an 884 visa, you may already have met the balance of family test as part of that visa, which can streamline your 864 application. Check your specific circumstances against the current second-stage pathway rules.

What happens if my substantive visa expires while I wait?

You generally need to maintain a valid substantive visa (or the appropriate bridging visa arrangement) throughout processing. Speak with a registered migration agent well before any visa expiry to understand your options, since the requirements here are strict and specific to your situation.