Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864: Document Checklist 2026

Documents required for the Australian Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) — identity, balance of family test, sponsor evidence, health, and Assurance of Support.

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 of pension age. Unlike the offshore Subclass 143, the applicant must be in Australia both when lodging the application and when the visa is granted. Processing typically takes 2–5 years, and the government charge (around AUD $47,000 per primary applicant) is in addition to the visa application fee — significantly higher than the standard Parent Visa (103) but much faster.

Identity documents

• Current passport and all passports held in the past 10 years
• Birth certificate (with certified English translation if not in English)
• Change of name documents — marriage certificate, deed poll, or statutory declaration
• If including a secondary applicant (other parent): their passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate

Proving the parent–child relationship

You must establish the legal parent-child relationship to the Australian sponsor who is lodging the sponsorship on your behalf.

• Australian child's birth certificate naming you as a parent
• Adoption papers or guardianship orders if applicable
• If the child was born overseas, the birth certificate may need an apostille and certified English translation

Balance of Family Test

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

• A complete list of all children (biological, adoptive, step) with their country of permanent residence
• Evidence for each child in Australia: Australian citizenship certificate, passport, or VEVO permanent residence confirmation
• Evidence for each overseas child: their passport and current residency documents
• Birth certificates and residency evidence for every child — especially important if the balance is close

Sponsor documents (the Australian child)

• Proof of Australian citizenship (citizenship certificate or current Australian passport) or permanent residency (VEVO printout or visa grant letter)
• Sponsor's identity documents: current passport and birth certificate
• Evidence of financial capacity to support the applicant (recent tax return, income statements, or employment confirmation)
• If the sponsor is not the biological child: adoption papers or guardianship documents

Assurance of Support

Contributory Aged Parent applicants must have an Assurance of Support (AoS) lodged by the sponsor with the Department of Social Services. The AoS guarantees the parent will not access certain social security payments for 10 years. A bond is required — the amount varies based on whether it is a primary or secondary applicant.

• Assurance of Support application reference number and bond lodgement confirmation
• Evidence of bond lodgement from the Department of Social Services

First visa application charge receipt

The Subclass 864 is paid in two instalments. The first instalment is paid at lodgement. The second instalment (the larger contributory charge) is paid before the visa is granted.

• Receipt confirming payment of the first instalment of the contributory aged parent visa application charge

Health and character

• Health examination through a Department of Home Affairs approved panel physician — mandatory for all parent visa applicants
• Police clearances from country of citizenship and all countries lived in for 12+ months since age 16
• If including a secondary applicant: separate health examination and police clearances for them as well

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