884 Visa – Contributory Aged Parent Visa Australia

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Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884)

Are you a parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident seeking to live in Australia? The 884 visa—officially known as the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884)—offers a temporary yet powerful option. It allows eligible parents to stay in Australia while preparing for permanent residency under the 864 visa. If you’re seeking a more affordable, staged pathway compared to the 864 visa, this could be the ideal solution.

Notably, this visa is designed for parents who meet the age requirement for the Age Pension and are already in Australia at the time of application. With careful planning and the right legal support, you can use the 884 visa to settle in Australia and eventually transition to permanent residency.

What Is the 884 Visa?

The Subclass 884 visa is a temporary visa that allows aged parents to live in Australia for up to two years. It is a pathway to the permanent Subclass 864 visa, enabling parents to split the cost of permanent residency over time. Many families choose this route to ease financial burden while still allowing parents to stay with loved ones in Australia.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 884 visa, you must:

Be inside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
Be the aged parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Meet the balance of family test
Meet health and character requirements
Have an eligible sponsor, usually your child
Have no prior visa with a “no further stay” condition

Unlike offshore parent visas, this one lets you remain close to your family while your application is processed.

What Happens After the 884 Visa Is Granted?

Once granted, the 884 visa allows you to:

Stay in Australia for up to two years
Apply for the permanent 864 visa from within Australia
Access Medicare
Travel to and from Australia freely during the validity period

However, it’s important to note that the 884 visa cannot be extended or renewed. Therefore, if you wish to stay permanently, you must apply for the Subclass 864 visa before your 884 visa expires.

884 Visa Cost and Processing Time

The 884 visa is part of the contributory parent visa program, which involves a higher government application fee but shorter processing times.

Visa Cost: The total cost is split across two instalments, typically over AUD $34,000 (subject to change). The first payment is made at the time of lodging, with the second payment due before a decision is made.
Processing Time: Although faster than non-contributory parent visas like the 804, it still takes approximately 2 to 4 years, depending on demand and your place in the queue.

👉 For current estimates, check the Global Visa Processing Times page.

864 Visa vs 884 Visa – Which Option Is Better?

If you’re deciding between the Subclass 864 and Subclass 884, here’s what you should know:

The 884 visa is a temporary option with a lower initial cost, giving families time to prepare for the more expensive 864 visa.
The 864 visa grants permanent residency immediately, but requires the full payment upfront.
Applicants already in Australia and concerned about upfront costs often start with the 884 and later transition to 864.

Ultimately, the better choice depends on your financial situation and your long-term settlement goals in Australia.

Why Choose Jade Immigration Lawyers?

At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we:

Assess your eligibility and recommend the right visa strategy
Help you prepare strong and complete 884 and 864 applications
Ensure all paperwork and sponsorship details meet legal standards
Offer fixed-fee consultations with compassionate legal support

We’ve helped many families bring parents to Australia and remain united. Our team is committed to making your journey smooth and legally secure.

📞 Call us on 0485 907 989 or Book a Consultation. We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Parent Visa Australia services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

1. What is the difference between the 884 visa and 864 visa?

The 884 visa is a temporary two-year visa for aged parents, while the 864 visa is a permanent visa. Many applicants use the 884 visa as a staged pathway before applying for the 864.

2. Can I stay in Australia permanently on the 884 visa?

No. The 884 visa is temporary and valid for two years. You must apply for the Subclass 864 visa before your 884 visa expires to remain in Australia permanently.

3. How much does the 884 visa cost?

The total government fee is typically over AUD $34,000, paid in two instalments—first at lodgement, second before the visa decision. Legal and other professional fees are separate.

4. What happens if my 884 visa expires?

You cannot renew or extend the 884 visa. If you wish to stay in Australia, you must apply for the 864 visa before your 884 expires.

5. Do I need to meet the balance of family test for the 884 visa?

Yes. You must meet the balance of family test, meaning at least half of your children must be living lawfully and permanently in Australia.