Subclass 884 Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa

Overview

The Subclass 884 Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa is designed for aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who want to stay in Australia temporarily while they wait for their permanent Parent visa (Subclass 143 or 864) to be granted.

This visa allows eligible parents to live in Australia for up to 5 years, during which time they can work, study, and access certain healthcare services. It is part of the contributory parent visa stream, which requires applicants to pay higher fees but generally has shorter processing times compared to non-contributory parent visas.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant Requirements

Must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Must meet the age requirement: generally aged 65 years or older at the time of application. Exceptions may apply for certain categories such as carers or parents of dependent children.
Must be living outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
Must meet health and character requirements.
Must not have previously been sponsored for certain parent visas or had a visa cancelled on character grounds.

Sponsor Requirements

Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Must be able to provide assurance of support—a financial guarantee to reimburse the Australian government if the parent requires certain welfare payments during their stay.
Must demonstrate an ongoing family relationship with the applicant.

Common Use Cases

✅ Aged Parents Awaiting Permanent Residency

Parents who are eligible for permanent contributory parent visas but face long processing times apply for this temporary visa to join their children in Australia sooner.

✅ Older Carers or Dependents

Parents who are aged but provide essential care to their adult children or grandchildren, or who are themselves dependent due to health issues.

✅ Parents Who Previously Held Parent Visas

Applicants who held previous parent visas and want to return temporarily while awaiting a new permanent parent visa.

Who Typically Applies?

Retired professionals or non-working older parents who want to live closer to their children and grandchildren.
Parents who want to access Australian healthcare (Medicare) during their temporary stay.
Families prioritizing shorter wait times for temporary residence while permanent parent visa processing continues.
Sponsors are often middle-aged working professionals or retirees who are settled in Australia.

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Proof of relationship to sponsoring child (birth certificates, adoption papers)
Evidence of sponsor's Australian citizenship or permanent residency
Proof of applicant's age and identity
Health and character assessments
Assurance of Support form completed by the sponsor

Step 2: Lodge the Application

Applications are submitted online via the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal.
Pay the visa application charges, which are substantially higher than most other visa types.
Provide biometrics if requested.
Submit all supporting documents.

Step 3: Wait for Processing

The Department reviews eligibility, health, and character checks.
Requests for additional information or interviews may occur.
Visa grant allows the applicant to enter and live in Australia temporarily for up to 5 years.

Processing Times

Subclass 884 visa processing times vary but are generally faster than permanent parent visas.
Current estimates range from 12 to 24 months.
Processing times depend on application completeness, health checks, and demand.

Costs Associated

Fee Type	Amount (AUD)
Base application charge	$6,030 (main applicant)
Additional applicant (18+)	$3,015
Additional applicant (under 18)	$1,510
Assurance of Support	$10,000 (refundable)
Medical exams	$300–600 per person
Police certificates	~$100 per country
Migration agent fees (optional)	$2,000–6,000

Note: The Assurance of Support is a financial bond paid by the sponsor to ensure the applicant does not access certain government welfare benefits. It is refundable after the visa holder’s stay, subject to conditions.

Duration and Conditions

The visa is valid for 5 years from the date of grant.
Visa holders can enter and leave Australia multiple times while the visa is valid.
The visa is temporary, and holders are expected to apply for permanent Parent visas (Subclass 143 or 864) to remain indefinitely.
Holders have access to Medicare and may study or work in Australia.
The visa cannot be renewed but applicants can apply for a permanent parent visa during or after the temporary visa period.

Common Hurdles

Age requirement: Applicants under 65 generally do not qualify unless under special exemptions.
High costs: The contributory parent visa stream is expensive, and some families find the fees prohibitive.
Assurance of Support: Sponsors must be financially able and willing to lodge the bond.
Health requirements: Older applicants are more likely to face health-related issues, leading to possible delays or refusals.
Lengthy processing: Though faster than permanent parent visas, the wait time can still be long.
Complex eligibility: Applicants with prior visa cancellations, character issues, or complex family circumstances may be declined.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I work or study on this visa?

Yes, visa holders can work and study in Australia without restrictions during the 5-year stay.

What happens after the 5 years?

You must apply for a permanent Parent visa to remain in Australia. The temporary visa cannot be renewed.

Can my sponsor be a permanent resident?

Yes, sponsors can be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

Is the Assurance of Support refunded?

Yes, provided the visa holder does not access certain welfare benefits during their stay.

Can I travel in and out of Australia?

Yes, the visa has multiple entry privileges during its validity.

What if I don’t meet the age requirement?

You may be eligible for other parent visa subclasses if under 65, but the 884 specifically targets aged parents.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: A 68-year-old father from the UK applies for the 884 visa to join his Australian citizen daughter while waiting for permanent residency.
Scenario 2: An 70-year-old mother from India, sponsored by her permanent resident son, uses this visa to access healthcare in Australia temporarily.
Scenario 3: Parents who previously held parent visas and want to rejoin their children for a temporary stay.
Scenario 4: Sponsors who are financially secure professionals in Sydney sponsor their elderly parents for the contributory aged parent temporary visa to reduce wait time.

Official Resources

Need Expert Guidance?

The pathway to bringing aged parents to Australia can be complex, costly, and time-sensitive. For comprehensive advice, step-by-step guidance, and up-to-date information, explore ausvisalibrary.com.

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