{"id":133,"date":"2026-03-16T02:14:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T02:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/visa\/australia-contributory-aged-parent-visa-subclass-864-864-requirements-fees-processing-time-how-to-apply\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T02:14:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T02:14:00","slug":"australia-contributory-aged-parent-visa-subclass-864-864-requirements-fees-processing-time-how-to-apply","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/visa\/australia-contributory-aged-parent-visa-subclass-864-864-requirements-fees-processing-time-how-to-apply\/","title":{"rendered":"Australia Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) (864): Requirements, Fees, Processing Time & How to Apply"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete guide to Australia\u2019s Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864): eligibility, costs, sponsor rules, documents, processing, PR rights, and risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-03-16<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
\n
Item<\/th>\n
Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n
Country<\/td>\n
Australia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Visa name<\/td>\n
Contributory Aged Parent Visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Visa short name<\/td>\n
864<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Category<\/td>\n
Family \/ Parent \/ Permanent residence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Main purpose<\/td>\n
Permanent migration to Australia for eligible aged parents of settled Australian children<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Typical applicant<\/td>\n
Older parent in Australia who is old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension and meets parent visa requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Validity<\/td>\n
Permanent visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Stay duration<\/td>\n
Indefinite permanent stay from grant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Entries allowed<\/td>\n
Multiple travel facility for 5 years from grant; after that, a Resident Return Visa may be needed for re-entry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Extension possible?<\/td>\n
Not an extension-based visa; it is a permanent visa. Travel facility can expire and later re-entry may require a Resident Return Visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Work allowed?<\/td>\n
Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Study allowed?<\/td>\n
Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Family allowed?<\/td>\n
Yes, eligible family members can be included in the application if they meet requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
PR path?<\/td>\n
Yes, this visa itself is a permanent residence visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Citizenship path?<\/td>\n
Yes, indirectly, if the holder later meets Australian citizenship eligibility rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)<\/strong> is an Australian permanent residence visa<\/strong> for older parents of settled Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It exists to let eligible parents who are already in Australia apply for permanent migration under the parent migration program<\/strong>, provided they are old enough to meet the legal definition of \u201caged parent\u201d<\/strong> and meet the balance-of-family test<\/strong> and other family migration rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is not a visitor visa, not a temporary family permit, and not a work visa. It is a permanent visa subclass under Australia\u2019s Migration Program<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What kind of immigration status is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
a visa<\/strong><\/li>\n
a permanent residence visa<\/strong><\/li>\n
a digital visa record<\/strong> linked to the person\u2019s passport and immigration status<\/li>\n
not an eVisitor, ETA, pass, sticker, waiver, or residence card in itself<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Who is it meant for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It is meant for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
parents who are already in Australia<\/li>\n
who are old enough to qualify as an aged parent<\/strong><\/li>\n
who have a child settled in Australia<\/li>\n
whose family structure passes the balance-of-family test<\/strong><\/li>\n
who can be sponsored<\/li>\n
who can pay the high contributory visa charges over stages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How it fits into Australia\u2019s immigration system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Australia has several parent visa pathways. Broadly, these include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Contributory parent visas<\/strong>: higher fees, generally shorter queue than non-contributory parent visas<\/li>\n
Non-contributory parent visas<\/strong>: much lower fees, but usually far longer queues<\/li>\n
Temporary sponsored parent visa (Subclass 870)<\/strong>: temporary, not PR, different requirements<\/li>\n
Onshore \u201caged parent\u201d subclasses<\/strong> and offshore parent subclasses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Subclass 864 is one of the main onshore permanent parent visas<\/strong> for older parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Official naming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Long name:<\/strong> Contributory Aged Parent Visa<\/li>\n
Subclass code:<\/strong> 864<\/li>\n
Common official shorthand: Subclass 864<\/strong><\/li>\n
Related temporary linked visa: Subclass 884<\/strong> (Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary))<\/li>\n
Related offshore permanent equivalent: Subclass 143<\/strong> (Contributory Parent)<\/li>\n
Related offshore temporary linked visa: Subclass 173<\/strong><\/li>\n
Related non-contributory onshore aged parent visa: Subclass 804<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This visa is best suited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Retirees \/ older parents<\/strong> already in Australia who qualify as an aged parent<\/li>\n
Parents wanting permanent residence<\/strong>, not temporary stays<\/li>\n
Parents with a child who is:<\/li>\n
an Australian citizen<\/li>\n
an Australian permanent resident<\/li>\n
or an eligible New Zealand citizen<\/li>\n
Families able to meet the very high visa charges<\/strong><\/li>\n
Parents who meet the balance-of-family test<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Who this visa is not for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This visa is generally not<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
\n
Applicant type<\/th>\n
Suitable for Subclass 864?<\/th>\n
Better alternative<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n
Tourists<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Visitor Visa, eVisitor, ETA depending on nationality<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Business visitors<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Business Visitor stream of Visitor visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Job seekers<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Skilled\/work visa if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Employees with job offers<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Employer-sponsored or skilled work visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Students<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Student visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Spouses\/partners of Australians<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Partner visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Children\/dependents migrating to parents<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Child or dependent child routes if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Researchers<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Relevant work or activity visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Digital nomads<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Australia does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa; other lawful visa options may apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Founders\/entrepreneurs<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Business or investment visa pathways if available\/eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Relevant temporary activity or work visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Artists\/athletes<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Temporary activity \/ entertainment \/ work routes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Transit passengers<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Transit visa if required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Medical travelers<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Visitor route for medical treatment where applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Diplomatic\/official travelers<\/td>\n
No<\/td>\n
Diplomatic\/official visa arrangements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Important practical point<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Subclass 864 is specifically for a parent migration purpose<\/strong>. It is not a workaround for staying in Australia long-term after entering as a visitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Warning:<\/strong> If a person applies for the wrong visa class, that can waste time and money. Parent migration eligibility is technical and should be checked carefully before filing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purposes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subclass 864 is used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
permanent residence in Australia<\/strong><\/li>\n
family reunion<\/strong> with a settled child in Australia<\/li>\n
living in Australia indefinitely after grant<\/li>\n
working in Australia<\/li>\n
studying in Australia<\/li>\n
enrolling in Medicare if eligible under Australian rules<\/li>\n
sponsoring certain eligible family members later, if the law allows and they qualify<\/li>\n
travelling in and out of Australia during the initial travel facility period<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Prohibited or not-really-the-purpose uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This visa is not designed for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
short tourism only<\/li>\n
business visitor trips<\/li>\n
transit<\/li>\n
short-term medical travel<\/li>\n
journalism assignments<\/li>\n
internships as the core purpose<\/li>\n
a hidden route to bypass visitor restrictions<\/li>\n
avoiding the proper partner, student, work, or business visa process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Grey areas and misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A permanent resident can, of course, travel and visit places in Australia. But tourism is not the core legal purpose of this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Because this is a permanent visa, holders generally have broad work rights. The \u201cremote work on a visitor visa\u201d issue does not really apply here in the same way it does for visitor visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Study<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Study is allowed. This is not a study visa, but permanent residents may study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Volunteering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Generally allowed if lawful and genuine. The same general Australian laws still apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marriage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This visa is not a marriage visa. A parent can hold it regardless of marital status if eligibility is met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Business setup and investment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A permanent resident can engage in lawful business activity, but this visa is not a business migration visa and does not grant special investor benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This visa falls within Australia\u2019s Family stream<\/strong> migration settings, specifically the parent<\/strong> category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Official identifiers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
\n
Label<\/th>\n
Value<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n
Official long name<\/td>\n
Contributory Aged Parent Visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Subclass<\/td>\n
864<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Category<\/td>\n
Parent \/ Family migration \/ Permanent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Application location concept<\/td>\n
Onshore<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Related temporary linked visa<\/td>\n
Subclass 884<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Related offshore permanent equivalent<\/td>\n
Subclass 143<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Related offshore non-contributory parent<\/td>\n
Subclass 103<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Related onshore non-contributory aged parent<\/td>\n
864<\/strong> = contributory, much higher charges<\/li>\n
804<\/strong> = non-contributory, generally much longer queue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
864 vs 870<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
864<\/strong> = PR visa<\/li>\n
870<\/strong> = temporary Sponsored Parent visa, no direct PR pathway through the visa itself<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
This is one of the most important sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Core eligibility matrix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
\n
Requirement<\/th>\n
General rule for Subclass 864<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n
Be a parent<\/td>\n
Yes, of a settled Australian child or certain stepchild relationships may count if legally recognized<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Be \u201caged\u201d<\/td>\n
Yes, must be old enough to qualify as an aged parent under Australian law<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Be in Australia to apply<\/td>\n
Yes, this is an onshore visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Meet balance-of-family test<\/td>\n
Yes, unless a narrow exception applies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Have an eligible sponsor<\/td>\n
Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Have assurance of support<\/td>\n
Usually required before grant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Meet health requirement<\/td>\n
Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Meet character requirement<\/td>\n
Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Sign Australian values statement if requested\/applicable<\/td>\n
Generally part of application declarations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Have no debt to Australian Government or have arranged repayment<\/td>\n
Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Not have had certain visa cancellations\/refusals affecting eligibility<\/td>\n
May apply in some cases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Passport\/nationality<\/td>\n
No nationality cap stated publicly for this visa, but identity\/travel documents must be valid and acceptable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There is no general published rule that only certain nationalities can apply. However:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
the applicant must prove identity and citizenship\/nationality or lawful status<\/li>\n
some applicants may face additional security, police, or document verification checks depending on country of origin or residence<\/li>\n
applicants from some countries may have more difficulty obtaining police certificates or civil documents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If embassy- or nationality-specific document rules exist, they are not always listed on the main visa page and may need checking through official country-specific document guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You should hold a valid passport or other acceptable travel\/identity document. Australia grants visas electronically, but passport details must be accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Mistake:<\/strong> Applying with a passport close to expiry and then forgetting to update new passport details later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Age requirement: what \u201caged parent\u201d means<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For this visa, the parent must be old enough to be classed as an aged parent<\/strong>, which is linked to the age required to receive the Australian Age Pension<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This age is not fixed forever and has changed over time. Applicants must check the current official rule at the time of application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Education, language, work experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These are generally not primary eligibility criteria<\/strong> for Subclass 864.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
No points test<\/li>\n
No minimum education rule<\/li>\n
No general English requirement stated as a core visa criterion<\/li>\n
No work experience requirement<\/li>\n
No job offer requirement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Sponsorship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The applicant must be sponsored by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
usually their child<\/li>\n
or their child\u2019s spouse or de facto partner in some cases<\/li>\n
or possibly a community organization in limited circumstances if the parent has no eligible child sponsor and special conditions are met<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The sponsor must usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
be 18 or older<\/li>\n
be settled in Australia<\/li>\n
be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen<\/li>\n
There is no standard visitor-style \u201cminimum bank balance\u201d rule published for this visa in the same way as temporary visas. However, applicants must expect major costs and later the assurance of support<\/strong> process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health requirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Applicants must meet Australia\u2019s health requirement. This often includes health examinations arranged through official channels after instructions are issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Character requirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Applicants must meet Australia\u2019s character requirement, which may involve police certificates and disclosure of criminal history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There is no standard permanent visa-wide travel insurance requirement publicly framed like a visitor visa condition, but applicants should consider private cover before Medicare access is active if relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics may be requested depending on nationality, location, and operational requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is a permanent migration visa. The \u201cgenuine temporary entrant\u201d concept does not apply in the same way it would for a visitor or student visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residency outside Australia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not required. This is an onshore<\/strong> visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quota\/cap requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Parent visas are subject to planning levels<\/strong> and queue management. Australia manages places in the migration program, and parent visas often involve long waits compared with many other family visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contributory parent visas are generally faster than non-contributory parent visas, but can still take a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Since this is an onshore application, embassy practice is usually less central than for offshore visas. Still, offshore police checks, civil records, or overseas medical logistics can vary by country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special exemptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The main publicly discussed exception area is whether a person is exempt from the balance-of-family test in a narrow circumstance, such as if the child is a settled Australian citizen who has served in the Australian Defence Force. Applicants must verify the exact official criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Not eligible if<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A person may be ineligible if they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
are not an eligible parent<\/li>\n
are not old enough to be an aged parent<\/li>\n
are not in Australia when required for application or grant, where applicable under the law<\/li>\n
fail the balance-of-family test<\/strong><\/li>\n
do not have an eligible sponsor<\/li>\n
do not satisfy the assurance of support requirement before grant<\/li>\n
do not meet health requirements<\/li>\n
do not meet character requirements<\/li>\n
owe money to the Australian Government and have not resolved it<\/li>\n
are barred by certain visa conditions or legal provisions affecting valid application<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Common refusal or delay triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
\n
Trigger<\/th>\n
Why it causes problems<\/th>\n
Better approach<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n
Weak family composition evidence<\/td>\n
Balance-of-family test cannot be confirmed<\/td>\n
Provide birth records, family registers, and evidence for all children<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Missing sponsor evidence<\/td>\n
Sponsor eligibility cannot be assessed<\/td>\n
Include sponsor status, residence, age, and settlement evidence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Wrong visa subclass<\/td>\n
Application may be invalid or refused<\/td>\n
Confirm 864 is the right onshore aged parent route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Age misunderstanding<\/td>\n
Not actually old enough under current Age Pension-linked rule<\/td>\n
Verify current pension age before filing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Character issues not disclosed<\/td>\n
Non-disclosure is serious<\/td>\n
Disclose honestly and explain with documents<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Poor civil document quality<\/td>\n
Identity\/relationship not proven<\/td>\n
Use clear certified copies and translations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Incomplete police certificates<\/td>\n
Character requirement delayed or failed<\/td>\n
Obtain all required country certificates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warning:<\/strong> Parent visa cases are often delayed by document gaps<\/strong>, not just by queue times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Subclass 864 offers significant benefits because it is a permanent visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
permanent residence in Australia<\/li>\n
ability to live indefinitely<\/strong> in Australia<\/li>\n
work rights<\/strong><\/li>\n
study rights<\/strong><\/li>\n
access to Medicare<\/strong> if eligible<\/li>\n
possible pathway to Australian citizenship<\/strong><\/li>\n
ability to sponsor some eligible relatives later, subject to law<\/li>\n
freedom to travel in and out of Australia for the initial travel facility period<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Eligible family members can be included in the application in some cases if they meet the rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Travel flexibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The visa usually comes with a 5-year travel facility<\/strong> from the date of grant. After that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
the person remains a permanent resident<\/li>\n
but if they leave Australia after the travel facility expires, they may need a Resident Return Visa<\/strong> to re-enter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Long-term residence benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Because it is PR, the holder can build time toward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
citizenship residence requirements<\/li>\n
deeper family settlement in Australia<\/li>\n
broader participation in community life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Even permanent visas have limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Main restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
high government charges<\/li>\n
long processing times<\/li>\n
strict eligibility rules<\/li>\n
balance-of-family test requirement<\/li>\n
assurance of support requirement<\/li>\n
travel facility is not indefinite<\/li>\n
visa may include obligations to obey Australian law and update personal details where required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
No automatic benefits in every area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This visa does not<\/strong> automatically guarantee:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
immediate citizenship<\/li>\n
unrestricted access to all social security benefits<\/li>\n
exemption from health or character scrutiny<\/li>\n
exemption from future travel document needs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Reporting and compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Applicants and holders should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
keep passport details updated<\/li>\n
respond to departmental requests by deadline<\/li>\n
maintain truthful records<\/li>\n
follow Australian law after grant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permanent status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subclass 864 is a permanent visa<\/strong>. Once granted, the person can stay in Australia indefinitely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Travel facility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Like most Australian permanent visas, it generally includes a 5-year travel facility<\/strong> from grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
the holder can leave and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident during that period<\/li>\n
after that period, they may need a Resident Return Visa<\/strong> to come back if they travel overseas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Entries allowed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
effectively multiple entries<\/strong> during the travel facility period<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When the clock starts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
permanent residence starts on the grant date<\/strong><\/li>\n
travel facility period also runs from the grant date<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Overstay issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If the person is granted permanent residence, \u201coverstay\u201d works differently than for temporary visas. But before grant, they must maintain lawful status unless a bridging visa or other status applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bridging status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Because this is an onshore application, many applicants may hold a bridging visa<\/strong> while the application is being processed, depending on what visa they held and whether a valid application was made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bridging rules are technical and can vary. Check the grant notice and conditions carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Document requirements can vary by family structure and country. Always use the official checklist and any personalized ImmiAccount requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Document<\/th>\n
What it is<\/th>\n
Why needed<\/th>\n
Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
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Completed application<\/td>\n
Official visa application form\/process<\/td>\n
Starts the legal assessment<\/td>\n
Wrong subclass or missing answers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Identity declaration pages<\/td>\n
Application identity details<\/td>\n
Confirms applicant identity<\/td>\n
Inconsistent names\/dates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Consent forms if needed<\/td>\n
Privacy\/representation forms<\/td>\n
Lets department deal with representative or obtain records<\/td>\n
death certificate of spouse if widowed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why needed:<\/strong> to prove identity, civil status, and relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Mistake:<\/strong> Name spelling differs across passport, birth certificate, and children\u2019s documents without explanation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For this visa, there is not usually a simple \u201cshow X amount in your bank account\u201d rule on the main visa page. But financial-related documents may still be needed for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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visa charge payment capacity<\/li>\n
assurance of support stage<\/li>\n
sponsor support context<\/li>\n
debt repayment evidence if applicable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Possible documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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bank statements<\/li>\n
pension statements<\/li>\n
income evidence<\/li>\n
assets\/liabilities summary<\/li>\n
sponsor financial records if requested in the assurance process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Usually not central, but may be useful for identity history or background:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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retirement records<\/li>\n
employer letters<\/li>\n
business registration history<\/li>\n
tax records<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Usually not core to eligibility. Include only if requested or useful to explain identity\/history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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full birth certificates of all children<\/li>\n
household\/family register if available in the home country<\/li>\n
adoption records if relevant<\/li>\n
stepchild relationship evidence<\/li>\n
custody documents where relevant<\/li>\n
proof of settled child\u2019s status in Australia<\/li>\n
proof of sponsor relationship<\/li>\n
documents for all children everywhere, not only the Australian child<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why needed:<\/strong> especially for the balance-of-family test<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Usually less important than for a visitor visa, but can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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proof of current address in Australia<\/li>\n
visa\/status evidence in Australia<\/li>\n
travel history records if relevant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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sponsor\u2019s Australian passport or citizenship certificate<\/li>\n
sponsor\u2019s permanent visa evidence if PR<\/li>\n
evidence sponsor is an eligible New Zealand citizen if applicable<\/li>\n
proof sponsor is settled in Australia<\/li>\n
sponsor undertaking forms<\/li>\n
sponsor identification<\/li>\n
sponsor address evidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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health exam referral \/ HAP ID if issued<\/li>\n
completed medical results through panel physician<\/li>\n
vaccination or specialist reports if requested<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some applicants may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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military records<\/li>\n
national police clearances<\/li>\n
family registration books<\/li>\n
exit\/entry records<\/li>\n
population registry documents<\/li>\n
certified translations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These vary by country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If including dependent family members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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birth certificates<\/li>\n
passports<\/li>\n
adoption\/custody papers<\/li>\n
parental consent documents if needed<\/li>\n
dependency evidence for older dependent children if relevant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If documents are not in English:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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provide English translations<\/strong><\/li>\n
follow Australia\u2019s rules on who can translate<\/li>\n
outside Australia, requirements differ from NAATI-certified translation rules inside Australia<\/li>\n
apostille is not universally required unless specifically needed for the document\u2019s legal use; do not assume every document needs one<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Australia\u2019s digital applications may require passport-style photographs for identity or health-related steps in some cases. Follow the exact specification in the application instructions if requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n