Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884)
The Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884) allows eligible aged parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia temporarily.
This visa forms part of the contributory aged parent visa pathway and may provide a route to the permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864).
- Temporary visa for eligible aged parents
- Must generally be in Australia when applying
- Balance of Family Test generally applies
- Sponsorship is generally required
- May provide a pathway to the permanent Subclass 864 visa
What is the Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884)?
The Subclass 884 visa is a temporary visa for eligible aged parents who are already in Australia and wish to remain with their children while progressing through the contributory aged parent visa pathway.
The visa is commonly used by families who prefer a staged approach to the contributory aged parent visa process rather than applying directly for the permanent Subclass 864 visa.
Unlike the permanent Subclass 864 visa, the Subclass 884 visa is temporary and is intended to be part of a longer-term migration strategy.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must generally be aged parents of settled Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Eligible Parent
The applicant must be the parent of an eligible child living in Australia.
Eligible Sponsor
An eligible sponsor is generally required.
Balance of Family Test
The applicant must generally satisfy the Balance of Family Test.
Health and Character
Applicants must satisfy Australia's health and character requirements.
Who is an Aged Parent?
For Australian migration purposes, an aged parent is generally a parent who is old enough to qualify for the Australian Age Pension age requirement.
The qualifying age can change over time. Applicants should check the current requirements before lodging a visa application.
This requirement distinguishes aged parent visas from standard parent visa pathways such as Subclass 103 and Subclass 143.
Subclass 884 vs Subclass 864
The Subclass 884 and Subclass 864 visas are closely connected but provide different outcomes.
Key Requirements
- Be an aged parent under migration legislation
- Be sponsored by an eligible sponsor
- Satisfy the Balance of Family Test
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements
- Generally be in Australia when applying
Balance of Family Test
The Balance of Family Test is one of the most important requirements for aged parent visa pathways.
For more information, see our Parent Visa Balance of Family Test Guide.
Sponsorship Requirements
The applicant generally requires sponsorship from an eligible child or another eligible sponsor.
For more information, see our Parent Visa Sponsorship Requirements Guide.
Benefits of the Subclass 884 Visa
The Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa offers eligible aged parents an opportunity to remain in Australia while progressing towards permanent residence.
Remain in Australia
Stay in Australia with family while progressing through the contributory aged parent pathway.
Family Reunification
Spend more time with children and grandchildren living in Australia.
Pathway to Subclass 864
Eligible applicants may later apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa.
Staged Payment Option
Allows some families to spread contributory parent visa costs over multiple stages.
Pathway to the Permanent Subclass 864 Visa
The primary purpose of the Subclass 884 visa is to provide a pathway to the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864).
Many families choose the temporary Subclass 884 pathway because it allows them to progress towards permanent residence through a staged migration strategy.
Before deciding between Subclass 884 and Subclass 864, applicants should compare the costs, processing considerations and long-term migration objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Subclass 884 visa?
The Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa is a temporary visa that may provide a pathway to the permanent Subclass 864 visa.
Is the Subclass 884 visa a permanent visa?
No. The Subclass 884 visa is a temporary visa.
What is an aged parent?
An aged parent is generally a parent who meets the age requirement linked to Australian Age Pension eligibility.
Does the Balance of Family Test apply?
Yes. Applicants generally need to satisfy the Balance of Family Test unless an exemption applies.
Can I later apply for the Subclass 864 visa?
Yes. The Subclass 884 visa is commonly used as a pathway to the permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864).
Do health and character requirements apply?
Yes. Applicants must satisfy Australia's health and character requirements.
Do I need to be in Australia when applying?
The Subclass 884 visa is generally intended for applicants who are in Australia at the time of application.
Should I choose Subclass 884 or Subclass 864?
The answer depends on your migration strategy, budget and long-term objectives. Professional advice can help identify the most suitable option.
Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant
This page has been reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi, Principal Migration Consultant at Shada Migration. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University (ANU).
Need Advice on a Contributory Aged Parent Visa?
The aged parent visa system can be complex, particularly when comparing Subclass 884 and Subclass 864 pathways. Professional advice may help determine the most suitable migration strategy for your family.
