Understanding the Age Requirement for Aged Parent Visas in Australia

Australia offers several permanent and temporary parent visa pathways for parents who wish to live with their children in Australia. Among these options, the Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804) and the Contributory Aged Parent visas (Subclasses 864 and 884) are specifically designed for applicants who meet the definition of being an “aged parent”.

As of the current legislation, the minimum qualifying age for these visas is 67 years old. This is a critical requirement and must be met at the time the visa application is lodged.

This article explains the age requirement, how it is assessed, and what it means for applicants considering the 804 or contributory aged parent visa pathways.

Why an Age Requirement Exists

Aged parent visas allow applicants to be granted a bridging visa, enabling them to remain in Australia while their application is processed. These visas are intended for parents who have reached the Age Pension age under Australian social security law.
The Age Pension age has been increasing gradually over the years and is now 67 years for anyone born on or after 1 January 1957. The Department uses this same benchmark to determine eligibility for aged parent visa categories.

The Age Requirement Explained

1. Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

To apply for the 804 visa, the applicant must be aged 67 years or older at the time of lodgement.
This visa is a non-contributory option with a significantly longer processing time, but it allows eligible applicants to remain in Australia on a bridging visa (BVA) during the waiting period.

2. Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864 – Permanent)

For the permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa, applicants must also be at least 67 years old to meet the “aged parent” definition.
This visa offers a much faster processing timeframe than the non-contributory 804 visa but attracts higher government charges.

3. Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 – Temporary)

The Subclass 884 is the temporary equivalent to the 864 and has the same age requirement of 67 years old at lodgement.
Applicants usually transition from the 884 to the permanent 864 after two years.

How the Department Confirms the Age Requirement

To satisfy the age criterion, applicants must meet the required age on the exact day of visa lodgement. The Department will verify:

• date of birth as shown on the applicant’s passport or identity documents
• whether the applicant has reached the Age Pension age (currently 67)

If the applicant is even one day short of 67 at the time of lodgement, they will not meet the criterion and the application will be invalid.

Common Questions About the Age Requirement

1. Does the sponsor (the child) need to meet any age requirement?

No. The age requirement applies only to the parent visa applicant.

2. Does the age requirement ever change?

Legislation may change in the future, but as of now, the required age is 67, aligned with the Australian Age Pension age.

3. Can someone apply offshore?

The aged parent visas (804, 864, 884) must be lodged onshore, and the applicant must be in Australia at time of lodgement and visa decision.

4. What if the applicant turns 67 after arriving in Australia?

They may wait in Australia until they reach 67, provided they hold a valid visa that allows them to remain lawfully until they can lodge the aged parent visa.

Key Takeaway for Applicants

If you are considering the Aged Parent (804) or Contributory Aged Parent (864/884) visa pathways:

• You must be 67 years or older on the date you lodge the application.
• Your age is the very first criterion you must satisfy before the application can be validly lodged.
• Applicants who have not yet turned 67 must wait until they meet the age requirement before applying for an aged parent visa.

Need Guidance on Aged Parent or Contributory Parent Visas?

Navigating the parent visa program can be complex, especially with long processing times, strict lodgement requirements, and financial commitments. At AustraliaMigrate, we assist families daily in planning their parent visa pathways, assessing eligibility, and preparing accurate applications.

If you would like assistance with determining whether you meet the age requirement or exploring the best parent visa option for your situation, feel free to contact us for a consultation.