How the Subclass 884 Works as a Two-Stage Route to Permanent Residence
Contributory aged parent visas involve some of the highest government charges in the Australian immigration system. The subclass 864 (permanent) requires payment of approximately AUD 43,600 per adult as the second instalment at the time the permanent visa is lodged. For many families, paying the entire second instalment at the point of the 864 application is financially demanding.
The subclass 884 exists as a stepping stone. By lodging the 884 first, the family pays a smaller first instalment (~AUD 5,040 per adult) and the parent can live in Australia for 2 years on the 884. Before the 884 expires, the family lodges the 864 and pays the larger second instalment at that point. This spreads the financial commitment over two stages.
Eligibility for the Subclass 884
Approximate Charges — 884 and 864 Stages
| Charge | Approx. amount (per adult) | When payable |
|---|---|---|
| 884 base application charge | ~AUD 5,040 per adult | At lodgement of the 884 |
| 884 additional charge (first contributory instalment) | Included in above figure — confirm on DoHA | At lodgement of the 884 |
| 864 second (main contributory) instalment | ~AUD 43,600 per adult | At lodgement of the 864 (before the 884 expires) |
| Assurance of Support bond | ~AUD 10,000 main + ~AUD 4,000 per additional adult | At 864 stage — lodged with Services Australia |
884-then-864 vs Direct 864 — Comparison
| Factor | 884 then 864 (two-stage) | Direct 864 (single application) |
|---|---|---|
| First payment | ~AUD 5,040 at 884 stage | Full second instalment ~AUD 43,600 at lodgement |
| Second payment | ~AUD 43,600 at 864 stage (~2 years later) | No second payment — all paid upfront |
| Total charges | Slightly higher — additional 884 base charge | Slightly lower — no 884 charge |
| Cash-flow benefit | Significant — spreads large payment over 2 years | None — full amount required at lodgement |
| Processing complexity | Two separate applications required | Single application |
| Risk of status gap | Yes — if 864 not lodged before 884 expires | No such risk — single application |
| Work rights | Generally no work rights on 884 | Subject to 864 grant conditions |
Figures indicative only at August 2026 — confirm current charges on the Department of Home Affairs website before committing to either pathway.
The 884 and 864 Application Process
Transitioning to the Subclass 864
The 884 is granted for exactly 2 years from the date of grant. Note the expiry date and set a target lodgement date for the 864 well in advance — aim for at least 3–6 months before expiry to allow for document preparation.
Health assessments for visa purposes expire after a set period. If the original health assessments from the 884 application are no longer valid at the time the 864 is lodged, fresh assessments will be required. Plan for this.
The 864 requires an Assurance of Support (AoS) — a commitment by a sponsor to repay the Australian government for certain welfare benefits paid to the parent during the AoS period. An AoS bond (approximately AUD 10,000 for the main applicant) must be deposited with Services Australia before the 864 can be granted. Confirm current AoS requirements on the Services Australia website.
On lodgement of the 864, the parent receives a Bridging Visa A (BVA) which allows them to remain in Australia while the 864 is processed. The BVA's conditions depend on the 884's conditions — seek advice on what work or travel rights apply during this bridging period.
Subclass 884 Questions Answered
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.