Are you hoping to reunite with your elderly parents in Australia and have them spend their retirement close to family? The Aged Parent Visa (804 Visa) provides a pathway for eligible parents to live permanently in Australia with their children.
While this visa offers permanent residency and access to many benefits, it is also subject to lengthy processing times due to annual visa caps and high demand. Understanding the requirements and process can help you make informed decisions about this long-term migration pathway.
What is the Aged Parent Visa (804 Visa)?
The Aged Parent Visa (804 visa) is a permanent visa that allows eligible aged parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia indefinitely.
One of the key advantages of this visa is that applicants can generally remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa after lodging a valid application, allowing them to remain lawfully while awaiting a decision.
Benefits of the Subclass 804 Visa
Once granted, the Subclass 804 visa allows you to:
- Work and study in Australia without restrictions
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant
This visa provides an opportunity for aged parents to enjoy retirement surrounded by their children and grandchildren in Australia.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Subclass 804 visa, you must meet several requirements.
Age Requirement
You must be old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension, even if you are not eligible to receive the pension itself.
The qualifying age currently depends on your date of birth and is generally 67 years of age.
Relationship Requirement
You must be the parent of:
- An Australian permanent resident; or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.
Usually, your child must have been lawfully residing in Australia for at least two years.
Balance of Family Test
You must satisfy the Balance of Family Test by meeting one of the following:
- At least half of your children permanently live in Australia; or
- More of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
Health Requirements
Applicants and any dependent family members included in the application must satisfy Australia’s health requirements, which may include:
- Additional health assessments if required.
Character Requirements
Applicants must satisfy character requirements, which generally involve:
- Providing police clearance certificates from countries where they have lived;
- Declaring any criminal history; and
- Demonstrating good character.
Assurance of Support (AoS)
An Assurance of Support may be required before the visa can be granted.
An assurer, usually your child or another eligible person, agrees to provide financial support to ensure that you do not rely on certain Australian social security payments.
The assurer must:
- Meet income requirements;
- Agree to provide financial support if required; and
- Lodge an Assurance of Support bond where applicable.
How to Apply for the Subclass 804 Visa
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the age requirement, relationship criteria, and Balance of Family Test.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare documents such as:
- Passport and identity documents;
- Marriage certificates, if applicable;
- Evidence of your relationship with your sponsoring child.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Lodge a complete application while you are in Australia and not in immigration clearance.
Step 4: Undergo Health and Character Assessments
Complete any requested medical examinations and provide police certificates.
Step 5: Await Processing
If you hold a substantive visa and lodge a valid application, you may be granted a Bridging Visa, allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia while your application is processed.
Processing Times and Queuing
The Subclass 804 visa is subject to annual planning levels and capping arrangements.
Because demand significantly exceeds the number of places available each year, applicants should expect extremely lengthy processing periods, often extending to several decades.
Applications are generally processed in queue date order when visa places become available.
Due to these lengthy waiting periods, families should carefully consider whether the Subclass 804 visa aligns with their long-term migration goals.
Travel Rights
Once granted, the Subclass 804 visa includes a five-year travel facility.
This means you can:
- Leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish during the five-year travel period.
After this period, if you wish to continue travelling internationally while maintaining your permanent resident status, you may need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157).
Is the Subclass 804 Visa Right for You?
The Subclass 804 visa may suit parents who:
- Are already in Australia;
- Meet the Australian Age Pension age requirement;
- Pass the Balance of Family Test;
- Want permanent residency in Australia, and
- Are comfortable with potentially lengthy processing times.
Families seeking faster outcomes may also wish to consider other parent visa options, such as the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) or the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870), depending on their circumstances.
Final Thoughts
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) provides eligible parents with the opportunity to permanently settle in Australia and enjoy their retirement close to family. While the visa offers significant benefits, including permanent residency, Medicare access, and the possibility of Australian citizenship, applicants should carefully consider the lengthy processing times and associated financial obligations.
With careful planning and a clear understanding of the requirements, the Subclass 804 visa can provide a meaningful pathway toward family reunification and a fulfilling retirement in Australia.