Learn everything about the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) — eligibility, costs, processing times, and how it helps reunite parents with their children in Australia.
Introduction: Reuniting Families Through the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Australia is known for its strong commitment to family values, and the immigration system reflects this. One of the key pathways to permanent family reunification is the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804). This visa allows elderly parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently. However, it’s not as simple as filling out a form — the Subclass 804 visa has strict eligibility rules, long wait times, and financial implications.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Who can apply for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- How it differs from other parent visas
- Costs, benefits, and waiting periods
- Important pros and cons
- Answers to frequently asked questions
What is the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)?
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a permanent visa for elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Once granted, it allows parents to:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Enroll in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
This visa is designed for older parents who meet the age requirements for the Australian Age Pension, which is generally 67 years or older.
Who is Eligible for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)?
To be Aged Parent Visa eligibility criteria, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be of an age that qualifies for the Age Pension in Australia. This varies based on date of birth but typically starts from 67 years.
Sponsorship
A sponsor is required and must be:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- 18 years or older
- Usually the child of the visa applicant
Balance of Family Test
Applicants must pass the Balance of Family Test, which requires that:
- At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
- More of your children live in Australia than in any other single country
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates to prove good health and character.
How to Apply for the Subclass 804 Visa
The application process for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is complex and can take many years. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:
Step 1: Gather Supporting Documents
You will need:
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
- Evidence of relationship to your sponsor
- Proof of meeting the Balance of Family Test
- Police clearance and medical checks
Step 2: Lodge the Application
Applications must be lodged onshore (within Australia). You must hold a valid visa that allows you to apply for another visa while in Australia.
Step 3: Bridging Visa Grant
Once your Subclass 804 application is lodged, you may receive a Bridging Visa that allows you to stay in Australia while waiting for the outcome. However, you may not be eligible for Medicare until the 804 visa is granted.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing times can be very long — often over 30 years due to capped annual quotas. This makes it essential to plan your living arrangements and finances carefully.
Cost of the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
As of 2025, the visa application fee is approximately AUD 4,560, paid in two installments. Additional costs include:
- Health checks
- Police clearances
- Travel and lodging
- Migration agent fees (optional)
Pros & Cons of the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Pros
- Permanent Residency: Live in Australia indefinitely.
- Family Reunification: Be close to children and grandchildren.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible for Australian citizenship after meeting residency criteria.
- Healthcare Access: Enroll in Medicare once the visa is granted.
Cons
- Extremely Long Wait Times: Can take decades due to low processing quotas.
- Onshore Only: Must be in Australia when applying.
- Limited Bridging Rights: No automatic access to Medicare or work rights.
- No Priority Processing: Unlike contributory parent visas, Subclass 804 is not fast-tracked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I work while on a bridging visa after applying for Subclass 804?
You may be granted limited work rights depending on your current visa and Bridging Visa conditions. Always consult your visa grant notice.
Q2: Are there faster alternatives to the Aged Parent Visa?
Yes. Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 864) offer quicker processing (around 3–6 years) but are significantly more expensive (upwards of AUD 47,000 per applicant).
Q3: What happens if my health deteriorates while waiting?
You’ll need to maintain health insurance or pay for private care until you become eligible for Medicare. Serious illness may impact your eligibility if the visa hasn’t been granted.
Comparison with Other Parent Visas
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Cost | Medicare Access | Permanent Residency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 804 | 30+ years | Low | After approval | Yes |
| Subclass 864 (Contributory) | 3–6 years | High | After approval | Yes |
| Subclass 870 (Temporary) | Few months | Moderate | No | No |
Conclusion: Is the Aged Parent Visa Right for You?
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a long-term investment in family togetherness. It’s ideal for elderly parents who can remain in Australia during the wait and are not in urgent need of government healthcare. However, it comes with substantial wait times and limitations while on a bridging visa.
If your priority is reuniting quickly and you have the financial means, contributory parent visas may offer better outcomes. But for families looking for a low-cost, permanent option and are prepared for a long wait, Subclass 804 is a viable pathway.
Call to Action
Have questions or experiences to share about applying for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)? Leave a comment below or share this article with someone considering bringing their parents to Australia. For professional advice, consult a registered migration agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs.
