Bringing parents to live permanently in Australia is a priority for many families. For those who are already in the country and meet certain conditions, the visa subclass 804, also known as the Aged Parent Visa, provides a long-term migration pathway. This visa allows eligible older parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Australia permanently and enjoy family life in their later years.
What is Visa Subclass 804?
The visa subclass 804 is a permanent aged parent visa that allows older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia indefinitely. One of the unique features of this visa is that it is intended for onshore applicants — which means the applicant must already be in Australia, typically on a visitor visa, at the time of applying.
While the visa grants permanent residency, it’s important to note that the processing times can be extremely long, often taking over 13 years due to limited places and high demand. However, one advantage is that once the application is lodged and a bridging visa is granted, the applicant can remain in Australia legally while waiting for a decision.
Who is Eligible for Subclass 804?
To qualify for the visa subclass 804, both the parent applicant and the sponsoring child must meet several requirements.
Parent Applicant Must:
- Be in Australia at the time of application
- Be of pension age in Australia (this varies based on birth year)
- Meet the Balance of Family Test (at least half the children must live in Australia permanently, or more children live in Australia than in any other country)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Not have had a visa refused or cancelled that affects eligibility
Sponsor Must:
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be settled in Australia (typically having lived in Australia for at least two years)
- Agree to sponsor the parent and provide financial support and accommodation for the first two years
How Does the Application Process Work?
The process for applying for the 804 visa involves several steps:
- Check eligibility for both sponsor and parent.
- Gather all required documents, including identification, relationship proof, financial details, and health insurance.
- Lodge the visa application while the parent is in Australia.
- Receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which allows the parent to stay in Australia lawfully while waiting for the 804 visa to be processed.
- Attend health and character checks as required by the Department of Home Affairs.
Due to long queues, the applicant may be living in Australia on a bridging visa for over a decade before the final decision is made.
What Are the Benefits of Visa Subclass 804?
Despite the long processing time, the visa subclass 804 offers several long-term benefits:
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public health system
- Option to apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
- Live, study, and work in Australia without restrictions
- Travel in and out of Australia freely
Additionally, while on the bridging visa, applicants can remain with their family, contribute to household life, and often enjoy social inclusion, especially in their retirement years.
Things to Consider Before Applying
While the 804 visa is a pathway to permanent residency, there are a few important considerations:
- Extremely long wait times mean this visa is best suited for those who are already in Australia and willing to wait several years.
- Parents must ensure they maintain valid health cover during the waiting period.
- If the parent leaves Australia during processing, they must apply for Bridging Visa B to re-enter.
- The Balance of Family Test is strict and may rule out many applicants.
- This visa is not contributory, so it’s less expensive than options like the subclass 143, but the wait time is significantly longer.
Is Visa Subclass 804 Right for Your Family?
The visa subclass 804 is ideal for aged parents who are already in Australia and want to stay permanently without the high cost of contributory visas. It allows families to remain close, and although the wait is long, applicants can stay legally in Australia throughout the process.
This visa is not for everyone, especially those who need a quicker solution or who aren’t yet in Australia. However, for retired parents who are eligible and have the patience for the extended waiting time, it provides a meaningful and permanent way to spend their later years surrounded by family in Australia.
