Understanding the 804 Aged Parent Visa Process

Australia is a popular destination for families seeking stability, quality healthcare, and a high standard of living. For Australian citizens and permanent residents who wish to reunite with their elderly parents, the Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency. However, this visa is known for its complexity, long waiting periods, and strict eligibility criteria. Understanding the process in detail can help families plan realistically and avoid costly mistakes.

This blog provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the 804 Aged Parent Visa, including eligibility requirements, application stages, costs, waiting times, and key challenges.

What Is the 804 Aged Parent Visa?

The Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa is a permanent residence visa designed for older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows parents who are already in Australia to remain permanently once the visa is granted.

One of the defining features of this visa is that it is applied for onshore, meaning the parent must be physically present in Australia at the time of application and at the time of decision.

Key Benefits of the 804 Visa

Once granted, the 804 visa allows the holder to:

• Live in Australia permanently
• Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
• Apply for Australian citizenship (once eligible)
• Sponsor eligible relatives
• Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely

Despite these benefits, applicants must be prepared for a very long processing time, often spanning decades.

804 Aged Parent Visa Eligibility Criteria Explained

To be eligible for the 804 Aged Parent Visa, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Age Requirement

The applicant must be old enough to qualify for the Australian Age Pension at the time of application. This age varies depending on the applicant’s date of birth but is generally between 65 and 67 years.

2. Balance of Family Test

This is one of the most critical criteria. The applicant must meet the Balance of Family Test, which means:

• At least half of the applicant’s children live permanently in Australia, or
• More of the applicant’s children live in Australia than in any other single country

Both biological and adopted children are counted, regardless of age.

3. Sponsorship Requirement

The parent must be sponsored by an eligible child who is:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Settled in Australia (usually living there for at least 2 years)

In some cases, an eligible relative or community organization may act as the sponsor.

4. Health and Character Checks

Applicants must:

• Meet Australia’s health standards (medical examinations required)
• Provide police clearances from every country lived in for 12 months or more

5. No Visa Cancellation History

Applicants must not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused while in Australia, as this can complicate eligibility.

Application Process for 804 Aged Parent Visa

: Step by Step

Step 1: Enter Australia on a Valid Visa

To apply for the 804 visa, the parent must already be in Australia on a substantive visa (such as a visitor visa). Importantly, the visa must not have a “No Further Stay” condition (8503) attached.

Step 2: Lodge the 804 Visa Application

The application is lodged by paper, not online. It includes:

• Completed application forms
• Proof of age
• Evidence of family relationships
• Balance of Family Test documentation
• Sponsorship forms
• Initial visa application charge

Once lodged, the applicant is placed in a queue.

Step 3: Bridging Visa Grant

After applying, the applicant is usually granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which allows them to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for a decision.

However, the bridging visa typically does not allow travel outside Australia unless a Bridging Visa B (BVB) is granted.

Step 4: Queue and Long Waiting Period

This is the most challenging part of the process.

The 804 visa is subject to annual capping and queuing, meaning only a limited number of visas are granted each year. As a result:

• Processing times often exceed 20–30 years
• Many applicants may never see the visa granted within their lifetime

Despite this, applicants can remain in Australia on a bridging visa for many years, provided they continue to meet visa conditions.

Step 5: Request for Further Information

When the application reaches the front of the queue, the Department of Home Affairs will request:

• Updated health checks
• Police clearances
• Assurance of Support (AoS)
• Payment of the second visa application charge

Step 6: Visa Grant

Once all requirements are satisfied and payments are made, the visa is granted, and the applicant becomes a permanent resident of Australia.

Why Professional Migration Advice Matters

The eligibility requirements for the 804 Aged Parent Visa are highly technical, particularly the Balance of Family Test and sponsorship rules. A small misunderstanding or missing document can result in long delays or even refusal. Seeking help from a registered migration agent ensures your application is assessed correctly before lodgement and reduces the risk of costly mistakes that may be difficult to fix later.

Understanding the Costs Involved

The 804 visa is often described as a “low-cost but long-wait” option compared to contributory parent visas.

Costs generally include:

• Initial visa application charge
• Second instalment visa charge (paid much later)
• Medical examinations
• Police checks
• Assurance of Support bond (refundable after a set period)

Although the government fees are lower than contributory visas, applicants must consider the long-term financial impact of living in Australia for decades without permanent residency status.

Bridging Visa Conditions: What You Need to Know

While on a bridging visa, applicants should be aware of:

• Work rights: Often unrestricted, but conditions vary
• Healthcare: Access to Medicare may be available depending on circumstances
• Travel restrictions: Travel outside Australia requires special permission
• Visa compliance: Any breach can jeopardize the entire application

Maintaining lawful status is crucial throughout the waiting period.

Common Challenges and Risks

The 804 visa is not suitable for everyone. Some key risks include:

• Extremely long processing times
• Changes in migration law or policy over time
• Health deterioration before visa grant
• Dependence on bridging visas indefinitely
• Emotional and financial strain on families

Because of these challenges, many families reassess their options after understanding the full implications.

Alternatives to the 804 Aged Parent Visa

Depending on circumstances, families may consider:

• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864): Faster processing but significantly higher costs
• Temporary parent visas: Limited stay options without permanent residency
• Visitor visas with long-stay arrangements: Not a pathway to PR, but flexible for family visits

Each option has different cost, timing, and residency implications.

Is the 804 Visa Right for Your Family?

The Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa is best suited for families who:

• Cannot afford contributory parent visa fees
• Are comfortable with very long waiting periods
• Want parents to remain in Australia long-term on a bridging visa
• Have stable family and financial arrangements

Professional migration advice is highly recommended before applying, as mistakes can be difficult or impossible to reverse.

Final Thoughts

The 804 Aged Parent Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency for elderly parents, but it requires patience, careful planning, and a clear understanding of its limitations. While the visa provides long-term security in theory, the reality is shaped by extended waiting times and ongoing visa management.

For families committed to staying together in Australia and willing to navigate a lengthy process, the 804 visa can still be a meaningful option. Understanding every stage of the journey is the first step toward making an informed and confident decision.