Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Start a new chapter in Australia with the Aged Parent Visa!
The Aged Parent Visa is an Australian visa designed for older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who wish to live in Australia permanently with their children. This visa allows aged parents to reunite with their families while enjoying long-term residency, healthcare benefits, and social security entitlements.
Looking to bring your aged parent to Australia? This page provides a comprehensive guide on the Aged Parent Visa, covering eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process. Our expert immigration lawyers specialize in Aged Parent Visa applications, ensuring a hassle-free experience and maximizing your chances of approval.
Start your journey toward reuniting with your family in Australia today!
Claim your Consultation
Tell us about your situation, and we will get back to you shortly.
What is the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)?
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. This visa provides a pathway to residency, allowing parents to stay close to their family, access Medicare, and enjoy the benefits of living in Australia.
However, the processing times for this visa are lengthy due to high demand and limited places. Applicants should be prepared for a waiting period of several years.
Key Benefits of the Aged Parent Visa 804
🔷 Permanent Residency – Live in Australia indefinitely.
🔷 Work & Study Rights – Work or study while in Australia.
🔷 Medicare Access – Enroll in Australia’s public healthcare system.
🔷 Pathway to Citizenship – Become eligible for Australian citizenship (if criteria are met).
🔷 Family Reunification – Stay close to children who are settled in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 804 Visa
To be eligible for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804), applicants must meet the following requirements:
🔷 Age Requirement – Must meet the Australian pension age (currently 67 years, but subject to change).
🔷 Balance of Family Test – At least half of the applicant’s children must live permanently in Australia, or more children reside in Australia than any other country.
🔷 Sponsorship Requirement – Must be sponsored by an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
🔷 Onshore Application – Applicant must be in Australia when applying and must not be in immigration clearance.
🔷 Assurance of Support (AoS) – A financial commitment to ensure the applicant does not become a financial burden to Australia.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Subclass 804 Visa
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents, including:
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of relationship with the sponsoring child
- Balance of Family Test evidence
- Health and character documents
Step 2: Submit a Paper-Based Application
- The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a paper-based application. You must complete Form 47PA and send it with the required documents to the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 3: Bridging Visa Grant (if applicable)
- Since this is an onshore visa, applicants may be granted a Bridging Visa while awaiting processing, allowing them to remain in Australia legally.
Step 4: Visa Processing and Waiting Period
- The Subclass 804 visa has very long processing times (often several years). It is capped and queued, meaning applications are processed in order and are subject to annual limits.
Step 5: Visa Grant and Permanent Residency
- Once granted, the Aged Parent Visa 804 provides permanent residency, allowing parents to stay in Australia indefinitely.
Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804 checklist
To apply successfully, it is crucial to provide all required documents to support your application.
Below is a detailed document checklist for Aged Parent Visa to ensure a smooth and complete visa application process.
IDENTITY DOCUMENTS
🔷 Passport bio-data page (certified copy)
🔷 Birth certificate (showing both parents’ names)
🔷 National ID card (if applicable)
🔷 Marriage certificate (if married)
🔷 Divorce certificate (if divorced)
🔷 Death certificate (if widowed)
🔷 Name change documents (if applicable)
SPONSORSHIP DOCUMENTS
🔷 Completed Form 40 (Sponsorship for Parent Visa Application)
🔷 Certified copy of sponsor’s Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or New Zealand citizenship evidence
🔷 Sponsor’s passport copy
🔷 Sponsor’s birth certificate (if applicable)
🔷 Proof of residency in Australia (e.g., utility bills, lease agreement)
🔷 Statutory declaration confirming the relationship between the applicant and the sponsor
BALANCE OF FAMILY TEST DOCUMENTS
The Balance of Family Test ensures that at least half of your children reside permanently in Australia.
🔷 List of all children (living and deceased), including their full names, dates of birth, and countries of residence
🔷 Certified copies of children’s birth certificates
🔷 Proof of children’s residency (for Australian-based children, provide their visa or citizenship details)
🔷 Proof of children’s residency abroad (for children living outside Australia, provide passport and visa copies)
ASSURANCE OF SUPPORT (AoS) DOCUMENTS
The Assurance of Support (AoS) is a financial commitment by a sponsor or assurer to prevent the applicant from relying on government support.
🔷 Proof of sponsor’s financial capacity (tax returns, payslips, employment letter, bank statements, etc.)
🔷 Form 47PA (Parent Visa Application)
🔷 Centrelink letter confirming AoS eligibility (if applicable)
🔷 Details of any additional assurers (if more than one person is providing assurance of support)
HEALTH & CHARACTER DOCUMENTS
🔷 Medical examination results (from an approved Australian panel physician)
🔷 Police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years
🔷 AFP (Australian Federal Police) clearance (if applicable)
🔷 Form 80 (Personal Particulars for Character Assessment)
PROOF OF ONSHORE APPLICATION
🔷 Proof that the applicant is in Australia at the time of lodging the visa application (e.g., entry stamp, boarding pass, visa grant notice for current visa)
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
🔷 Form 47PA (Parent Visa Application Form)
🔷 Form 40 (Sponsorship for Parent Visa Application)
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
🔷 Statement of purpose explaining why the applicant wishes to live in Australia permanently
🔷 Evidence of ongoing relationship with family in Australia (photos, communication records, joint family events, etc.)
🔷 Any additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs
How to Submit Your Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) Documents?
- The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a paper-based application. All documents should be:
- Certified copies of original documents
- Translated into English by a NAATI-certified translator if necessary
- Organized clearly to avoid delays
🔷 Tip: Keep a copy of all submitted documents for your records.
Processing Times for Subclass 804 Visa
Due to high demand and visa capping, the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) has significant waiting periods. It may take several years for a decision. Applicants should consider alternative pathways if they require a faster visa option.
Alternative Visa Option – Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
- Faster Processing – The Subclass 864 visa is a contributory visa, meaning it has a shorter processing time than the Subclass 804.
- Higher Cost – While it is processed faster, it requires a higher application fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I stay in Australia while waiting for my 804 visa?
Yes, if you applied for the Subclass 804 visa while in Australia, you may be eligible for a Bridging Visa, allowing you to stay legally while waiting for a decision.
2. How long does it take for a Subclass 804 visa to be approved?
Processing times can take many years due to visa caps and high demand. Consider the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) if you want a faster option.
3. Do I need private health insurance while waiting for my visa?
Since processing takes a long time, it’s best to have private health insurance. This will help cover medical costs before you qualify for Medicare.
4. Can I work while on a Bridging Visa?
If you are granted a Bridging Visa with work rights, you may be able to work while waiting for your 804 visa decision.
5. Is the Balance of Family Test required?
Yes, applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test, meaning at least half of their children must live in Australia permanently.
Why Choose Emigrate Lawyers?
Our team of seasoned immigration lawyers possesses in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in handling migration applications. We stay updated with the latest legal developments to offer you the best possible advice and representation.
We recognise that every client’s situation is unique. At Emigrate Lawyers, we take the time to understand your specific circumstances and tailor our services to meet your individual needs. Our goal is to provide you with the most effective legal strategies to ensure a successful outcome.
We believe in transparent and predictable legal costs. Our fixed fee guarantee ensures that you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden charges. This allows you to focus on your case without worrying about financial uncertainties.
Your satisfaction is our top priority. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and achieving the best possible results for our clients. Our track record speaks for itself, with countless successful Protection Visa applications and satisfied clients.