If you're an Australian permanent resident or citizen and wish to bring your elderly parents to live with you in Australia permanently, the Parent Visa Subclass 804 might be the right option. This visa allows aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reside in Australia indefinitely. While the benefits of this visa are clear, it’s important to understand the full picture including aged parent visa 804 processing time, eligibility criteria, and key considerations before you apply.
What is Parent Visa Subclass 804?
The parent visa 804, officially known as the Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804, is a permanent visa that lets aged parents live in Australia with their children. It is specifically designed for elderly parents who are of pension age in Australia, and who meet certain eligibility and sponsorship requirements.
This visa is particularly appealing for families who want to stay close and provide ongoing care and support to their aging parents. Unlike temporary options, the visa subclass 804 offers a pathway to permanent residency and access to benefits such as Medicare and the possibility of Australian citizenship in the future.
Who Can Apply for the Parent Visa 804?
To be eligible for the parent visa subclass 804, applicants must:
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Be sponsored by an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
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Be of Australian pension age at the time of application.
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Meet the Balance of Family Test, which means at least half of their children must be living permanently in Australia.
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Meet health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
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Be in Australia at the time of application and also at the time of visa decision.
Unlike some other visas, the subclass 804 is only available for onshore applicants, meaning your parents must already be in Australia when applying.
What Is the Aged Parent Visa 804 Processing Time?
One of the most important factors to consider before applying is the aged parent visa 804 processing time. Currently, this visa falls under a capped and queued program, which means there is a long wait due to the limited number of spots allocated each year.
As of recent data, the aged parent visa 804 processing time can exceed 30 years. Yes, you read that right three decades or more. This long queue is due to high demand and a very limited annual intake.
While this sounds discouraging, many families still choose this visa because it allows the applicant to remain in Australia on a bridging visa while waiting for the final decision. During this time, parents may not have access to all government benefits, but they can remain close to their families.
Bridging Visa and Waiting Period
Once the application for parent visa subclass 804 is lodged, your parent may be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This visa allows them to remain in Australia lawfully while the Department of Home Affairs processes their application.
However, it’s important to understand that this bridging visa often does not include work rights unless you can demonstrate financial hardship. Also, while access to Medicare might be available in certain cases, other social security benefits are generally not.
Key Benefits of Visa Subclass 804
Even with the long wait, there are clear advantages to applying for this visa:
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Permanent Residency: Once granted, the visa offers full permanent resident status in Australia.
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Access to Medicare: Eligibility for Australia’s public healthcare system.
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Multiple Entry: Visa holders can travel in and out of Australia freely.
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Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting the residency requirements, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship.
Cost of Parent Visa 804
The application fee for the parent visa 804 starts at several thousand dollars and is typically paid in two installments. Additional charges may apply for health checks, biometrics, and police certificates.
It’s also important to note that the sponsor (usually the child) may be required to provide an Assurance of Support. This is a legal commitment to financially support the parent so they don’t rely on government welfare.
Is This Visa Right for You?
Given the extensive aged parent visa 804 processing time, this visa is not ideal for families seeking a quick reunification. However, it does offer a legitimate long term solution for aged parents to live permanently in Australia. It’s especially suitable if the parents are already in Australia on another visa and are willing to wait.
If time is of the essence, you might want to explore other options like the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 864, which has a significantly faster processing time but comes with a much higher cost.
Final Thoughts
Applying for the parent visa 804 is a major decision that should be made after weighing all the factors. While the parent visa subclass 804 offers the promise of permanent residency and family reunification, the long processing time is a significant drawback. That said, many families still find it a worthwhile path to keeping their loved ones close.
Before starting the application process, it’s a good idea to consult with a registered migration agent who can help you understand your options and guide you through the requirements. With careful planning and professional advice, the parent visa 804 can be a viable pathway to a better future together.