Reuniting with family is a dream for many parents whose children are settled in Australia. The Parent Visa 804, also known as the Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804, offers a pathway for eligible parents to live permanently in Australia with their children. This visa allows aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia while their application is being processed.
If you’re considering bringing your parents to Australia on a long-term basis, understanding the parent visa subclass 804 process, requirements, and especially the aged parent visa 804 processing time, is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break it down clearly for you.
What is the Parent Visa 804?
The Parent Visa 804 is a permanent visa designed for aged parents of settled Australian residents. Unlike some temporary visas, this one offers a chance for parents to stay in Australia for good. However, it’s important to note that this visa is only available to parents who are already in Australia at the time of application.
One major condition for the visa subclass 804 is that the applicant must be of retirement age based on Australian pension rules. This generally means 65 years or older, though the exact age can depend on when the applicant was born.
Key Features of the Parent Visa Subclass 804
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Permanent residency: Successful applicants gain the right to live in Australia permanently.
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Work and study rights: Once granted, visa holders can work and study in Australia.
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Access to Medicare: The Australian public healthcare system is available to 804 visa holders.
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Pathway to citizenship: After fulfilling the required residency period, parents can apply for Australian citizenship.
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Include family members: The application can include a partner and other eligible dependents.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the parent visa subclass 804, applicants must meet the following conditions:
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Be in Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted.
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Meet the age requirement for an aged parent under Australian law.
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Pass the balance of family test, which means at least half of the children must be living lawfully and permanently in Australia.
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Meet health and character requirements.
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Be sponsored by an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Aged Parent Visa 804 Processing Time
One of the most important considerations when applying for the parent visa 804 is the processing time. The aged parent visa 804 processing time can be very long often stretching over 13 years or more. This is due to high demand and the limited number of places allocated by the Australian Government each year under the parent visa category.
Because of this, many applicants are placed in a long queue. However, once the application is lodged, parents can stay in Australia on a bridging visa while waiting for the outcome.
It’s important to prepare mentally and financially for the long wait, especially if you’re seeking a permanent solution for your parents.
Cost of Parent Visa Subclass 804
The visa subclass 804 is more affordable compared to contributory parent visas, but it still involves several costs:
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Visa application charge (payable in two installments)
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Medical examinations
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Police clearances
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Assurance of Support bond (required before the visa is granted)
Although cheaper upfront than contributory visas, the long waiting time and limited Medicare benefits while on a bridging visa can lead to additional expenses.
Alternatives to Consider
If the aged parent visa 804 processing time feels too long, families can also explore alternatives such as the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 864, which has a faster processing time but a significantly higher cost. Temporary options like the Visitor Visa or Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 870 may be suitable for short stays while waiting for a permanent visa decision.
Final Thoughts
The parent visa subclass 804 offers a valuable opportunity for aged parents to reunite with their children and settle in Australia permanently. While the aged parent visa 804 processing time can be extensive, it remains one of the most cost-effective options for family migration. Understanding the requirements, being prepared for the waiting period, and seeking professional migration advice can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Whether you’re planning ahead or already in Australia with your parents, the parent visa 804 is a meaningful step toward long-term family unity.
