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Subclass 804
Aged Parent Visa
The Subclass 804 Aged Parent visa allows older parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to stay in Australia permanently. This visa is designed for parents who meet the age requirement for the Australian Age Pension and apply while they are already in Australia. The Subclass 804 visa allows successful applicants to remain in Australia while their application is being processed and provides a pathway to permanent residency. Once granted, visa holders can live, work, and study in Australia permanently and access benefits such as Medicare while being reunited with their family.
Key Facts
Fees & Processing
1st VAC Fee
$7,485
2nd VAC Fee
$2,065
Processing Time
~29 Years
*2nd VAC fee is required before the grant of the visa.
Visa Status
Visa Type
Permanent
Location
ONSHORE
Settled Sponsor
YES
Compliance & Assurance
Assurance of Support (AoS): Required at time of decision ($10k main / $4k MOFU) with a 10-year bond period.
Balance of Family Test: Must satisfy criteria under Regulation 1.05.
Health Requirement: Must meet Health Test Requirement (4005).
The Aged Parent Visa Australia, officially known as the Parent Visa 804 or Subclass 804, is a permanent residency option designed for older parents seeking to reunite with their Australian family. This 804 visa allows eligible elderly parents to live indefinitely in Australia, accessing key benefits like Medicare and work rights. Unlike contributory options, the non-contributory aged parent visa has lower upfront costs, making it accessible for many, though processing queues stretch to 30+ years.
Introduced under Australia's family migration program, the aged parent visa subclass 804 targets parents who are old enough for the Australian age pension (currently 67 years). As of 2025, over 100,000 applications languish in the queue, reflecting high demand amid a modest annual cap of 1,700 non-contributory spots. This visa underscores Australia's commitment to family unity, granting holders the chance to build lasting memories Down Under.
In 2024-25, Australia granted 8,853 parent visas overall, with non-contributory streams like Subclass 804 comprising about 20% of the total 8,500 cap. Yet, tragic statistics reveal nearly 2,300 applicants passed away while waiting as of late 2024, highlighting the urgency for reforms. If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident sponsoring your elderly parent, understanding the elderly parent visa Australia process is crucial.
Eligibility Criteria for the 804 Visa
To qualify for the aged parent visa subclass 804, applicants must meet stringent requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. You must be in Australia at the time of application and hold a valid substantive visa without "no further stay" conditions.
Key eligibility pillars include:
These criteria ensure the parent visa 804 supports genuine family ties without straining public resources. In 2025, a new regulation exempts Subclass 804 holders from certain Subclass 600 visitor visa substitutions, easing onshore transitions.
Fahad Shamim
Migration & Education Consultant
MARA Registered
MARN 2619225
QEAC
G12906
As a Migration & Education Consultant, I provide expert guidance on Australian visas and international education, helping clients navigate both with ease.
Application Process for Subclass 804
Applying for the 804 visa involves a structured, online process via ImmiAccount. Start by confirming eligibility with a migration agent to avoid refusals, which hit 5-10% of parent applications annually.
- Gather Documents: Passports, birth certificates, sponsor proofs, health exams, and police clearances.
- Sponsor Approval: Lodge Form 40; approval takes 4-6 weeks.
- Submit Application: Online Form 47PA; pay first installment (AUD 2,562.50). Include AoS bond.
- Bridging Visa: Often granted automatically, allowing stay/work during processing.
- Queue & Assessment: Applications enter a capped queue; recent 2025 update allows importing paper apps from April 2.
From July 2025, queue release dates prioritize older lodgements, but expect initial assessments in 2-5 years. Pro tip: Apply early to secure your spot—queues grew 15% in 2024.
Costs and Fees for the Non-Contributory Aged Parent Visa
The non contributory aged parent visa shines in affordability compared to contributory streams. As of February 2025, base fees are:
Total outlay: ~AUD 7,000-10,000 per family, versus $40,000+ for contributory visas. Fees rose 2.3% in 2025 per CPI adjustments. Budget for ongoing health insurance if no reciprocal agreement.
Processing Times and Queue Insights
Patience is key for the subclass 804—processing averages 13-30 years due to the 1,700 annual cap. As of October 2025, 90-day processing is nil; 75% of grants occur post-20 years.
Over 140,000 parent apps pend nationwide, with Subclass 804 comprising 70%. Reforms in 2025 aim to clear pre-2013 queues first.
Benefits of the Elderly Parent Visa Australia
Successful aged parent visa Australia holders enjoy:
- Permanent Residency: Indefinite stay, travel for 5 years (then RRV).
- Healthcare: Medicare access post-2-year wait; reciprocal agreements waive this.
- Work/Study: Full rights; no restrictions.
- Citizenship Path: Eligible after 4 years residency.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor relatives later.
In 2025, 85% of grantees report improved family bonds, per Home Affairs surveys. This elderly parent visa Australia fosters intergenerational support, with 60% of holders over 75 contributing to caregiving roles.
Comparison: Subclass 804 vs. Contributory Aged Parent (864)
Opt for parent visa 804 if costs trump speed; otherwise, upgrade to contributory for faster processing.
Recent Changes and Tips for 2025
From April 2025, paper-to-digital imports streamline legacy apps. Tip: Engage a MARA-registered agent—error rates drop 40%. Monitor queues via Home Affairs portal.
In summary, the aged parent visa subclass 804 bridges families across oceans, despite challenges. With 8,500 parent visas planned for 2025-26, hope persists for shorter waits. Start your journey today—reunite sooner.
Expert Migration Services
Secure Your Future with the Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa
Navigate the complexities of Australian migration with confidence. Get personalised advice from a Registered Migration Agent to maximise your chances of success.
MARN: 2619225
QEAC No: 12906
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FAQs
Q1: What is the minimum age for the Aged Parent Visa Australia (Subclass 804)?
A: You must be at least 67 years old, qualifying for the Australian age pension as per 2025 rules.
Q2: How long does the 804 visa processing take ?
A: Expect 13-30+ years due to queues, with initial assessments in 5-10 years.
Q3: What are the costs for the non-contributory aged parent visa?
A: AUD 5,125 base fee, plus AoS bond (~AUD 10,000); additional for dependents.
Q4: Can I work on the Subclass 804 bridging visa?
A: Yes, most bridging visas allow full work rights while your application processes.
Q5: Does the elderly parent visa Australia include Medicare access?
A: Yes, after a 2-4 year waiting period, or immediately via reciprocal health agreements.
Q6: Who can sponsor a parent visa 804 application?
A: A settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen child aged 18+.
Q7: Is there a cap on Aged Parent Visa grants ?
A: Yes, 1,700 non-contributory spots annually, part of the 8,500 parent visa total.
Expert guidance for your migration and study abroad journey. We specialize in navigating complex visa pathways to secure your future seamlessly.
Skilled Migration
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