Subclass 804 Visa: Permanent Residency Pathway for Aged Parents in Australia
Overview
- The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a permanent visa that enables older parents of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to remain in Australia indefinitely.
- This visa is designed for parents who meet Australia’s age test (generally the age pension criterion) and who apply while they are physically present in Australia.
Key Points
- This is a permanent visa granting indefinite residence, work and study rights and access to Medicare (subject to waiting periods and eligibility).
- You must be in Australia when you lodge the application and when the decision is made.
- Sponsors are normally the child who is settled in Australia; other eligible sponsors may apply in special circumstances.
- The visa requires satisfying the Balance-of-Family test, health and character checks, and meeting any parental responsibility/documentary requirements.
Benefits of the Aged Parent Visa
- Live in Australia permanently.
- Work and study without restriction.
- Access Australia’s public health system (Medicare), subject to eligibility.
- Sponsor eligible relatives in the future (subject to policy).
- Travel to and from Australia for a limited period after grant (check travel facility on grant).
Eligibility (Overview)
- Have a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet the age requirement (age pension age or as specified by the Department).
- Satisfy the Balance-of-Family test (more children living lawfully in Australia than in any single other country, or other acceptable family test outcomes).
- Be in Australia at lodgement and at decision.
- Meet health and character requirements and have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government (or have arrangements to repay).
Relationship & Sponsorship Evidence
- Certified evidence to demonstrate the parent–child relationship and the sponsor’s status, such as birth certificates and family records.
- Marriage certificates, guardianship papers or other legal documents (where relevant).
- Proof of the sponsor’s Australian citizenship/permanent residence/eligible NZ status.
- If a community organisation sponsors, supply registration documents, an authorising statement from a senior representative, and proof of capacity to support.
Including Family Members
- You may include your partner and dependent children (subject to dependency rules).
- All included family members must meet health and character requirements.
Health & Character Requirements
- Medical examinations are required and usually valid for 12 months.
- Police certificates are required where applicants (or included family members) have lived for 12 months or more in the previous 10 years (from age thresholds as applicable).
Australian Values Statement
- Applicants aged 18 and over will normally be required to sign the Australian Values Statement, confirming respect for Australian laws and way of life.
Debts to the Australian Government
- Any outstanding debts to the Australian Government must be paid or formally arranged for repayment before the visa can be granted.
Application Process — Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Step 1 — Check Eligibility & Sponsorship
- Confirm the sponsor (your child) is eligible and that you meet the age and Balance-of-Family test.
Step 2 — Collect Documents
- Assemble identity, relationship and sponsor evidence, health records, police certificates, and any guardianship/consent documentation.
Step 3 — Lodge the Visa Onshore
- Submit the Subclass 804 application while physically present in Australia. Pay the application charge as required.
Step 4 — Health and Character Checks
- Complete medical examinations and provide police clearances when requested.
Step 5 — Respond to Departmental Requests
- Provide additional documents or clarification promptly if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 6 — Decision
- If approved, you receive permanent residency under Subclass 804. If refused, the decision notice will explain reasons and any review rights.
Practical Notes
- Processing can be lengthy due to demand and numeric places; lodging a complete, well-evidenced application reduces delays.
- Keep contact details current and cooperate quickly with any requests to avoid hold-ups.
Why Apical Immigration Experts — Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- Parent-migration specialists — deep experience with Balance-of-Family rules and onshore aged parent streams.
- Decision-ready applications — meticulous document checks and certified evidence to minimise departmental follow-ups.
- Sponsor guidance — clear advice for sponsors on their obligations and any financial or support arrangements.
- Responsive case management — a single point of contact, seven-day client support and timely updates through every stage.
- Settlement help — post-grant support for Medicare, local services and next steps towards integration.
Book a consultation and let us manage the paperwork while you prepare for your family’s move to Australia.
FAQs: Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
A permanent onshore visa that lets eligible older parents of Australian citizens/permanent residents/eligible NZ citizens live in Australia indefinitely.
Yes — you must be physically present in Australia both when you lodge the application and when the visa decision is made.
Processing times vary and can be long due to demand; a complete application and quick responses to requests help speed assessment.
Yes — eligible partners and dependent children may be included, provided they meet health and character requirements.
A qualifying sponsor, meeting the age test, passing the Balance-of-Family test, and satisfying health and character criteria are the core requirements.
