Subclass 804 - Aged Parent Visa
Onshore Parent Visa
About this visa
The Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa is a pathway for elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. This visa is ideal for parents who want to be closer to their family members in Australia.
This visa category is part of Australia’s family migration stream and aims to facilitate family reunification. It’s specifically designed for parents who are of age to receive the Australian aged pension.
Unlike the Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent Visa, the Subclass 804 visa does not require a substantial upfront financial contribution. However, one of its primary distinctions is the potentially lengthy processing time, which can be significantly longer than that of contributory parent visas.
Upon approval, holders of the Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa gain permanent residency status in Australia. This status allows them to enjoy various benefits, such as access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, and the opportunity to participate fully in Australian community life. The visa provides a valuable opportunity for aged parents to reside permanently in Australia, offering them the chance to live with their children and grandchildren and become an integral part of their lives in Australia.
Eligibility for Applicant
- Age
Period within which a person was born Minimum Age Requirement for Visa From 1 July 1952 to 31 December 1953 65 years and 6 months From 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955 66 years From 1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956 66 years and 6 months From 1 January 1957 onwards 67 years Location:
The applicant must be inside Australia when applying for the visa.Current Visa:
Applicant’s Visa Status: The applicant should hold a substantive visa or a specific Bridging visa (A, B, or C) at the time of applying for the Subclass 804 visa.
No Further Stay Condition: If the applicant’s current visa has a ‘No Further Stay’ condition (such as condition 8503), they may not be eligible to apply for the Subclass 864 visa while in Australia, unless this condition is waived.Family Balance Requirements
Please find the family balance test requirements below.Health and Character:
Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.Previous Visa History:
You should not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused.Specific Visa Conditions:
Certain regional visa holders may not be eligible.Debt to the Australian Government:
You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.Child Welfare:
The application must take into consideration the best interests of any children involved, as defined by Australian immigration law and child welfare guidelines.
Eligibility for Sponsor
Relationship
The sponsor must be an eligible child of the parent visa applicant. An eligible child is usually an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.Age:
18 years of age or older, or
if the applicant’s child is under 18 years of age, please find the alternative sponsorship options below.Settlement Assurance:
The sponsor may need to provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) to assure the Australian government that the parent will not rely on social welfare once in Australia. This typically involves financial support for the parent and any family members included in the visa application.Financial Capacity:
The sponsor must demonstrate the financial capacity to fulfill the AoS obligations. This includes meeting a minimum income threshold and providing a security bond if required.Residency:
The sponsor must be an Australian resident, typically residing and working in Australia for at least 2 years.Legal Obligations:
The sponsor is required to meet all legal obligations associated with being a sponsor, including providing financial support and ensuring the parent complies with visa conditions.
Family Balance Test Requirements
To meet the test:
- At least half of the applicant’s children must be permanent residents in Australia, or
- More of the applicant’s children must reside in Australia than in any other single country.
In cases of remarriage, stepchildren are also counted as children for the purpose of the Balance of Family Test in the Australian Parent Visa application. This inclusion ensures that all familial relationships are considered in assessing an applicant’s ties to Australia.
This test helps determine the applicant’s ties to Australia, influencing their eligibility for the parent visa. It’s not based on the total number of children, but rather where the majority of them live.
Alternative Sponsorship Options
If the applicant’s child is under 18 years of age, alternative sponsorship options are available. The sponsor can be one of the following:
- The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The sponsor must reside in Australia.
- The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
Furthermore, the sponsor must fall into one of the following categories:
- The sponsor must be the child’s co-habiting spouse.
- The sponsor must be the child’s relative or guardian.
- The sponsor must be a relative or guardian of the child’s co-habiting spouse.
Alternatively, a community organization can sponsor an applicant provided that:
- There exists a relationship between the organization and the applicant’s child.
- A senior representative of the organization agrees to sponsor the applicant.
- The organization is legally established in Australia.
- The organization has been actively operating in Australia for at least one year.
- The organization can meet its financial commitments.
Eligibility for applicant's dependent children
- Age Requirement:
- Dependent children must be under 18 years of age, or
- If they are 18 to 23 years old, they must be financially dependent on the primary applicant or their partner, and be full-time students, or
- If they have a disability that prevents them from working, there is no age limit.
- Financial Dependency:
Dependent children aged 18 to 23 must provide evidence of financial dependency on the primary applicant or their partner. This may include proof of financial support for living expenses, education, or other essential needs. - Full-Time Student Status:
If dependent children are between 18 and 23 years old and are claiming to be full-time students, they must provide evidence of their enrollment in an eligible course. - Disability:
If a dependent child has a disability that prevents them from working, there is no age limit, and they do not need to be financially dependent. - Health and Character Requirements:
Dependent children must meet health and character requirements, just like the primary applicant.
Stay Period
It is a permanent visa.
Cost
Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $4,990
Secondary Applicants (18 and over) : AUD $2,495
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $1,250
AoS Payment
AoS bond:
AUD $10,000 for one assured parent (if only one parent is included in the application),
AUD $14,000 for two assured parents (if both parents are included in the application).
The bond will be returned to the assurer after 10 years.
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Processing time
30 years
The Australian Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications, and it’s essential to provide all required documents with your application. Please note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times than the estimated duration. Additionally, processing times are subject to change and should be used as a general reference only.
Benefits
- Work in Australia: Holders of the Subclass 103 Visa can work for their sponsoring employer, gaining valuable work experience.
- Study: You can pursue further studies or enroll in courses in Australia, which can enhance your skills and qualifications.
- Family Sponsorship: The applicant can include eligible family members, such as your dependent children, in your visa application.
- Access to Healthcare: Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, which provides essential medical services.
- Multiple Entries: Enjoy multiple entries to and exits from Australia for a period of up to five years, allowing for flexibility in travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Subclass 804 visa?
A: The Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa is a permanent visa for older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.
Q: Who is eligible for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: Parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are old enough to receive the Australian aged pension.
Q: What is the balance of family test for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: Applicants must have at least half of their children living permanently in Australia, or more children living in Australia than in any other single country.
Q: Are there any age requirements for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: Yes, applicants must be old enough to be eligible for the Australian aged pension.
Q: How long does processing a Subclass 804 visa application take?
A: Processing times for the Subclass 804 visa can be lengthy; applicants should check the current times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Q: Can I include my partner in my Subclass 804 visa application?
A: Yes, if your partner meets certain age and dependency requirements, they can be included.
Q: What are the health requirements for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: Applicants must meet specific health standards, often requiring health examinations.
Q: Are there character requirements for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: Yes, applicants must provide police checks and meet other character criteria.
Q: How much does the Subclass 804 visa cost?
A: The cost varies; applicants should refer to the latest fees on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Q: What benefits does the Subclass 804 visa offer?
A: This visa grants permanent residency, allowing access to healthcare, social services, and the right to live in Australia indefinitely.
Q: Can I work in Australia on a Subclass 804 visa?
A: Yes, there are no restrictions on employment for Subclass 804 visa holders.
Q: What is the assurance of support for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: It’s a legal commitment by a sponsor to support the applicant financially in Australia.
Q: Can I travel outside Australia on the Subclass 804 visa?
A: Yes, but there are limits on the duration of stay outside Australia.
Q: Can the Subclass 804 visa lead to Australian citizenship?
A: Yes, after meeting residency and other requirements, holders can apply for citizenship.
Q: What if my circumstances change after applying for the visa?
A: Significant changes should be reported to the Department of Home Affairs.
Q: Are there any conditions attached to the Subclass 804 visa?
A: Standard conditions include adhering to Australian laws and maintaining residency.
Q: Is private health insurance required for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: While not mandatory, it’s advisable to have health insurance for healthcare costs in Australia.
Q: What if I am outside Australia when my Subclass 804 visa is granted?
A: You must be in Australia when the visa is granted.
Q: Can I apply for a Subclass 804 visa if my child is not an Australian citizen?
A: Your child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to sponsor you.
Q: How can I prove a genuine relationship with my child for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: Provide evidence of communication, financial support, and shared activities or experiences.
Q: What if I have had a previous visa application refused?
A: Disclose all relevant details, as previous refusals may impact your application.
Q: Can I study in Australia on the Subclass 804 visa?
A: Yes, but you won’t have access to government education funding.
Q: Are there any English language requirements for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: There are no specific English language requirements for this visa.
Q: What is the main difference between the Subclass 804 and 864 visas?
A: The Subclass 864 is a contributory visa with higher costs and faster processing times compared to the Subclass 804 visa.
Q: What is the visa application process for the Subclass 804 visa?
A: The process includes submitting an application, fulfilling health and character requirements, and awaiting processing.
Q: Are there any restrictions on applying for a Subclass 804 visa multiple times?
A: While there are no specific limits, each application must meet all visa criteria.
Q: How long is the Subclass 804 visa valid?
A: It’s a permanent visa with no expiry, provided you remain a resident of Australia.