Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)

Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804 Australia – Permanent Parent Visa

The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a permanent residency visa designed for aged parents who are already in Australia and wish to remain with their children permanently. This visa allows eligible parents to stay lawfully in Australia while their application is processed, making it a valuable pathway for families wanting long-term reunification.

At Widen – Migration Experts, we are a Sydney-based migration agency with over 10 years of experience assisting families across Australia with parent visas, family visas, and complex migration matters. Our registered migration agents provide clear advice, affordable fees, and end-to-end support-from eligibility assessment to visa grant.

Overview

  • Stay: Permanently
  • Cost: From $7,345.00
  • Processing Times: Processing is capped and queued and can take many years; applicants usually remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa while they wait, so you should not make permanent plans until the visa is granted.

More information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/aged-parent-804

Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)

What Is the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)?

The Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa is an onshore permanent parent visa that allows eligible aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to apply while remaining in Australia.

This visa is regulated by the Department of Home Affairs and is subject to annual capping and queuing, meaning processing times can be long. However, applicants can usually remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa while waiting for a final decision.

Key Benefits of the Aged Parent Visa 804

  • Permanent residency in Australia

  • Ability to remain in Australia lawfully while waiting

  • Access to Medicare once eligible

  • No requirement to leave Australia to apply

  • Long-term family stability and reunification

  • Pathway to Australian citizenship (once eligible)

    This visa is particularly suitable for parents who meet the Australian age requirement and prefer a lower visa cost compared to contributory parent visas.

The main quadrangle building of the University of Sydney, Australia
What is the Aged Parent visa 804

Who Is Eligible for the Aged Parent Visa 804?

Age Requirement

Applicants must be old enough to qualify for the Australian Age Pension at the time of application. The qualifying age depends on date of birth.

Balance of Family Test

You must pass the Balance of Family Test, which generally means:

  • At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
  • More of your children live in Australia than in any other single country

Sponsorship Requirement

You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is:

  • An Australian citizen
  • An Australian permanent resident
  • Or an eligible New Zealand citizen

    The sponsor must be settled in Australia.

Health & Character Requirements

  • Health examinations conducted by approved doctors
  • Police clearances from all relevant countries
  • Meeting Australia’s character standards
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Aged Parent Visa 804 Application Process

Step 1 – Eligibility & Strategy Assessment

Aged Parent Visa applications are highly technical. At Widen, we assess:

  • Age eligibility
  • Balance of Family Test calculations
  • Current visa status
  • Long-term strategy and risks
  • Early professional advice is critical to avoid costly mistakes.

Step 2 – Document Preparation

We prepare and verify all required documents, including:

  • Proof of identity and relationship
  • Children’s residency and citizenship evidence
  • Balance of family documentation
  • Sponsorship forms
  • Assurance of Support (AoS) preparation

Step 3 – Lodgement in Australia

The Subclass 804 visa is lodged onshore and currently requires paper-based submission. Correct lodgement while holding a valid visa is essential.

Processing Time

Applications are assessed in two stages:

  1. Eligibility check: Determines if the application enters the queue or is refused
  2. Final assessment: Application is reviewed once a place becomes available

Avoid making permanent plans until your visa is granted.

Step 4 – Bridging Visa & Waiting Period

Once lodged, applicants are usually granted a Bridging Visa A, allowing them to remain in Australia lawfully while waiting in the queue.

Step 5 – Visa Grant & Permanent Residency

Once processing reaches your application and all requirements are met, the visa is granted, providing permanent resident status.

Aged Parent Visa 804 Application Process
Step 2 – Document Preparation
Application process steps
Bridging visa and waiting period

Aged Parent Visa 804 Processing Time

The Subclass 804 visa is capped and queued, resulting in very long processing times, often extending many years. While this can be challenging, it allows parents to stay in Australia during the wait.


At Widen, we:

  • Monitor your application long-term
  • Assist with bridging visa matters
  • Provide ongoing migration advice
  • Support future visa strategy options if required
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Aged Parent Visa 804 Cost

Costs typically include:

  • Government visa application charges (payable in stages)
  • Assurance of Support (AoS) bond
  • Medical examinations
  • Police checks
  • Professional migration agent fees
  • Widen – Migration Experts offers transparent and affordable pricing, with no hidden fees.
Aged Parent Visa 804 Cost

Bridging Visa Options While Waiting

Most applicants receive a Bridging Visa A, which:

  • Allows lawful stay in Australia
  • May include work rights (case-specific)
  • Has travel restrictions unless a Bridging Visa B is granted

We guide clients on travel planning, health insurance, and compliance throughout the waiting period.

Bridging Visa Options While Waiting

Common Reasons for Aged Parent Visa Refusals

  • Incorrect Balance of Family Test calculation
  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation
  • Lodging while holding the wrong visa
  • Failure to meet health or character requirements
  • DIY applications without professional guidance

Our structured process minimises these risks.

Common Reasons for Aged Parent Visa Refusals

How Widen – Migration Experts Can Help

We provide complete Aged Parent Visa services, including:

  • Eligibility assessment and strategic advice
  • Document preparation and lodgement
  • Sponsorship and AoS guidance
  • Bridging visa management
  • Long-term case monitoring
  • Communication with Home Affairs

With over 10 years of experience, our team understands the complexities of parent visas and delivers reliable, personalised solutions.

How Widen – Migration Experts Can Help

Why Choose Widen – Migration Experts in Sydney?

  • Sydney-based migration agency
  • Registered and experienced migration agents
  • Over a decade of proven migration success
  • Affordable, transparent fees
  • Direct communication—no call centres
  • Trusted by families Australia-wide

We combine local expertise with national reach, supporting clients throughout Australia.

Aged Parent Visa 804 vs Other Parent Visas

The Subclass 804 visa is often compared with:

  • Parent Visa Subclass 103
  • Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 864 / 143

Each option differs in cost, processing time, and eligibility. We help families choose the most suitable pathway based on their circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the Aged Parent Visa 804 while on a visitor visa?

Yes, provided you meet all eligibility criteria and hold a valid visa at the time of application.

Work rights depend on your Bridging Visa conditions.

Travel requires a Bridging Visa B before leaving Australia.
Yes, applications are capped and queued annually.
In some cases, alternative pathways may be explored with professional advice.

Speak to a Registered Migration Agent in Sydney

If you are considering the Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804, expert guidance can save time, money, and stress.

Contact Widen – Migration Experts today to book a consultation with a registered migration agent in Sydney and receive clear, personalised advice for your family’s future in Australia.

Contact Information

Ready to take the next step towards your Australian visa? Contact our experienced migration team today. We will review your enquiry, assess your eligibility, and guide you through the next steps with clarity and confidence.

Contact Us

Please use the following form to contact us. One of our team member will get back to you as soon as possible.