Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) - Onshore Permanent Visa for Parents
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is an onshore permanent parent visa for eligible parents who meet the age requirement.
It is non-contributory and queue-based, so processing times can be very long due to annual capping.
Applicants are generally required to be in Australia at lodgement and decision.
Visa Information Overview
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) may suit eligible parents who are already in Australia and meet the aged parent criteria. Because it is a capped, queue-based visa, careful planning is essential — including maintaining lawful status and understanding how bridging visa arrangements may apply in your circumstances.
Key Benefits of the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- Permanent residency in Australia (once granted)
- Live, work and study in Australia as a permanent resident
- Access Medicare and Australia’s public healthcare system
- Sponsor eligible family members for certain visas (subject to eligibility)
- Travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident (travel facility applies)
- Pathway to Australian citizenship (subject to meeting eligibility requirements)
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible, applicants generally must:
- Be the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Meet the aged parent age requirement at the time of application
- Meet the Balance of Family Test
- Have an approved sponsor (usually the child)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government (or arrangements in place to repay them)
- Be in Australia at the time of application and decision (this is an onshore visa)
Understanding the Balance of Family Test
To meet the Balance of Family Test, generally:
- At least half of your children must be usually resident in Australia, or
- More of your children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country
This requirement is strictly assessed and is a common reason parent visa applications can be refused.
Our Aged Parent Visa Application Process
Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility
We confirm eligibility for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804), including the parent–child relationship, the age requirement, the Balance of Family Test, sponsorship criteria, and your current onshore visa status.
Step 2: Sponsorship Preparation
We guide the sponsoring child through sponsorship obligations and compile supporting evidence, including proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency (or eligible NZ status), and relevant settlement and identity documents.
Step 3: Application Lodgement
We prepare and lodge a decision-ready Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) application while the parent is in Australia, ensuring all required documents are provided and the case is structured to minimise follow-up requests and delays.
Step 4: Queue Placement
Once accepted for processing, the application is placed in the official processing queue. Because Subclass 804 is capped and queue-based, waiting times can be significant. We support you with updates, requests, and keeping your file decision-ready over time.
Other Parent Visa Options
If you are exploring alternatives to the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), other parent migration pathways may be available depending on your circumstances.
The Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143 and Subclass 173) offer a faster pathway to permanent residency compared to the 103 visa, but involve significantly higher government application charges.
For parents who are already in Australia and meet age requirements, the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) may be an option. This visa allows eligible older parents to remain in Australia while awaiting permanent residency, subject to very long processing times and annual caps.
Each parent visa option has different eligibility criteria, costs, and processing timelines, and professional advice is strongly recommended before choosing a pathway.
Alternative Parent Visa Options
Depending on your circumstances, you may also consider the following Australian parent visa options:
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
A non-contributory permanent parent visa that is typically lodged offshore and is also queue-based. Suitable for families exploring the standard parent visa pathway.
Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143 / 173)
Contributory parent visas involve higher visa charges but can offer a clearer structure for families wanting the contributory pathway—either directly via 143 (permanent) or staged via 173 → 143.
Common Questions About Parent Visa
Is the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) a permanent visa?
Yes. Subclass 804 is a permanent residence parent visa if granted, but it is capped and queue-based, so waiting times can be very long.
Do I need to be in Australia to apply?
Yes. Subclass 804 is an onshore visa designed for eligible parents who are in Australia. In most cases, applicants are expected to be in Australia at lodgement and at time of decision.
Why does it take so long?
It generally requires that at least half of your children are permanently settled in Australia, or that more of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
What is the Balance of Family Test?
It generally requires that at least half of your children are permanently settled in Australia, or that more of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
Why do processing times take so long?
Parent visas like Subclass 804 are subject to annual caps and queueing. Processing time can also be affected by document readiness, health and character checks, and sponsor requirements.
Information is general in nature and not legal advice. Always check current requirements before applying. Services are provided by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518775) and conducted in accordance with the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.