Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

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.