parent visa 804

Australia is known for being a welcoming place not just for skilled migrants and students, but also for families hoping to reunite. One of the visa options available for bringing parents to Australia permanently is the Parent Visa Subclass 804. If you're considering this visa for your parents or you're a parent wanting to join your children in Australia, this article will help you understand the key details in a simple, no-stress way.

What is Parent Visa Subclass 804?

The Parent Visa Subclass 804 is a permanent resident visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows older parents to live in Australia indefinitely and access essential benefits like Medicare and the right to work or study.

Unlike some other parent visas, Subclass 804 is an onshore visa, which means the applicant must be in Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted.

Key Benefits of the 804 Visa

Here’s why many families choose this visa option:

• Live in Australia permanently

• Access to Medicare and other healthcare benefits

• Work and study rights

• Possibility of citizenship later on

• Reunite with children and grandchildren long-term

It’s a great solution for families who want to stay close, especially when children have already settled down in Australia.

Who Can Apply for Subclass 804?

To apply for the Parent Visa 804, you must meet several eligibility criteria. These include:

1. Age Requirement

   You must be old enough to receive the Age Pension in Australia. This is generally around 66 years and 6 months, depending on your birth date.

2. Parent of an Eligible Sponsor

   You must be the parent of a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. That child must be settled in Australia—meaning they’ve lived there lawfully for at least two years.

3. Meet the Balance of Family Test

   At least half of your children must live in Australia permanently, or more children live in Australia than in any other single country.

4. Onshore at Time of Application

   You must be in Australia (on a valid visa) when you apply and when the visa is granted.

5. Health and Character Requirements

   All applicants must meet standard health and character requirements as part of the immigration process.

How Long Does It Take?

One important thing to understand about the 804 visa is that the processing time is very long. As of now, it can take up to 30 years or more due to high demand and limited visa places allocated each year.

Because of this, many applicants are granted a Bridging Visa after applying. This bridging visa allows them to stay lawfully in Australia while they wait for the final decision.

What’s the Cost?

Applying for the Parent Visa Subclass 804 comes with significant costs:

• Base application charge: AUD $4,990

• Additional charges for each family member included in the application

• Second instalment (payable before visa is granted): AUD $2,065 for each applicant

Other costs may include health assessments, police certificates, and the use of a migration agent if you choose to get professional help.

Bridging Visa: Staying Legally in Australia While Waiting

One reason many older parents apply for the 804 visa is because it lets them stay in Australia lawfully while waiting, thanks to the Bridging Visa A (BVA). This is automatically granted once the application is submitted (if you’re in Australia on a valid visa at the time).

While on the Bridging Visa, you may not have work rights automatically—this depends on your previous visa and whether you can demonstrate financial hardship. In many cases, applicants seek work permission if needed.

Alternatives to the 804 Visa

Because of the long processing time, some families look into alternative options:

• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 864) – Faster processing, but much more expensive (over AUD $45,000 per applicant).

• Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) – Lets parents stay in Australia for up to 10 years, but it’s temporary and has no pathway to permanent residency.

Choosing the right visa depends on your budget, timeline, and long-term goals.

Final Thoughts

parent visa options in Australia is a wonderful option for families who want to reunite long-term, and for parents who are already in Australia and meet the eligibility criteria. While the waiting period is long, the fact that applicants can stay in Australia on a bridging visa makes it a realistic pathway for many older parents.

If your priority is to have your family close and you’re willing to wait, this visa might be the right fit. But it’s always wise to get advice from a registered migration agent to make sure you understand the process and avoid costly mistakes.