Having your family members gather together under one roof is the wish of every one of us, particularly when our parents become old. If you are already settled in Australia and wish to have your parents come and settle with you forever, then the Aged Parent Visa Australia may be that miracle for you.
But dealing with the immigration system is not always easy. From slow processing times to money commitments and rigid requirements, it's better to know exactly what you're getting yourself into.
What Is the Aged Parent Visa?
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a permanent visa for elderly parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible citizens of New Zealand.
The visa permits elderly parents to reside in Australia forever, use Medicare entitlements, and apply for Australian citizenship in the future if they qualify.
Comparing with the Contributory Parent Visas (which are quicker but significantly more costly), the 804 visa is cheaper — albeit with far greater wait times, occasionally longer than ten years.
Who is Eligible?
Your parent has to be:
In order to become an Australian aged parent visa holder,
Aged sufficient enough to qualify for the Australian age pension (as of 2025, roughly 67)
Located in Australia at application
- Be sponsored by a child who is:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent resident
Or an eligible New Zealand citizen who has lived in Australia for two years or more
Your parent will also need to meet:
- The Balance of Family Test, which requires at least half of their children to live here permanently (or more children here than in any other individual country)
- Health and character requirements
Can You Apply from Overseas?
No. Another significant requirement of the Subclass 804 visa is that the applicant should be in Australia upon application. They should stay onshore during the processing of the visa too.
What Happens After Applying?
After your parent has submitted the visa application, they will usually be granted a Bridging Visa, enabling them to remain in Australia legally while a decision is made — even if it takes several decades.
Throughout their bridging visa period, they might have limited work entitlements or access to government assistance, depending upon the category granted.
How Long Does the Aged Parent Visa Take?
Here’s the challenging part — processing times are extremely long. For the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804), the queue is very slow-moving. On average:
- The processing time can be 13+ years
- Only a small number of places are allocated annually due to the government’s migration program limits
This visa is not ideal if you’re hoping for a quick move or urgent reunion, but it works for those planning long-term.
What Are the Costs?
The good news is that the aged parent visa is much less expensive than the contributory pathways. That being said, it's still a serious money move.
As of 2025, the charge consists of:
Base application charge: Approximately AUD 4,990 (paid in two instalments)
- Dependent charges
- Extra charges for:
- Police certificates
- Medical tests
- Translation and certification of documents
What Is an Assurance of Support?
One of the requirements of the aged parent visa application, the sponsoring relative (or child) will be required to give an Assurance of Support (AoS). This is a binding undertaking to give financial support to the parent for 10 years so that they do not become dependent on government welfare.
An AoS has a bond, usually ten years and returned if there is no social security claim.
Pros and Cons of the Aged Parent Visa
Pros:
- Permanent residence for your parents
- Access to Medicare and future citizenship
- Less expensive than contributory visas
Cons:
- Extremely long waiting periods (10–15 years)
- Need to apply while in Australia
- Limited government support during wait period
- Sponsoring child could have financial responsibilities
Is This the Right Visa for Your Family?
If you’re looking to bring your parents over to Australia and they’re retired or near pension age, the aged parent visa may offer a pathway — but only if your family is prepared for the long wait.
For those who want a faster option and have the financial capacity, Contributory Parent Visas (like Subclass 864 or 143) may be a better fit, despite the higher cost.
Do You Need Assistance with the Application?
Because the Australian immigration process is so complicated, most families prefer to keep a registered migration agent who has inside information on the aged parent visa Australia application process.
- An agent will assist you in the following ways:
- Assess your eligibility
- Prepare and lodge correct documents
- Prevent costly errors
- Clarify waiting times, bridging visas, and AoS requirements
Final Thoughts
The Aged Parent Visa Australia is not quite there — but for so many families, it's one step closer to being near the ones you love. Armed with the right knowledge and guidance, you can have faith in navigating the process, knowing you're the driver of creating a future with family around you.
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