The Aged Parent visa (subclass 804) is an onshore permanent residency visa for parents of children living in Australia. It is a permanent visa for eligible aged parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who meet the relevant requirements. Applying for an aged parent visa in Australia allows older family members to settle permanently.
When applicants and their families understand these requirements, they can prepare the necessary documents. Additionally, they can improve the application process. Due to lengthy processing times for the visa and places being capped annually, applicants should also be ready to wait for a long time before their application gets assessed.
What Is an Aged Parent Visa?
The Aged Parent visa, or subclass 804, is a permanent visa pathway for eligible older parents who have a qualifying child settled in Australia. It allows eligible parents to live permanently in Australia when they meet the visa requirements, including the applicable age, sponsorship, family relationship, and Balance of Family test, as well as health, character, and Assurance of Support requirements.
Once granted, the subclass 804 aged parent visa provides indefinite residence, offering applicants and their families peace of mind and stability in their plans.
Who Can Apply for the Aged Parent Visa Australia?
Before preparing an application for the subclass 804 aged parent visa, applicants should assess whether they meet the key eligibility requirements for an aged parent visa in Australia. These include age, an eligible sponsor and child relationship, the Balance of Family Test, health and character requirements, and the ability to obtain an Assurance of Support.
Age Limit
It is required that the primary applicant applying for the parent visa 804 has reached sufficient age for the Australian age pension.
This age is linked to other pension eligibility thresholds in Australia and changes over time. In 2026, the qualifying age for the pension in Australia is 67. Applicants must check the latest threshold on an official government website rather than relying on outdated information.
Fit Kid and Support.
To be eligible, a child is a citizen or settled in Australia, a permanent resident of Australia, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Typically, the qualified minor acts as the sponsor. However, if a child is under 18, then an eligible relative or community organization may sponsor the applicant. A visa can be issued only if sponsorship is approved.
Balance of Family Test
A Balance of Family Test will be performed in order to examine family links to Australia for the parent visa 804. This requirement is met by an applicant if:
- At least 50% of their biological and step-children are eligible children; or
- There are more eligible children in Australia than in any other country.
For this purpose, an eligible child is generally an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident usually resident in Australia, or an eligible New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia.
The applicant and relevant family members must meet health and character requirements imposed by Australia. The Department of Home Affairs may request a health examination, a police certificate, or other supporting documents, depending on the situation. Some family members who do not migrate may be asked to comply as well.
Assured Support
An Assurance of Support (AoS) is a legal document that ensures the visa holder will not need government support. Applicants need to note that the AoS can be provided by the sponsor, another individual or an organisation and will be specified by the Department if required.
The sponsor does not necessarily have to provide the Assurance of Support. An individual, multiple people, or an organisation may provide it, subject to the applicable requirements. The Department will advise the applicant when the Assurance of Support needs to be provided.
No Existing Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa Application
An applicant cannot apply for the subclass/ aged parent visa 804 if they have already applied for or have a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870). Applicants should therefore consider their existing or previous parent visa applications before proceeding.
Australian Government Debts
Before the visa is granted, it is generally necessary for any debt owed by the applicant or their relevant family members to the Australian Government to be paid back or to be covered by an approved repayment plan.
Previous Visa Cancellation or Refusal
The Department will consider an applicant’s immigration history when assessing the application. A previous visa cancellation or visa refusal may affect eligibility in certain circumstances. However, having a previous refusal or cancellation does not automatically mean that a person can never apply for another permanent visa; specific rules and circumstances need to be considered.
Australian Values Statement
Applicants aged 18 or over must have read, or had explained to them, the Life in Australia booklet and signed an Australian Values Statement. This confirms that they will respect the Australian way of life and comply with Australian laws.
Best Interests of a Child
The subclass 804 visa will not be granted if doing so would not be in the best interests of an applicant who is under 18.
Documents Required for the Australian Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
The subclass 804 aged parent visa enables older parents to remain in Australia permanently alongside their children; it is available to eligible parents who are already in Australia and have a child who has permanent residency, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Securing an aged parent visa in Australia requires complete documentation, as incomplete applications may be postponed or rejected.
- Application Forms:
When filling out Form 47PA (the main application form), you should submit the completed paper form together with the supporting documents to the Department of Home Affairs.
— Form 40 (the sponsorship form): this must be filled in by the child who is based in Australia.
- Identity Documents:
You should submit certified copies of the biodata page of your passport, your birth certificate, your national ID card, your marriage certificate, any documents relating to a name change, and possibly some passport-sized photographs.
- Relationship Evidence:
Show the parent-child relationship using official documents such as birth certificates, family records, marriage certificates, guardianship papers, or other legal documents.
- Sponsor Documents:
The sponsor (in other words, your child) must demonstrate that they have settled in Australia and are eligible; common forms of evidence are citizenship or permanent residency, identification, proof of address, the length of residence, and recent tax notices if such documents are required.
- The results of the family test:
Provide the children’s birth certificates together with evidence of their citizenship or residency and proof of their current residence.
- Evidence of Age:
– Prove that you are 67 years of age or older using documents such as your passport and birth certificate.
- Evidence concerning the present state of affairs in Australia:
At the time of applying and when the application has been decided, both you and any other members of your family must be in Australia. You should therefore send with your visa grant or notice evidence of your arrival and of your stay.
Note: People with a Subclass 870 visa cannot apply.
- Health Documents:
You must include your health examination results, medical reports, and evidence of your health insurance and eligibility for Medicare.
- Character Documents:
You must send in police certificates obtained from any country in which you have lived for twelve months or more in the ten years preceding the present time, together with any required military records or character declarations.
- Assurance of Support:
The promise made by the sponsor in accordance with the law to reimburse the welfare payments if it is necessary. If you would like to know more about the particular requirements, you should get in touch with Home Affairs or a registered agent.
- Supporting Statements:
A short explanation of the reasons for your wish to move to Australia, along with supporting evidence like photographs and communication records.
Final Considerations Before Applying for the Aged Parent Visa
The Aged Parent visa in Australia (subclass 804) has a number of linked eligibility conditions. If you are seeking an aged parent visa Australia, your age, the fact that your child is the sponsor, your passing of the Balance of Family Test, the health and character assessments, and your present visa status all have to match. Since a shortfall in one of these areas can impact the entire parent visa 804 application, it is advisable to consider all the factors before you submit it.
First, check that you are eligible and collect all the necessary documentation. Make sure that you meet the age requirement, that you are in Australia and not going through immigration clearance, and that your sponsor is eligible. Then obtain your identity, relationship, sponsor, health and character documents. Failure to have the required documents or having inconsistent ones may result in delays. Since the visa in question already has a long waiting time, it is worth avoiding any delays that can be prevented.
It would be a good idea to get professional advice. In cases where your situation is complicated—such as having children in different countries, a non-standard visa history, or questions regarding your sponsor’s eligibility—a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer will be able to determine how the rules apply to your specific circumstances, documents and the timing of your case. Since the requirements and fees are subject to change, it is also worthwhile checking the current details with the Department of Home Affairs.
Ready to talk it through? If you would like to discuss your circumstances and understand the requirements that apply to you, get in touch with our team. We can help you work out where you stand before you take the next step.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa regulations and guidelines can vary, and individual situations differ. It is advisable to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed migration agents to discuss your particular circumstances.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get an aged parent visa?
The processing of parent visa 804 applications can take many years since they are subject to capping and queuing. The estimated time for new Parent and Aged Parent applications as of May 2026 was about 33 years, even though the length of time it takes to process individual applications may differ.
2. Which visa is the best one for elderly parents in Australia?
The aged-parent visa that is most appropriate will depend on the applicant’s eligibility, the degree of permanence desired, the implications of the processing, the family’s situation, and whether or not the applicant is able to meet the financial requirements.
3. What is the balance of the family test for subclass 804?
The balance of family test assesses an applicant’s family connections to Australia. To satisfy the test, either at least half of the applicant’s children and stepchildren must be eligible children, or more of their eligible children must live in Australia than in any other single country. The test applies to the parent visa 804 and cannot generally be waived, including in compelling or exceptional circumstances.
4. Can I work in Australia on an Aged Parent visa?
Yes. The subclass 804 aged parent visa is a permanent visa, allowing successful applicants to stay in Australia indefinitely. Residents can work and study in Australia, and may also be eligible to enrol in Medicare, subject to the applicable requirements.
