Overview
The Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa is a permanent residency visa for parents who are already in Australia and have reached the Australian pension age. Unlike the "Contributory" parent visa streams, this subclass is significantly more affordable but is subject to much longer waiting periods. It allows elderly parents to remain in Australia with their families indefinitely while their application is processed, provided they hold a valid Bridging Visa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 804 visa in 2026, applicants must meet the following statutory requirements:
- Age Requirement: You must be old enough to receive the Age Pension in Australia (currently 67 years or older).
- Onshore Status: You must be physically present in Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted.
- Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must be eligible children living permanently in Australia, or more of your children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
- Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Assurance of Support (AoS): You must be able to obtain a legal commitment from a person (usually the sponsor) to provide financial support so that you do not rely on government payments.
Costs and Charges
The following fees reflect the official 2026 rates as mandated by the Department of Home Affairs. Please note that most parent visas are paid in two instalments.
| Charge Type | Applicant Category | Amount (AUD) |
| Base Application Charge | Main Applicant | $5,280 |
| Additional Applicant | Aged 18 and over | $2,640 |
| Additional Applicant | Aged under 18 | $1,325 |
| Second Instalment | Per Applicant (payable before grant) | $2,065 |
Note: Other costs such as health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics are not included in the base application charge. For comparison, the Subclass 101 Child Visa base charge is currently $3,235.
Processing Times and Queuing
Because the Australian Government limits the number of parent visas granted each migration year, the Subclass 804 visa is subject to "Capping and Queuing."
As of April 2026, the Department of Home Affairs reports the following benchmarks:
- 50% of applications: Estimated 30 years.
- 90% of applications: Estimated 33 years.
As at 28 February 2026, the Department has released applications for final processing that have a queue date up to July 2013. While the wait is extensive, applicants generally remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa, allowing them to stay with their family during the queue period.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the Age Pension age and the Balance of Family test.
- Prepare Documentation: Collect identity documents, sponsorship forms, and evidence of family relationships.
- Lodge the Application: Submit the application while you are in Australia on a valid substantive visa. Ensure you pay the first instalment of the visa charge.
- Receive Bridging Visa: Once lodged, you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), allowing you to stay in Australia lawfully.
- Queue Assessment: The Department will check if you meet the core requirements and place you in the official queue.
- Final Assessment: When a place becomes available (after the queue period), you will undergo final health and character checks and pay the second instalment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Australia on a Subclass 804 visa?
Yes. Once the permanent visa is granted, you have full work rights. While waiting in the queue, your work rights will depend on the conditions of your Bridging Visa.
Is Medicare available while I am waiting?
Generally, Subclass 804 applicants are not eligible for Medicare until their permanent visa is granted. However, if you are from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, you may have limited access. It is highly recommended to maintain private health insurance.
Can I travel outside of Australia while the visa is processing?
Yes, but you must apply for and be granted a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before you leave the country. Using a Mobile device or laptop, you can manage this through your ImmiAccount to ensure you can return to Australia.
What happens if the sponsor moves house?
You must notify the Department of Home Affairs immediately of any change in your sponsor's or your own contact details or address.
