The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a permanent residency visa designed for aged parents currently living in Australia who have children settled in the country. It allows eligible applicants to remain in Australia indefinitely with the ability to access Medicare and live alongside their children and grandchildren.
Key Eligibility Requirements
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Settled Australian Child: Have a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia.
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Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, OR more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
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Pension Age Requirement: The applicant must meet the Australian Age Pension qualifying age (currently 67 years).
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Onshore Lodgement: Must be physically inside Australia when lodging without Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) on your current visa.
Comparing Parent Visa Pathways
| Category | Subclass 804 (Non-Contributory) | Subclass 143 / 864 (Contributory) |
|---|---|---|
| DHA Government Costs | Starts from approx. $4,990 | Approx. $48,000+ per parent |
| Queue Times | Significant queue (20–30 years) | Estimated 12–15 years |
| Onshore Status | Holds Bridging Visa A onshore with Medicare | Can apply onshore (864) or offshore (143) |