Aged Parent Visa – Subclass 804/864
Overview
Bringing elderly parents to Australia is a meaningful way to keep your family close. The Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 804 and 864) are designed to help parents join their children permanently, allowing them to live in Australia indefinitely. These visas provide access to healthcare and the opportunity to spend time with children and grandchildren. While the application process can be complex, understanding your options ensures the best outcome for your family’s future.
Key Features:
Both visas grant permanent residency, allowing your parents to live in Australia indefinitely. They can work, access Medicare for healthcare, and travel in and out of the country freely. Most importantly, they can stay close to you and be fully part of your family life.
While the visas do not expire, your parents must meet certain travel requirements if they wish to leave and return to Australia after the first five years.
Eligibility Requirements
Your parents must meet several important criteria to apply for either visa:
Age requirements:
- If your parents were born after January 1, 1957, they must be at least 67 years old when they apply.
- This age requirement helps ensure the visa is truly for aged parents.
Sponsorship:
- You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to sponsor your parents.
- You can also have your partner sponsor them if they meet the same requirements.
Financial Requirements:
- You must prove you’re the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of your sponsor
- Meet the “Balance of Family Test” – at least half your children must live in Australia, or more children must live in Australia than in any other country
Financial Criteria:
- Your sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) when you apply for the permanent visa
- You’ll need to pay the contributory visa fees (around $32,340 for the temporary visa)
- Your parents must pass health examinations.
- Provide police clarance certificates from every country they’ve lived in 12 months or more during the past 10 years.
- These requirements cannot be waived.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
Preparation Phase
Gather all required documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, and financial evidence. This stage often takes several months as you collect documents from different countries.
Online Application
For the 804 visa, you must apply by post with certified copies of documents. For the 864 visa, you can apply online through ImmiAccount, which is faster and more convenient.
Pay Application Fees:
The 804 visa requires one payment of about AUD $4,990. The 864 visa has two payments – first around AUD $4,990, then over AUD $43,000 when your application is ready for final processing.
Health Examinations:
This is where the visas differ dramatically. The 804 takes over 30 years currently, while the 864 takes 3-4 years.
Wait for Processing
Current processing times are 36-38 months for 75-90% of applications. Some cases may take up to 4 years.
Decision
Once approved, your parents receive their permanent visa and can come to Australia or continue living here if they’re already in the country.
Important Tips
Apply as early as possible, especially for the 864 visa, as processing times can change. Make sure all documents are correctly certified and translated by approved translators. Consider getting professional help from registered migration agents who understand the complex requirements.
Required Documents
Identity Documents:
- Current passports
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates for your parents.
- You’ll also need proof of your Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
Health Documents: Medical reports plus results from mandatory health examinations.
Character Documents: Police clearance certificates from all countries where your parents lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Financial Evidence: Pay slips, tax returns, bank statements, and employment letters proving you can provide the Assurance of Support. You’ll also need evidence of assets and any debts.
Specific Documents for Each Visa: The 864 visa requires additional financial documentation due to its contributory nature, while the 804 visa focuses more on demonstrating genuine need.
Family Relationship Proof: Birth certificates showing the parent-child relationship, adoption papers if applicable, and evidence of other children’s locations worldwide.
Professional Guidance
Given the complexity and high stakes involved, many families work with registered migration agents or immigration lawyers. Professional help can prevent costly mistakes and improve your chances of success.
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