Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)

The Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) is a permanent visa for elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who wish to live in Australia. Here are some key points about the subclass 804 visa:

1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), applicants must meet the following criteria:
   • Be old enough to be granted the Age Pension in Australia (currently set at qualifying age for the Age Pension, which is gradually increasing to 67 years by 2023).
   • Have an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.
   • Meet health and character requirements.
   • Meet other relevant visa criteria, including assurance of support.
2. Balance of Family Test: Applicants must pass the Balance of Family Test, which requires that at least half of their children live permanently in Australia, or more of their children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
3. Application Process: The application process for the subclass 804 visa involves submitting a completed application form, supporting documentation, and paying the applicable visa application charge. Applicants may need to undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
4. Processing Times: The processing times for the subclass 804 visa can vary, and it may take several years for the visa to be granted due to high demand and processing quotas.
5. Permanent Residency: Once granted, the subclass 804 visa provides permanent residency status in Australia. Holders can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare (Australia's public healthcare system), and apply for Australian citizenship if they meet the eligibility criteria.
6. Assurance of Support: Sponsors of subclass 804 visa applicants are required to provide an Assurance of Support, which is a legal commitment to provide financial support to the visa holder and any accompanying family members if necessary.
7. Parent Visa Queue: It's important to note that there is a significant waiting period for the subclass 804 visa, as there is a limited number of visas granted each year, and there is often a substantial backlog of applications in the Parent Visa Queue.

As with any visa application, it's essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and provide accurate and complete information in your application. You may also consider seeking assistance from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to ensure a smooth application process.