The 804 visa is a permanent visa, designed so that parents older than 67 can move permanently to Australia to live with their child/ren.

On this visa, you can live, work, and study in Australia. You can enrol in Medicare, the Australian healthcare system. You can travel in and out of Australia as much as you want for five years, but after that, must apply for a resident return visa or citizenship if you wish to travel.

This visa is cheaper than other options, and the visa is ‘non-contributory’, making it considerably cheaper than other options.

Conditions of the 804 Visa

Visa Processing Time

804 visas are capped. This means there are a maximum number of visas granted on this visa each year. Anything over that remains in a queue by date of lodgement order and rolls over into the next year. Currently, the wait is approximately 12 to 29 years. (No that is not a typo).

They will acknowledge the application within four weeks.

Visa Fees

The cost of this visa varies from year to year. One instalment is paid on application, the other when requested to by Australian Immigration.

Length of Stay

This visa is permanent. You can apply for citizenship after five years on this visa.

Eligibility Criteria for the 804 Visa

You can apply for this visa if:

  • You have not applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent 870 visa

  • You are currently living in Australia

  • You have a child living in Australia who is a citizen or permanent resident

  • This child has been living in Australia for at least two years

  • You meet the health and character requirements

  • Someone is willing to sponsor you (usually your child)

  • Must be aged over the pension age (67 years as of 2023)

  • Meet the ‘balance of family’ test, which is that more that half your children reside in Australia or more children in Australia than any other overseas country

  • Must have assurance of support to prove you will not rely on Australian government assistance in any form

How to Apply for the 804 Visa?

  • Ensure you have all the paperwork required including passport copies, sponsor documents, balance of family documents, character documents, photographs, and health documents.

  • Apply for the visa on the paper form 47PA Application for a parent to migrate to Australia

  • The sponsor must complete a Form 40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia

  • Pay the first instalment of the fee

  • Once you apply, there are two stages. First, the immigration department will check if you’re eligible, and then add it to the queue

  • If you are successful in this stage, you may be required to submit biometrics or health exams

  • Then, when a place comes available, a decision is made and the second instalment of payment is made.

How Can IDP Help?

Are you studying in Australia and planning to move your parents to Australia permanently? We may be able to guide you in making the best choice, or in your application process. Contact us to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Are the Alternatives to the 804 Visa?

There are three alternatives to this visa:

What are the Disadvantages of 804 Visa?

There are a number of disadvantages to this visa:

  • You must be residing in Australia when you apply

  • There should be no restrictions or ‘no further stay’ conditions on the current visa

  • Parents under 67 years of age are not eligible

  • Balance of family test must be carried out

  • Extremely lengthy wait

Which Visa is Best for Parents in Australia?

Due to the lengthy wait for 804 visa, 884 ‘Contributory Aged Parent’ may be a better option for many.

Is Visa 804 Permanent Residency?

Yes, this visa is a permanent visa. You can apply for citizenship from this visa type.

Can My Elderly Parents Move to Australia?

Yes, there are a number of different visa types that allow your parents to move to Australia. The visa 804 is an example of this.

What is a Contributory or Non-Contributory Visa?

A contributory visa involves payment of a large sum of money, contributing to the Australian economy. It is designed to offset expenses occurred in healthcare by the people moving to Australia. The non-contributory visa does not pay this sum.

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