The Aged Parent Visa – Subclass 804 offers a variety of benefits to applicants. Parents of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen will be able to stay with their loved one in Australia permanently.
However, it’s crucial that applicants understand the benefits and downsides of this visa, as well as the process of applying and being approved.
Purpose and Benefits of a Sublass 804 Visa
This permanent visa lets the applicant remain in Australia indefinitely, and it also lets them prepare for Australian citizenship. This can offer peace of mind to their loved ones and ensure that they have family members to rely on as they age. You will also be able to bring people with whom you have a de facto relationship, such as a spouse or partner.
Eligibility Criteria
To receive this permanent parent visa, you must be at or above the pension age, meet the health and character requirements, and have an eligible child who is willing to sponsor you.
Key Differences of Aged Parent Visa from Other Parent Visas
The Aged Parent Visa, subclass 804, is slightly different from other parent visas, such as the Contributory Aged Parent Temporary or Permanent Visa.
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa, subclass 864, is also a permanent visa that requires the applicant to be older than 67. Permanent contributory parent visas allow the applicant to live in Australia indefinitely, work and study, and enroll in Australia’s public health scheme, Medicare.
There is also a Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa, subclass 884, which allows the applicant to work and live in Australia for up to 2 years. Like the permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa, the individual must be above pension age. However, the Temporary Contributory Parent Visa, subclass 884, does not allow for government benefits.
The Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa is often used as a bridging visa toward permanent contributory parent visas.
Lastly, the Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa, subclass 870, also requires sponsorship by an eligible permanent resident or Australian citizen, but it does not have an age restriction. The sponsored parent visa remains valid for 3 to 5 years.
Eligibility Requirements for the Aged Parent Visa
The Australian government has imposed limitations on the Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804 that limit the number of visas to a certain number per year, and the waiting times can be very long.
You must meet the same requirements as with other visas, such as good character and health. Additionally, you cannot have had a previous application refused or canceled, and you must promise to uphold Australian values and laws.
Age Requirement
Like with the Temporary or Permanent Contributory Parent Visa, you must be of pension age, which is 66 or 67 years old, depending on your birth date.
Relationship Requirement
You must be the parent or legal guardian of a settled permanent citizen or resident. You will need to provide identity documents to demonstrate this.
Balance of Family Test
The balance of family test assesses whether the applicant will have enough support in Australia. To pass, at least half of the applicant’s children must be either Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Otherwise, there must be more eligible children in Australia than in any other single country.
This means that if you have five children and two live in Australia, but the other three children all live in different countries, you may still be eligible.
Sponsor Requirements
To get the Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804, you must have a sponsored child. The sponsor must be older than 18 and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
If your child is under the age of 18, you may be able to get sponsorship from a community organisation.
Assurance of Support
The assurance of support demonstrates that the eligible relative or organization will provide the visa holder with financial backing so that they will not be relying on government benefits. Up to three people or organizations can pledge support.
Applying for the Aged Parent Visa
For any family visa, it’s important to follow the application process carefully to avoid delays. These are the most significant steps to consider when applying.
Visa Application Process
To apply for this visa, you must be in Australia but not on immigration clearance, and you will apply on paper. You cannot hold a Sponsored Parent subclass 870 visa.
You will complete Form 47PA Application, and your child will complete Form 40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia. Every member of the family unit over 18 must complete Form 47A. Details of child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over.
You’ll then submit certified copies of all necessary documents, pay the first installment of your fee, and send all documents to the address on the form.
Required Documents
The required documents include:
- Copy of birth certificate
- Pages of current passport
- National identity card
- Change of name document if necessary
- Marriage or divorce certificates, if necessary
- Police certificates
- Medical examination results
- Identify documents for every child being included in your application
- Four recent photos for everyone included in the application
You’ll also need documents for the balance of the family test, including:
- Evidence of every child’s citizenship or permanent residence
- Evidence of your relation to every child
- Proof of any children that should be excluded, like a death certificate
They will also ask you for evidence of assurance of support from the sponsoring family members.
Visa Application Fees
This visa costs AUD 5,125.00, with additional charges for any extra applicants.
You will pay for the visa in two separate installments, one to be made at the first application and the second upon request.
Processing Times
This visa has a cap, and there are more applicants per year than there are slots; as such, the processing times can be quite long. Right now, the processing time is about 31 years. However, it’s possible to apply for a different visa, such as the Contributory Parent Visa or visitor visa, then be granted a bridging visa once you apply.
Benefits of the Aged Parent Visa
The Aged Parent Visa, subclass 804, offers numerous benefits to applicants, including the following.
Permanent Residency
With this visa, you can become a permanent resident, which allows you to stay in Australia, enroll in education, work, and travel throughout the country.
Family Reunion
The greatest benefit of this visa is that you will be able to stay with your children and grandchildren in Australia. You can sponsor other family members to join you, allowing you to have plenty of support as you age.
Access to Healthcare and Social Services
With this visa, you will be entitled to an old age pension and receive health insurance, called Medicare, which can be of great benefit if you develop health conditions after your arrival.
Common Reasons for Aged Parent Visa Refusals
Unfortunately, some people find that their application is denied. These are some of the most common reasons to receive a refusal.
Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria
You must meet all the requirements, including age at the time of application and the balance of family test. This relies upon your family members staying in Australia throughout the processing time and being willing to support you.
Insufficient Evidence
Not providing enough evidence, including that for every family member above the age of 18, can result in a denial. Follow the application process carefully and provide certified copies of everything requested.
Health or Character Concerns
The aged parent of a settled Australian resident or citizen must promise to obey Australian laws or they may have their visa cancelled. Previous arrests or a criminal record may lead to a denial.
Additionally, having significant chronic health issues may also lead to denial.
Tips for a Successful Aged Parent Visa Application
To ensure that you do not have your application denied, follow all the steps outlined in the application and provide as much evidence as possible. You may also wish to have someone help you to ensure that you have everything necessary.
Start Early
As processing times can be long, it can be helpful for applicants to receive a visitor visa or contributory aged parent visa before applying.
If they already have a valid visa and are in Australia, they can then be granted a bridging visa that will allow them to stay in the country while they wait for their visa to be processed.
Gather Comprehensive Evidence
It’s especially important that you prove that you have adequate family support in Australia. Provide evidence for every family member who will be staying with you in Australia, and prove your relationship to them through birth certificates, adoption paperwork, or marriage certificates. If you previously changed your name, even if it was years ago, be sure to provide that information as well.
The assurance of support is especially crucial, as you may be denied if it cannot be proven that you will be able to sustain yourself with family support.
Seek Professional Advice
It is incredibly helpful to work with a migration agent or immigration lawyer, especially if your application was previously denied. They can make sure you have exactly the evidence required and guide you through the process. This is especially true if you have a complicated situation, such as multiple children that live in another country or adopted children that must be proven to be related to you.