Subclass 804/864 aged Parent Visa Australia 2025
Aged Parent Visas: Subclass 804 and 864
Bringing your elderly parents to Australia is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make as an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The Aged Parent Visas – Subclass 804 and Subclass 864 – are specifically designed to help families reunite permanently. These visas allow your parents to live in Australia forever, giving them access to healthcare and the chance to be close to their children and grandchildren. While the journey might seem complex, understanding your options can help you make the right choice for your family’s future.
Understanding Subclass 804 and 864 Visas
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Subclass 804 (Non-Contributory) | Subclass 864 (Contributory) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ~AUD 4,990 | ~AUD 4,990 (1st installment) + AUD 43,000+ (2nd installment) |
| Total Cost | Under AUD 10,000 per parent | Around AUD 50,000 per parent |
| Processing Time | 30+ years | 3-4 years |
| Visas Granted (2024) | 25 people | 190 people |
| Application Method | Post only (certified copies) | Online via ImmiAccount |
| Queue Size | 100,000+ applications | Significantly shorter |
| Annual Places | ~1,000 | More available |
| Realistic Option | Limited due to wait time | Yes, for those who can afford it |
| Best For | Young parents (early 60s) with long-term planning | Older parents need faster processing |
What Are These Visas?
Both the Subclass 804 (Aged Parent) and Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent) visas serve the same purpose – they let your parents become permanent residents of Australia. The main difference lies in how much you pay and how long you wait.
Subclass 804 is the non-contributory option. This means you pay less money upfront (around AUD 4,990), but the wait time is extremely long, currently over 30 years. Only 25 people received this visa in 2024, making it very difficult to obtain.
Subclass 864 is the contributory option. You pay significantly more (over AUD 43,000 in total fees), but your parents can get their visa much faster – typically within 3 to 4 years. In 2024, 190 people received this visa, showing it’s much more accessible.
Key Features
Both visas are permanent, meaning your parents can stay in Australia forever. They can work if they want to, access Medicare for healthcare, and travel in and out of Australia freely. Most importantly, they can live close to you and be part of your family’s daily life.
The visas don’t expire, but your parents will need to meet certain travel requirements if they want to leave and return to Australia after the first five years.
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply?
Basic Criteria
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
Your parents need to show they can support themselves financially:
- Assurance of Support:
- You must provide an Assurance of Support, which is a legal commitment to support your parents financially for up to 10 years.
You’ll need to prove you have enough income and may need to pay a security bond (up to AUD 14,000 for the 864 visa).
- Income Threshold:
- You must meet minimum income requirements, which vary depending on your family size and circumstances.
- This ensures you can support your parents without them needing government assistance.
Health and character Requirements:
- 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
1
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.
2
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.
3
Pay 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.
4
Health Examination
Your parents must complete medical examinations with approved doctors. These checks are for conditions that might affect public health or cost the Australian healthcare system significant money.
5
Wait for Processing
This is where the visas differ dramatically. The 804 takes over 30 years currently, while the 864 takes 3-4 years.
6
Final Decisions
Once approved, your parents receive their permanent visa and can come to Australia or continue living here if they’re already in the country.
Processing Optimization
Optimal Timing
Apply before the provisional visa expiration to maintain continuous lawful status.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid assuming income thresholds apply; focus on comprehensive ATO documentation rather than earnings levels.
Completeness Importance
Submit complete applications with all required documentation to minimise processing delays.
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
You’ll need to provide extensive documentation for both visas:
General Documents:
- Identity Documents: Current passports, birth certificates, and 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.
Subclass-Specific Documents:
- 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.
Processing Time & Costs
Understanding the Investment
Subclass 804 Costs:
Application Fee
AUD $4,990
Health examinations
AUD $300-$500 per person
Document Translation
$50-$100 per page
Assurance of Support bond
AUD $5000 (refund)
Subclass 864 Cost:
first instalment
AUD $4,990
(per applicant)
5-year visa
AUD $43,000
(per applicant)
Including health exams, translations, and bonds, expect to pay around AUD 50,000 per parent.
Processing Timeframes
Visa and Applications
The 804 visa currently has a queue of over 100,000 applications with only about 1,000 places available each year. This creates the 30+ year wait time. Many families find this impractical, especially given their parents’ age.
Visa Time Process
The 864 visa processes much faster because fewer people can afford the higher fees. With 3-4 year processing times, it’s more realistic for families who want their parents to enjoy their Australian years together.
Making the Right Choice for Your Famil
When to Choose Subclass 804
Consider the 804 visa if your parents are relatively young (early 60s), your family has limited financial means, and you can wait decades for the outcome. Some families apply for both visas simultaneously, hoping the 804 might process faster than expected.
When to Choose Subclass 864
The 864 visa makes sense when your parents are older and you want them to enjoy their remaining years in Australia. If you can afford the higher fees and value certainty over savings, this visa offers a realistic pathway to family reunion.
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.
Conclusion
Start planning early, gather your documents systematically, and consider professional assistance to navigate this complex process. Your parents’ Australian journey begins with understanding these options and taking the first step toward application.
Remember, every family’s situation is unique. What works for others might not work for you, so carefully consider your parents’ age, health, your financial situation, and family circumstances before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both visas allow unlimited work rights. Your parents can work full-time, part-time, or start their own business without restrictions.
Yes, many families lodge both applications simultaneously. If the 864 is granted first, you can withdraw the 804 application and receive a partial refund.
Health requirements are strict and cannot be waived. If your parent has significant medical conditions that might cost the Australian healthcare system substantially, their application may be refused.
Yes, as permanent residents, your parents can access Medicare services immediately upon arrival or visa grant if they're already in Australia.
You must inform the Department of any significant changes to your income or circumstances. Major changes might affect your ability to provide the Assurance of Support and could impact the application.
Ready to start your application?
Contact the SBS Consultant and our experienced migration team for personalised guidance. We’ll help you understand your options, prepare your application, and navigate the complex process from start to finish.
Don’t wait – processing times are long, so beginning early gives you the best chance of success.