Australia is a destination sought not only for the quality of life and opportunities but also for its commitment to family unity. For many migrants settled in Australia, reunion with elderly parents is an important priority. Older parents Visa provides a formal route to bring the old parents permanently to Australia. However, the process can be complex and time -consuming, and it is important to understand the details.
What is old parents visa?
Older Parents Visa (subclass 804) allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, or elderly parents of New Zealand citizens to stay permanently in Australia. The visa is designed for parents that are in the age group (as defined by Australian pension age) and meet some family and health norms.
It is primarily different from the original visa (subcontinent 103) and contributing parents visa (subclass 143 and 864) in terms of cost, waiting time and eligibility.
Major eligibility criteria
To apply for old parents visa (subcontinent 804), applicants must do:
To be sponsored by a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, who has been living in Australia for at least 2 years.
Meet the Balance of Family Test, meaning:
At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
Your children live in Australia compared to any other single country.
The eligible age to get age pension in Australia is of age (currently 67 years by 2025, but differs on the basis of date of birth).
Meet health and character requirements.
Stay in Australia at the time of application and when visa is given.
This visa is mainly targeted for parents in Australia on another visa and who want to live permanently.
The Application Process
Preparation: Confirm the eligibility, assemble the documents, and make sure that the sponsor meets the requirements.
Application: Lodge the visa application while in Australia.
Bizing Visa: After applying, most of the applicants receive a bridging visa A (BVA), allowing them to remain valid in Australia while the visa is processed.
Waiting period: This is the place where patience is required. Visa of older parents has very long processing queues, which often occurs in 30 years.
Final decision: After all, the department of home affairs assesses the application and, if all criteria are met, provides permanent residence.
Older parents Visa professionals and opposition
professionals
Permanent residence: Successful applicants become permanent residents with access to medicines and other services.
Family Reunion: The elderly enables parents to live with their children and grandchildren.
Low cost: Visa application fee is much lower than contributing parents visa.
Opposition
Very long waiting time: The subclass 804 visas have one of the longest waiting time – the possibility is more than 30 years. Really, many applicants cannot stay for a long time to see the visa.
No Work Rights on BVA: While the bridging visa allows lawful stay, it may not allow work.
No Medicare until PR is provided: Most applicants are not eligible for medicines unless permanent visa is approved.
Health Insurance required: Visa holders are advised to bridget to maintain private health insurance during the waiting period.
Option for old parents visa
Given the extended processing times, many families explore alternatives, such as:
The contributor provides rapid processing (4-6 years), but the Contributory Aged Parent Visa Australia (subclass 864) comes with a high financial cost of $50,000 per applicant.
Visitor Visa: Some elderly parents use long-term visiting visas (eg 870 sponsored parents visa, which allows to stay up to 5 years), although they do not reside permanent.
Subclass 103 (Parent Visa): similar to 804 but for parents applying from outside Australia over a comparable waiting time.
General question
Can I include both parents on one application?
Each parent must apply individually, unless both meet the eligibility requirementsand are included in a combined application. The sponsor can support multiple applications.
Is it possible to work while waiting?
Bizing visa usually does not provide the right to work.You can apply for work rights separately, citing financial hardship.
Can we apply for Medicare?
Only after permanent residency is granted. In the interim, private insurance is necessary.
What happens if the health of the parents deteriorates?
Important health issues can affect visa results, especially if future care needs are considered a burden on Australia’s health system.
final thoughts
Older parents Visa (Subclass 804) is a viable option for families that want to bring elderly parents to Australia at low cost. However, the waiting period of multi-decree makes it a challenging pathway for most. It is necessary to consider other options and talk with a registered migration agent to evaluate the best route for your family conditions.
