Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) & Contributory Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 884 & 864)

Illustration of an elderly couple with luggage and a plane flying overhead, representing travel and family reunion under the Aged Parent and Contributory Aged Parent Visa subclasses 804, 884, and 864 for migration to Australia.

Bringing Elderly Parents to Australia

For Australian citizens and permanent residents wishing to reunite with their elderly parents long-term, the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) and Contributory Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 884 & 864) provide two of the most viable pathways. While Subclass 804 is a non-contributory permanent visa with long wait times, the contributory subclass 884/864 stream offers a faster—but more costly—route to residency.
At IME Advisors, we are trusted contributory parent visa agents in Sydney, guiding families through every step of the aged parent migration process.

Visa Options at a Glance

Visa Type	Stream	Visa Outcome	Processing Time	Cost
Subclass 804	Aged Parent	Permanent Residency	25–30+ years	Lower Cost
Subclass 884	Contributory (Temporary)	2-Year Temporary Stay	2–4 Years	Higher Fee
Subclass 864	Contributory (Permanent)	Permanent Residency	2–4 Years	Higher Fee (Split Payments Possible)

Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa (Non-Contributory)

What is it?

The Subclass 804 visa allows aged parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently. This visa is only available to applicants who are of pension age and are onshore at the time of application and decision.

Key Features:

Must be onshore at time of application and decision

Extremely long processing queue (25–30 years)

Allows a Bridging Visa while waiting (with work rights in some cases)

Must pass the Balance of Family Test

Full permanent residency once granted

Eligibility:

Meet the age requirement for the Age Pension in Australia

Pass health and character checks

Be sponsored by an eligible child

Pass the Balance of Family Test

Strategic Note:

Applicants can remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa A during processing, which allows parents to stay lawfully while they wait.

Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)

What is it?

The Subclass 884 is a 2-year temporary visa that allows aged parents to stay in Australia with their children, with the intention of applying for the Subclass 864 (Permanent) visa later.

Why Choose This Path?

This two-step option lets families split the government visa charges over time while still securing a long-term future for their parents in Australia.

Key Features:

Must be in Australia at time of application and grant

Requires Assurance of Support (AoS)

Full work and travel rights

Option to transition to Subclass 864 during the 2-year stay

Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Permanent)

This is the permanent stage of the contributory visa pathway and offers:

Full permanent residency

Access to Medicare

Eligibility for citizenship after 4 years

Ability to sponsor other family members

The Subclass 864 can be applied directly or after holding Subclass 884.

Why IME Advisors is the Right Choice

We are not just any migration agency — we are experienced aged parent visa consultants based in Sydney, offering:

Up-to-date knowledge on complex processing queues

End-to-end handling of all parent visas: Subclass 804, 884, and 864

Bridging visa guidance and AoS support

Strategic advice for families weighing cost vs. processing speed

Book Visa Consultation

Australia’s Parent Visa Program allows citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents to live in Australia either temporarily or permanently.

Other Visa you might be
interested in

Parent Visa (Subclass
103)

Contributory Parent Visa

FAQs – Aged Parent & Contributory Aged Parent Visas

What’s the age requirement for aged parent visas?

You must meet the Age Pension age as per Centrelink rules — currently between 66.5 to 67 years depending on your birth year.

What is the Balance of Family Test?

At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or you must have more children in Australia than in any other country.

Can I apply for the Subclass 804 while visiting Australia?

Yes. You must be onshore at the time of application and at the time of decision.

How long does Subclass 804 take?

Typically 25–30+ years due to low quota placements by the Australian Government.

What is the Assurance of Support (AoS)?

A financial guarantee your sponsor (child) provides to support you and ensure you don’t access public welfare.

Can I stay in Australia while waiting for the visa?

Yes. Most applicants are issued a Bridging Visa A while their visa is being processed.

What’s the difference between 804 and 864?

804 is a non-contributory visa with a very long queue but lower costs. 864 is faster but has high government charges.

Can I apply directly for Subclass 864 without going through 884?

Yes, if you can pay the full visa fee upfront. The 884→864 path allows payment in stages.

Do contributory visas give access to Medicare?

Yes. Once granted the 864 visa, you will be a permanent resident with full Medicare access.

What are the costs?

The 804 visa is low-cost but slow. The 884/864 pathway costs around AUD 45,000–55,000 total per applicant. Fees vary and change regularly.

What’s the age requirement for aged parent visas?

You must meet the Age Pension age as per Centrelink rules — currently between 66.5 to 67 years depending on your birth year.

What is the Balance of Family Test?

At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or you must have more children in Australia than in any other country.

Can I apply for the Subclass 804 while visiting Australia?

Yes. You must be onshore at the time of application and at the time of decision.

How long does Subclass 804 take?

Typically 25–30+ years due to low quota placements by the Australian Government.

What is the Assurance of Support (AoS)?

A financial guarantee your sponsor (child) provides to support you and ensure you don’t access public welfare.

Can I stay in Australia while waiting for the visa?

Yes. Most applicants are issued a Bridging Visa A while their visa is being processed.

What’s the difference between 804 and 864?

804 is a non-contributory visa with a very long queue but lower costs. 864 is faster but has high government charges.

Can I apply directly for Subclass 864 without going through 884?

Yes, if you can pay the full visa fee upfront. The 884→864 path allows payment in stages.

Do contributory visas give access to Medicare?

Yes. Once granted the 864 visa, you will be a permanent resident with full Medicare access.

What are the costs?

The 804 visa is low-cost but slow. The 884/864 pathway costs around AUD 45,000–55,000 total per applicant. Fees vary and change regularly.

Find the Right Visa For You

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Contact Info

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Visit Us

→ Suite 1, Ground Level, 80 Phillip St, Parramatta, NSW 2150
→ Suite 10.02, Level 10/46 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
→ Level 5/15 Moore St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

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Call Us

02 90631618
+61 422101699

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Email Address

info@imeadvisors.com

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Ready to Reunite with Your Elderly Parents in Australia?

IME Advisors will assess your family’s situation and recommend the most cost-effective, legally viable, and strategically timed visa for your loved ones. Expert Contributory Parent Visa Agents in Sydney Registered MARA Agents | Transparent Advice | Long-Term Planning

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Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)