Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) Processing Time: Everything You Need to Know

Australia is one of the top destinations for family reunions, offering multiple parent visa options for elderly parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. One such visa is the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804). While this visa offers a pathway to permanent residency, it’s essential to understand the processing time—which is significantly longer than most other visa subclasses.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Aged Parent Visa 804 processing time, eligibility, how the application process works, and what you can do while waiting for your visa to be granted.

What is the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)?

The Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804 allows elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia.

To apply for this visa, the parent must be:

Old enough to receive the age pension in Australia

Sponsored by an eligible child who is settled in Australia

Unlike the Contributory Parent Visa, this visa has a lower cost but a very long processing time—often exceeding 20 years.

learn more about the Australian parent visa requirements before you apply.

What is the Aged Parent Visa 804 Processing Time?

As of 2025, the estimated processing time for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is over 30 years. This shocking duration is due to the limited number of placements in Australia’s parent visa migration program each year.

Why Does It Take So Long?

Here are the key reasons:

Visa cap and queue system: Only a small number of places are allocated each year.

Non-contributory nature: This visa is much cheaper than contributory parent visas, making it more popular but slower.

High demand: Thousands of elderly parents apply every year, adding to the backlog.

As per the Department of Home Affairs, the waiting list includes tens of thousands of applicants. This makes the Aged Parent Visa one of the longest queued visas in Australia’s immigration system.

For families looking for faster reunification, consider the Contributory Parent Visa subclass 864 which has higher fees but shorter waiting times.

Key Features of the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

Permanent residency once granted

Work and study rights

Access to Medicare

Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship later

Eligible to sponsor other relatives

However, due to the decades-long wait, it’s important to understand what happens after you apply.

Who Is Eligible for Subclass 804?

To be eligible for this visa:

You must be onshore (in Australia) at the time of application and when the visa is granted

Meet the age pension eligibility age

Pass the Balance of Family Test (at least half of your children must live in Australia)

Have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident

Meet health and character requirements

Application Process: Aged Parent Visa 804

Step 1: Prepare Documents

You’ll need to gather:

Valid passport

Birth certificates and family relationship documents

Sponsor details

Evidence of meeting age requirements

Health and police checks

Step 2: Apply While Onshore

This visa requires applicants to be in Australia at the time of application. Once you apply, you will receive a Bridging Visa.

Step 3: Bridging Visa Activation

While your Subclass 804 is being processed, you will likely be issued a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that allows you to remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made.

Step 4: Wait in the Queue

After lodgement, your application is assessed and placed in a queue. Due to the cap system, movement in the queue may take many years.

Understanding the Queue and Capping System

Australia uses a queue system for non-contributory parent visas like subclass 804. This means:

Applications are processed in lodgement order

Only a small number of visas are granted each year

You may receive a queue notification letter once your application is assessed

Currently, most subclass 804 applications are not being processed beyond the assessment stage due to the limited annual intake.

Important Considerations

1. Long Wait Times

Expect 30+ years of processing. Applicants may not live to see visa approval.

2. Bridging Visa Limitations

You cannot travel outside Australia without applying for Bridging Visa B, and you may not be eligible for certain services.

3. Health and Aged Care

Although Bridging Visa holders can access Medicare, long-term aged care may require private arrangements.

Want more flexibility during the wait? Explore the Temporary Parent Visa Subclass 870, which allows up to 10 years of stay with fewer obligations.

Alternative Visa Options for Elderly Parents

Given the long wait for subclass 804, many families consider:

Visa Type Description Processing Time

Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent Visa) Faster processing, higher cost 3–6 years

Subclass 870 (Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa) Temporary stay up to 10 years 3–6 months

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Short stays; renewable Few weeks

While these may cost more or not offer permanent residency, they allow more immediate reunification.

Cost of Aged Parent Visa 804

This visa is more affordable than the contributory version:

Base application charge: AUD 4,990 (as of 2025)

Second installment: ~AUD 2,065 per applicant (before visa grant)

However, you may need to pay for health assessments, police checks, and migration agent services.

Expert Tip: Use a Registered Migration Agent

Given the complexity and extremely long processing time, it’s wise to consult a registered migration agent. They can help you:

Lodge documents correctly

Track your application status

Apply for Bridging Visas

Explore faster alternatives

To avoid unnecessary delays, work with an experienced migration agent in Australia who understands aged parent migration pathways.

Final Thoughts

While the Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804 offers permanent residency at a relatively lower cost, the processing time of over 30 years makes it impractical for many families. It’s important to weigh your priorities—cost vs. time—when choosing the right parent visa stream.

If you’re already in Australia and meet the age requirement, this visa can be a legal way to stay with your family long-term. But for more immediate results, consider contributory or temporary parent visa options.