The Australian Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a pathway for elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who wish to reside permanently in Australia. This visa is designed for those parents who are aged, as per the requirements set by the Australian government, and can provide support to their children residing in the country. The Aged Parent Visa allows applicants to live in Australia as permanent residents, eventually leading to the right to work and study, access healthcare, and even apply for Australian citizenship if eligibility criteria are met.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804), applicants must meet several requirements:
- Age Requirement: The applicant must meet the age threshold to qualify as an “aged” parent, which is defined by Australian law and aligns with the pension age for Australians.
- Sponsorship: A close relative, specifically a child, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, must sponsor the applicant. The sponsor must be over 18 years old and able to provide assurance of support.
- Balance of Family Test: This test requires that at least half of the applicant’s children reside in Australia, or more of their children live in Australia than in any other country.
- Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character standards set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. A health examination, police certificates, and other documents may be required to demonstrate these.
- Assurance of Support: This financial guarantee, provided by the sponsor, ensures that the applicant will not rely on Australia’s social welfare system.
Documentation Requirements
The application requires a comprehensive list of documentation, including:
- Identification Documents: Passport, birth certificate, and any proof of name change (if applicable).
- Relationship Evidence: Proof of the relationship between the applicant and the sponsor, such as birth certificates, adoption papers, or family photos.
- Health and Character Evidence: Medical records, police certificates, and any relevant documents that attest to the applicant’s good character.
- Financial Documents: Proof of financial capacity, evidence of support from the sponsor, and the assurance of support documentation.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Organize all the necessary documents mentioned above. Ensure each document meets the standards specified by the Department of Home Affairs, as incomplete or non-compliant documents can delay the process.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form (Form 47PA)
Applicants need to fill out Form 47PA (Application for a Parent to Migrate to Australia). This form collects basic information about the applicant, their background, and their reasons for applying for the visa.
External Link: Form 47PA can be downloaded directly from the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Once completed, the application must be submitted by mail to the Parent Visa Centre. The Aged Parent Visa does not currently allow for online submission, so it’s essential to follow the mailing instructions carefully. Each applicant must also pay a substantial visa application charge, which includes an initial payment at the time of application and a second charge later in the process.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) has a long processing period due to high demand. On average, applicants may wait for several years before their visa is processed. Applicants can, however, apply for a Bridging Visa (Subclass 010) to stay in Australia legally while their application is in process. This visa will allow them to remain in Australia, although it does not grant the right to work or study.
Step 5: Health and Character Checks
After initial processing, applicants will be asked to complete health checks and provide police certificates. These checks confirm that the applicant meets the health and character requirements for living in Australia.
External Link: Detailed health assessment requirements are available on the Department of Home Affairs Health Requirement page.
Step 6: Await Visa Decision
Once all documents and checks are completed, applicants will receive a decision on their visa. If successful, they will be granted permanent residency status. If the application is refused, applicants will be informed of the reasons and may have options to appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Costs Involved in the Application Process
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) requires a two-part payment structure. The first installment is paid upon application, while the second installment is due before the visa is granted. Here is a general breakdown:
- First Installment: Approximately AUD 4,425.
- Second Installment: AUD 43,600 (payable before the visa is granted).
External Link: For the most up-to-date fee information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ visa fees page.
Additional Costs
Other costs may include health checks, police clearance certificates, and charges for document translation and certification if needed.
Benefits of the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Once granted, the Aged Parent Visa offers significant benefits:
- Permanent Residency: Provides the applicant with rights similar to Australian citizens, including healthcare through Medicare and access to certain social security benefits.
- Work and Study Rights: While aged parents might not seek employment, they still have the right to work and study in Australia if they choose to.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.
Processing Time and Tips to Improve Chances
Processing Time
Due to high demand, the Aged Parent Visa can take up to 30 years to process, especially since there are annual limits on parent visas issued each year. Applicants should be prepared for extended wait times and consider alternative visa options if a shorter timeframe is necessary.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Complete and Accurate Documentation: Incomplete applications are more likely to be delayed. Double-check that all documents meet requirements.
- Stay Organized with Updates: Maintain an organized file with all documents, communications, and updates from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Consider Professional Help: Consulting a registered migration agent can be beneficial, especially given the complexity of requirements and long processing time.
External Link: For information on registered migration agents, visit the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) website.
Alternative Visa Options
Given the extended processing time, elderly parents might consider other visa options:
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143): This visa offers a faster processing time but requires a significantly higher fee.
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): Allows temporary visits to family in Australia. This visa does not grant permanent residency but can be a temporary option while waiting for the Aged Parent Visa.
External Link: To explore other visa options, the Australian Department of Home Affairs provides comprehensive information.
FAQs
1. Can the applicant work on a Bridging Visa while waiting for the Aged Parent Visa?
No, Bridging Visa holders typically do not have work rights. However, in some cases, applicants may apply for work rights if they can prove financial hardship.
2. Is there any way to expedite the processing time for the Aged Parent Visa?
The Aged Parent Visa operates on a queue-based system and cannot be expedited. For quicker processing, applicants may explore the Contributory Parent Visa.
3. Can the visa holder travel outside Australia while their application is pending?
Applicants who need to travel can apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB), which allows them to travel abroad and return to Australia.
Conclusion
The Australian Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) provides an invaluable opportunity for elderly parents to reunite with their families in Australia on a permanent basis. Although the process involves high fees and extended processing times, the visa offers numerous long-term benefits, including permanent residency, healthcare access, and a pathway to citizenship.