Subclass 804 (non-contributory aged parent)
Lower fees. Very long queue (decades). Direct PR after processing. Parent continues on bridging visa.
Onshore Parent Visas · Age Pension Age · 804 & 884
Aged parent visas are for parents already onshore.
Aged parent visa planning is handled by Pragya Gautam, Neha Sharma, and Sourabh Aggarwal from Brisbane, Darwin, and Gold Coast. The Subclass 804 (non-contributory aged parent) and 884 (contributory aged parent temporary) are the onshore parent pathways for parents at or above Age Pension age. Here is how each works.
The two subclasses
Non-contributory 804 vs contributory 884.
Both are onshore aged parent visas but with different fee structures.
Subclass 884 (contributory aged parent temporary)
Higher fees. Two-year temporary visa. Transitions to Subclass 864 contributory aged parent PR.
Balance of Family test applies
Both require at least half of children in Australia or at least as many in Australia as in any other country.
Age Pension age
Parent must be at or above Australian Age Pension age at lodgement.
Process specifics
Onshore processing throughout.
Both 804 and 884 are onshore visas, so the process differs from offshore parent visas.
Parent must be onshoreParent must be in Australia at time of lodgement. Cannot be offshore. Typically lodged toward end of a visitor visa.
Bridging visa during processingParent continues on bridging visa throughout processing. Onshore lawful status maintained.
Medicare accessParents on bridging visa from aged parent application often qualify for Medicare. Important for healthcare planning.
Assurance of SupportSponsor provides financial assurance. Bond required. Sponsor cannot have received certain Centrelink benefits.
Strategic considerations
Three decisions matter.
Aged parent visa planning has specific strategic elements.
Timing of lodgement
Lodge while parent is onshore on visitor or other visa. Expired visa complicates lodgement. Plan timing carefully.
804 vs 884
804 cheaper but decades to process. 884 expensive but reaches PR in a few years via 864. Choice depends on cash position.
Access to benefits
Medicare and some other benefits available on bridging visa from aged parent application. Important for older applicants.
The 884-to-864 contributory aged parent pathway reaches PR in around 4-6 years.
For onshore parents at pension age, the contributory aged parent pathway (884 then 864) is the fastest realistic route to PR. Non-contributory 804 remains an option for those who cannot afford the contribution, but decades-long queues affect practical outcomes.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For aged parent visa planning, book with Pragya Gautam.
Can my parent apply on arrival?
Not immediately. Need to be onshore on a valid visa and lodge aged parent visa from within Australia.
What if my parent came on visitor visa with 8503?
Condition 8503 prevents onshore visa applications. Waiver required first.
Does my parent get Medicare immediately on bridging visa?
Depends on reciprocal health agreement of home country and specific bridging visa type. Check specific circumstances.
Can I include my other parent on the same application?
Each parent applies separately or as co-applicants depending on specific visa. Couples usually both apply.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.