If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and want to sponsor your elderly parents to migrate and settle with you permanently, the parent visa 804 could be just what you need. The visa enables aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to settle in Australia permanently. Before you leap into the application process, though, it's helpful to know how this visa works, who is eligible, and what sort of timeline you're dealing with.

What is the Parent Visa Subclass 804?
The parent visa subclass 804 is a permanent visa for elderly parents who want to immigrate to Australia to live with their children. It is part of the family stream of immigration and it is for parents who are in Australia temporarily when they apply for the visa.

One of the great benefits of this visa is that the applicant will be able to remain in Australia on a bridging visa pending the processing of their permanent visa. There is only one hitch — the wait is quite extensive. Details follow.

Who is Eligible?
The following are the eligibility criteria to apply for the visa subclass 804:
They should be of pension age as per Australian standards.

• They must have a child who is a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
• They must meet the "balance of family" test, meaning at least half of their children residing permanently in Australia or more residing in Australia than any other place.
• The applicant needs to be in Australia while applying as well as while the visa is issued.
• Apart from that, there are health and character conditions like in most Australian visas.

What About the Aged Parent Visa 804 Processing Time?
The parent visa 804 waiting time is probably the most critical — and infuriating — part of this visa. Sadly, this visa has one of the longest waiting times in the program. As it stands now, the wait is over 30 years, based on the queue and the number of applications that have already been submitted.

The reason that the waiting time is so lengthy is because there are not very many spots every year available for non-contributing parent visas such as the 804. The Australian government only has a few positions to disperse each year, so the queue creeps along slowly.

This is the reason why most families look into other visa options, including the contributory parent visas, which are more costly but are processed quicker (typically within a couple of years). But the parent visa subclass 804 is still in demand by those who are already in Australia and who are willing to wait it out because of financial constraints or personal reasons.

Advantages of the Parent Visa 804
Although it takes a long waiting time, there are positives of the parent visa 804:

Bridging Visa Access: Upon application, the parent is able to reside in Australia on a bridging visa pending approval of the permanent visa.

Access to Medicare: Once the application has been submitted and the applicant holds a bridging visa with work rights, they will also be entitled to the Australian public health system.

Living with Family: One of the biggest benefits is emotional — being able to live in Australia with close family members in their later years. 

Critical Issues Before Applying
Before applying for the visa subclass 804, it is imperative that you consult a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer. They will assist you through the process, verify that all the documents are correct, and help in managing expectations — particularly the aged parent visa 804 processing time.

It's also necessary to prepare financially. Although this visa doesn't have the exorbitant contribution fee like parent visas, the applicant should also be sponsored by his or her sponsor or have sufficient money to live in Australia independently without being dependent on public welfare.

Final Thoughts
The parent visa 804 enables aged parents to live in Australia forever, surrounded by their grandchildren and children. Although the parent visa subclass 804 may not be for the faint-hearted because of its famously long processing times, it's a line of support for thousands of families who care about being together more than anything else.

If your parents are already here in Australia and are otherwise qualified, then this visa might be for you. Just be sure to go in your eyes wide open, anticipating the delay, and with sound advice from migration professionals.