Parent Visa Subclass 870 & 804: Temporary vs Permanent Guide
In recent years, Australia’s original visa options have attracted attention to families seeking reunion. With the increasing demand for changing immigration rules and increasing demand for family-based migration, it is important to understand the routes available-especially parents visa subclass 870 and Visa subclass 804.
Whether you are looking to bring your parents to an expanded migration or plan for their permanent migration, each visa option provides unique benefits and conditions. In this guide, we need to know the differences, eligibility requirements, costs and what families need to know.
Why Consider a Parent Visa?
For many migrants living and working in Australia, separating from aging parents can be emotionally difficult. Parent visa offers a legal passage to share parents in a milestone of life temporarily or permanently, to bring parents to the milestones.
There are two primary types of parents visas that meet different needs:
- Temporary migration: The best for those parents who want to live in Australia for a few years without permanent settling..
- Permanent residence: Suitable for families sponsoring their parents for a long-term future in Australia.
Let us break the two most commonly used original visa options today – Subclass 870 and Subclass 804.
Parent Visa Subclass 870 – Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa
Family reunion visa Australia introduced in 2019 offers a temporary option for parents to live up to 10 years in Australia, without the need to complete the general balance without family testing or to contribute to the medicine.
Key Features:
- Stay period: 3 or 5 years per visa, maximum 10 years (with renewal) total).
- No permanent residence route: It is a temporary visa and does not lead to PR.
- No Balance of Family Test required.
- Sponsorship needed: The child must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and act as the official sponsor.
- No work rights: Parents cannot work while on this visa.
who is it for?
This visa is perfect for families who want their parents to stay longer than standard tourist visas, who are committed to permanent stay or pay high fees of permanent visa.
eligibility requirements:
- The sponsor (child) should complete the income range and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Parents must apply from outside Australia.
- Must have adequate health insurance.
- No outstanding public health debts to the Australian Government.
Application Process:
- Sponsorship approval: The child submits a sponsorship application to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Visa application: Once the sponsorship is approved, the parent can lodge their visa application.
- Wait time: Processing times vary but are generally faster than permanent parent visas.
Visa Subcise 804 – Older Parents Visa
Visa subclass 804 is a permanent visa option for settled Australian citizens or older parents of permanent residents. Unlike the 870 visa, it leads to a permanent residence and eventually Australian citizenship, if desired.
key features:
- Permanent residency on grant.
- Access to Medicare, Centrelink, and other public services.
- A pathway to citizenship.
- Can be applied for onshore, allowing a Bridging Visa during processing.
- Requires the Balance of Family Test.
Who Is It For?
Families wanting their aged parents to settle in Australia for good — with full rights and access to services — should consider the 804 visa. It is especially useful for those not in a hurry, as processing times can stretch over 10 to 30 years due to limited annual places.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicant must be old enough to qualify as an “aged parent” (age pension age).
- Must pass the Balance of Family Test (i.e., at least half of the children must be in Australia).
- Health and character requirements must be met.
- May need to provide an Assurance of Support.
Application Process:
- Onshore application: Applicants must be in Australia when they apply.
- Bridging Visa A (BVA): Allows the parent to stay in Australia lawfully during the long processing time.
- Medical and background checks: As with any visa, these are required.
Comparing Subclass 870 vs Subclass 804
| Feature | Subclass 870 | Subclass 804 |
| Visa type | Temporary | Permanent |
| Stay duration | Up to 10 years (max) | Indefinite |
| Work rights | No | Yes |
| Access to Medicare | No | Yes |
| Path to citizenship | No | Yes |
| Balance of Family Test | Not required | Required |
| Onshore application | No | Yes |
| Processing time | Months | 10+ years |
Choosing the right visa for your parents
The decision between parent visa subclass 870 and visa subclass 804 depends on many factors – your family’s financial position, how long your parents plan to live, and what a permanent settlement target.
If your parents are not ready for permanent transfer or if you do not meet the balance of family testing, 870 visa offers flexibility and low waiting time. However, the cost may be higher – about $ 5,000 to $ 10,000 per application depending on the chosen period.
On the other hand, if your family is watching a permanent solution and your parents qualify as older and pass the balance of family testing, 804 visas are a strong long-term option-although the wait can exceed a decade.
Real-Life Scenario
However, they are concerned about long processing time. To avoid waiting abroad, they invite her to a tourist visa and then apply for 804 visa onshore, allowing her to stay on a bridging visa to wait for a time.
In contrast, his friend Ravi brings his parents to 5 years to the parents of the parents of the parents, which allow him to temporarily stay in Australia, participate in family programs and enjoy time with grandchildren -all -all are committed to permanent migrations
Final Thoughts
Both original visa subclass 870 and Visa subclass 804 play an important role in Australia’s family migration system. Understanding the benefits, boundarie’s and conditions of each visa helps families make informed decisions about reunion.
While the subclass 870 is ideal for temporary migration and fast access, the subcontinent 804 meets the long-term future seekers with their parents in Australia.
Before applying, it is always intelligent to consult with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer. Each family is unique, and an analog migration strategy can save time, money and heartache in a long time.
