Apply for Aged Dependent Relative Visa Subclass 838

Aged Dependant Relative Visa (subclass 838) is a permanent visa that allows an older relative of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen, to live in Australia as a permanent resident. This is an onshore visa and requires the applicant to be present in Australia while lodgement and grant.

The recipient of this visa, ultimately, will be eligible for Australian citizenship and will be able to work and study in Australia. They are also entitled to Medicare (public health care system), sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia and to travel indefinitely for a 5-year term.

Sponsorship Obligation for Subclass 838 Aged Dependent Relative visa

Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens, above the age of 18, can sponsor their aged relative to travel to Australia and to live with them for the foreseeable future.

Under subclass 838, the sponsor should agree to provide support, financial and housing help for the applicant and any member of the family unit who apply with them for the first 2 years in Australia. The sponsor would also have to provide an assurance of support for the applicant.

Before the application is decided, sponsors are given a leeway to withdraw their application at any point in time and this request must be made in writing to the Parent, Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. Once a decision has been made the Sponsor will not be able to withdraw their Sponsorship. In instances where a sponsor has failed to comply with sponsorship obligations, the Department might cancel the visa.

Eligibility requirements for Aged Dependent Relative visa

To be fully eligible for this visa:

  • The applicant must not marry or enter into a de facto relationship before entering Australia.

  • Be dependant of the sponsor for food, clothing, and shelter for at least 3 years before the application

  • have a designated sponsor

  • have an assurance of support

  • must be of pension age in Australia

  • satisfy health requirements

  • satisfy character requirements

  • repay any remaining debts owed by the applicant or any family member, to the Australian Government

  • must not have a previous application refused or a previous visa cancelled