For many Australians, caring for an elderly family member who relies on them financially is both a moral and emotional responsibility. The Australian Government recognises this and provides a pathway through the Aged Dependent Relative Visa, under Subclass 114 (offshore) and Subclass 838 (onshore). This permanent visa allows single, older individuals who are financially dependent on their relative in Australia to join them and live permanently.
At Migration Guru, we specialise in helping families navigate this sensitive process with expertise and care. Here is everything you need to know about the Subclass 114 and 838 visas.
What Is the Aged Dependent Relative Visa?
The Aged Dependent Relative visa is a permanent visa designed for older individuals who rely on a relative living in Australia for financial support. It enables the applicant to live in Australia permanently, access Medicare, work or study, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
There are two subclasses:
- Subclass 114: For applicants outside Australia at the time of application and visa decision
- Subclass 838: For applicants inside Australia at the time of application and visa decision
Benefits of This Visa
With either Subclass 114 or 838, visa holders can:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Access public healthcare through Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives to migrate
- Apply for Australian citizenship (subject to eligibility)
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from the visa grant date
After the initial 5-year travel period, visa holders can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or Australian citizenship for continued re-entry rights.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Subclass 114 or 838 visa, applicants must:
- Have a Sponsor
- Must be an eligible relative or their partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The sponsor must be aged 18+ and settled in Australia.
- Be of Age
- The applicant must be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia, which currently depends on birth year and is subject to change.
- Be Financially Dependent
- The applicant must have relied on their Australian relative for basic living needs (food, shelter, clothing) for at least 3 continuous years before lodging the application.
- Dependency can also arise due to a disability that prevents the applicant from working.
- Have No Partner
- The applicant must be single, not married or in a de facto relationship.
- Have Assurance of Support
- An Assurance of Support (AoS) is a legally binding commitment from a third party, often the sponsor, to repay any welfare claims made by the visa holder within their first two years in Australia.
- This requirement ensures that applicants do not become a financial burden on the Australian welfare system.
- Meet Health and Character Requirements
- All applicants and included family members must undergo a health examination and meet character requirements, including police checks.
- Have Repaid Any Debts
- Any outstanding debts to the Australian Government must be paid in full or be under a formal repayment arrangement.
- Not Have Had a Visa Cancelled or Refused
- Applicants with a previous visa refusal or cancellation may be ineligible unless exceptions apply. A history of immigration non-compliance may significantly affect the outcome.
- Be in Australia (Subclass 838 only)
- Applicants must be physically present in Australia (not in immigration clearance) when applying and when the visa is decided.
- The current visa held must not contain a ‘No Further Stay’ condition (Condition 8503).
Sponsorship Requirements
The sponsor:
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged 18 or over and settled in Australia
- Must provide a written commitment to support the applicant financially and with accommodation for 2 years after visa grant
- May be required to submit or co-sign the Assurance of Support
- Must notify the Department of Home Affairs if any significant circumstances change, such as relocation, changes in relationship status, or financial incapacity
Including Family Members
Applicants may include dependent children or stepchildren in their application. All included family members must meet health and character requirements. Family members who are not migrating but are listed in the application may also be asked to undergo health checks.
Cost and Processing Time
- Base application charge: From AUD 5,125
- Additional applicants: Extra fees apply for each family member
- Second instalment: A substantial second instalment may be required before grant (payable when requested)
- Other expenses: Include medical exams, biometrics, and police certificates
Processing Times: Due to high demand and limited places in the migration program, these visas are subject to capping and queuing. Waiting periods often extend for several years, especially for Subclass 114 (offshore).
Obligations After Grant
Once the visa is granted:
- The visa holder must enter Australia by the first entry date (for Subclass 114)
- The sponsor must begin providing support and accommodation as pledged
- The visa holder becomes a permanent resident and must abide by Australian laws and visa conditions
- Access to certain Centrelink payments may have a waiting period, typically 2–4 years depending on the benefit
- Permanent residence begins:
- On entry to Australia (Subclass 114)
- On visa grant date (Subclass 838)
- Visa holders can travel freely for 5 years from grant
- After 5 years, travel rights require:
- A Resident Return Visa (RRV); or
- Application for Australian citizenship
Applicants can prove visa status via the VEVO system and request international movement records using Form 1359.
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