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Aged Dependent Relative Visa

Allows elderly family members who are financially dependent on their Australian citizen or permanent resident relative to live permanently in Australia.

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Subclass 838
Overview

Aged Dependent Relative Visa – Subclass 838

Cost: From AUD 5280

Permanent residency for elderly relatives

The Aged Dependent Relative visa (Subclass 838) is a permanent visa that allows elderly relatives, who are financially dependent on their Australian citizen or permanent resident relative, to join them in Australia. This visa is specifically designed for elderly parents, siblings, or other relatives who are unable to be financially supported in their home country and require care and support from their sponsor in Australia.

Live, work, and access healthcare in Australia

Once granted, the visa allows your relative to live, work, and study in Australia permanently. They will also have access to Medicare, Australia’s healthcare system, and can eventually apply for Australian citizenship when eligible.

Family reunification for elderly relatives

This visa provides a pathway for aged relatives to reunite with their Australian family members. It ensures they can live in Australia permanently and receive the care and support they need.

Eligibility

Aged Dependent Relative Visa – Subclass 838

Criteria
Description
Sponsor

The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is at least 18 years old and settled in Australia. They must also meet the Assurance of Support (AoS) requirements.

Location at the Time of Application

The applicant must be outside Australia when applying for the Aged Dependent Relative visa (Subclass 838).

Location at the Time of Grant

The applicant must still be outside Australia when the visa is granted.

Dependency and Age

The applicant must be of Australian Age Pension age and financially dependent on the sponsoring relative.

Proof of Relationship

The applicant must be a relative (e.g., parent, sibling) of the sponsor. Proof of relationship (such as birth certificates or adoption papers) must be provided.

Health and Character

The applicant must meet Australia’s health requirements and may need to undergo medical examinations. Character assessments and police clearances may also be required.

Financial Support

The sponsor must provide evidence that they can financially support the applicant, typically by showing proof of income, employment, and access to enough funds to support the relative without the need for government assistance.

Testimonials

We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts

Excellence speaks for itself—our clients’ emotions tell the story.

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In-depth knowledge about immigration laws and regulations that made my mother's visa application processed and approved within a week. Highly recommended

Vikram Singh

Nilesh and Nirav proved to be true immigration experts, turning the Subsequent Entrant visa 491 process for a sister-in-law into a genuinely smooth and delightful experience. Their exceptional knowledge and unwavering support made them the best possible agents to have in your corner.

Shivam Jha
Assistant Medical Consultant

Knowbal Migration provided exceptional support from student visa to Subclass 190 PR approval. Rishav was particularly outstanding — proactive, detail-oriented, and consistently followed up to ensure timelines were met. The team also efficiently handled a parents' visitor visa. A genuinely stress-free experience, highly recommended for reliable migration guidance.

Rainita Gurjar
Developer Programmer

Knowbal Migration and Education played a pivotal role in securing a 190 PR in Adelaide. Dhruv deserves special recognition for his thorough guidance and consistent support from start to finish, making the entire visa process smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Highly recommended.

Deep Sath
Welder

Knowbal Migration delivered outstanding results for our family — securing a parents' visitor visa in just two days and the 191 visa within six months. Their highly skilled team was always responsive and supportive. Special thanks to Nirav Bhai for exceptional guidance throughout.

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Pharmacy Assistant

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V SRI
Electrical Engineer

Amazing experience with Knowbal Migration for visitor and 191 visa applications. Quick results, including a parents' visa in just 2 days. Skilled and responsive team. Special thanks to Niravbhai for excellent support.

Ravi Shah

Knowbal Migration delivered an exceptional student visa experience from start to finish. Their professionalism, expertise, and genuine dedication were evident throughout, with the team ensuring all documents were in order and deadlines were met. Their in-depth knowledge of visa regulations made the process confident and seamless.

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Chef

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Chef

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Developer Programmer

The student visa process with Knowbal Migration was a wonderful experience, thanks largely to Trushen Bhatt's prompt and professional approach. He patiently answered every query, ensuring confidence and clarity throughout. Their reliable and efficient service comes highly recommended for anyone navigating migration.

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Console Operator

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Electrical Engineer

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Aleeha and Nirav at Knowbal Migration demonstrated outstanding guidance, persistence, and professionalism in securing a Visitor Visa Family Stream for a sister, successfully navigating earlier difficulties to achieve the outcome. Their dedication and genuine care throughout the process were truly appreciated.

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Helping Hand

Very good experience with Knowbal Migration. Nirav and Aleeha provided great support throughout my visa process and helped achieve a positive outcome. Thank you to the team for their assistance.

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Lab Technician

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Kunal Bhai and the Knowbal team provided exceptional support throughout both the primary 485 visa and a husband's subsequent 485 application, both successfully approved. Their patience, honesty, and genuine care during stressful moments made the family feel truly safe in experienced, capable hands.

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Lab Technician

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Primary School Teacher

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Nikunj Kaswala
How to apply

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the Aged Dependent Relative visa (Subclass 838) while my relative is living with me on a tourist visa in Australia?

While your relative can be in Australia, the Aged Dependent Relative visa (Subclass 838) requires the applicant to be outside Australia at the time of application. If your relative is already in Australia, they may need to apply for a Bridging Visa to maintain lawful status while their application is being processed. We can help you navigate the best approach based on your specific situation.

What if my relative is financially dependent on me, but we have no formal proof of this dependency? Can we still apply for the Aged Dependent Relative visa?

While proof of financial dependency is a key requirement, we understand that in some cases, informal care arrangements can still apply. In such situations, we recommend preparing supporting evidence such as bank statements, remittance evidence, or financial support declarations to substantiate the dependency. We’ll assist you in compiling the most convincing documentation to meet the requirements.

I’m concerned about the health checks for my aged relative. Will their pre-existing health conditions affect the visa application?

Australia’s health requirements can be strict, especially for aged applicants. If your relative has pre-existing health conditions, they may be required to undergo further medical assessments, which could potentially lead to delays or impact the application. We recommend getting a pre-visa health assessment to understand any potential hurdles and discuss how to proceed.

My relative has had their visa denied in the past. Does this affect their eligibility for the Aged Dependent Relative visa (Subclass 838)?

A previous visa refusal doesn’t automatically disqualify your relative, but it may complicate the process. If the refusal was due to issues such as health, character, or financial dependency, it’s important to address those concerns upfront. We can review their previous application and help mitigate the impact of the refusal, ensuring a stronger, more comprehensive application this time.

We’ve recently experienced a name change in the family. Will this cause issues with the visa application?

Name discrepancies or changes can create challenges during the application process. To avoid delays, we recommend providing legal documents that explain the name change, such as court orders or statutory declarations. We can guide you in preparing the necessary paperwork to ensure this doesn’t affect your relative’s application.

My relative doesn’t have the required documents to prove their relationship with me. Can we still apply for the Aged Dependent Relative visa?

Proof of relationship is a critical part of the application, and we understand that obtaining certain documents, like birth certificates or adoption papers, can sometimes be difficult. If you’re unable to provide formal documents, we can explore other options, such as affidavits or witness statements, to support the application. We can help you navigate this process and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

Can I apply for the Aged Dependent Relative visa (Subclass 838) and my own partner or skilled visa at the same time?

Yes, it’s possible to apply for multiple visas at once. If you are applying for a partner or skilled visa alongside your relative’s Aged Dependent Relative visa, we can help you manage the timing and documentation to ensure that both applications progress smoothly. This is particularly helpful if you’re also working toward permanent residency and want to streamline your entire migration journey.

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