Can Your Elderly Relative Live With You in Australia Permanently?
The Subclass 838 (Aged Dependent Relative) Visa is Australia's permanent residence pathway for elderly, dependent relatives. Let us guide your family home.
Rajwant Singh
MARN 1794016 · OMARA Registered
What is the Subclass 838 Visa?
The Subclass 838 Visa is a permanent visa for a single elderly person who relies financially on an Australian-based relative.
Unlike many other visa categories, it is not skill-based or family balance tested. It is built entirely on demonstrated financial dependency. If granted, it provides permanent residence, allowing your relative to live, work, study, and access healthcare in Australia indefinitely.
Many relatives — including parents, grandparents, elderly aunts and uncles, and even elderly siblings — may qualify if they are financially dependent upon their Australian sponsor.
Key Facts at a Glance
Visa Subclass
838
Age Requirement
67+ (Pension age, 2026)
Location
Must be in Australia
Marital Status
Single (Widowed / Divorced / Never Partnered)
Dependency
Min. 3 consecutive years
Outcome
Permanent Residence
The Cornerstone: Financial Dependency
This visa requires absolute proof that the applicant relies on their Australian relative for the basic necessities of life (food, shelter, clothing). Emotional support does not count.
Continuous Support
Must be continuous for a minimum of 3 years immediately before application. No gaps are permitted.
Exclusive Reliance
The applicant must not have had other resources meeting their basic needs during this period.
Hard Evidence
Requires comprehensive documentation to prove dependency beyond reasonable doubt.
Accepted Evidence Types
Applicant Eligibility Requirements
- 1
Physically present in Australia (not in immigration clearance) at application and grant.
- 2
Single — no spouse or de facto partner at both application and decision time.
- 3
Age 67 or older (Age Pension qualifying age, 2026).
- 4
Current visa must not carry Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) — or a formal waiver must be obtained.
- 5
Genuinely and financially dependent on your Australian relative for the basic necessities of life.
Sponsorship Requirements
Who can sponsor?
An Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen; aged 18+; settled in Australia 2+ years; who is a near relative (child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece/nephew — including step-equivalents).
Documents Sponsor Needs
- Current passport
- Birth certificate / family register
- Marriage / divorce / death certificate
- Proof of 2-year Australian residence
- Evidence of 3-year financial dependency
Health & Character Criteria
Health Requirements
Applicants must undergo a health examination via a Department-approved panel physician. This ensures public health and safety standards are met.
Character Test
Must pass the Character test under Migration Act 1958. Requires police clearances from every country lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years (for applicants 16+).
The Application Process
We manage every step of this complex legal pathway.
Initial Assessment
Thorough eligibility review before lodgement.
Document Preparation
Most time-intensive phase; 3 years of evidence compiled and structured.
Application Lodgement
Submitted via ImmiAccount, with all correspondence managed by AVC Migration.
Departmental Processing
Can take years; AVC monitors and responds to all requests.
Visa Assessment
Pre-assessment within 2–3 years; final assessment within 20–30 years.
Eligibility Checklist
How AVC Migration Helps
Rajwant Singh
Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1794016
Registered with OMARA and a Member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA).
Rajwant is an expert in family and aged-relative visa pathways. He understands the immense stress families face when trying to keep their elderly loved ones close, and provides clear, honest, and strategic advice.
"Inform. Inspire. Entertain."
"We are very happy with the service we received. Our case was urgent and sensitive, with only a few days left before the visa expiry, but everything was handled professionally, efficiently, and on time. His clear guidance, accurate advice, and quick action helped us move forward with confidence. He was responsive, respectful, responsible, and trustworthy throughout the whole process."
Arash V Esfahani
May 2026
"AVC Migration helped me secure my dad's Subclass 804 visa bridging within just 2 weeks. The service was very professional and efficient throughout the process. A special thanks to Mr. Rajwant Singh and his team's excellent support and guidance. Highly recommend AVC Migration to anyone looking for reliable migration assistance."
Irfan Ather
March 2026
"Great value in the free 30-min workshop with Rajwant. The information he shared helped our family to make a guided and intelligent decision on our next steps. He was very knowledgeable and answered my questions clearly."
Ainnie Rivera
April 2026
Book a Consultation
Discuss your eligibility and get clear, honest advice before committing to an application.
Confidential consultation with Rajwant Singh, MARN 1794016
Contact Our Office
Call Us
1300 34 44 84
Mobile
0449 258 082
Email Us
info@avc.net.au
Office
Suite 3, 9 Patrick St, Blacktown NSW 2148