Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)
Aged Dependent Relative Visas are permanent family visas for a single older person who relies on a relative in Australia for financial support.
Subclass 114 is the offshore pathway, while Subclass 838 applies to eligible applicants in Australia. Both involve specific age, dependency, sponsorship and other requirements, as well as capping and queueing that can result in lengthy processing periods.
Clear, Personalised Migration Support
Why Choose Us for Aged Dependent Relative Visas
Visa Route Migration is led by Registered Migration Agent Rose Khangura, MARN 2619247. Rose holds a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law & Practice from Victoria University and has two years of experience in migration and visa services, including visa files, documentation and application preparation.
Aged Dependent Relative matters can involve detailed questions about dependency, sponsorship, supporting evidence and the applicant’s individual circumstances. Visa Route Migration takes a personalised approach, with an emphasis on transparent guidance, practical explanations, realistic expectations and careful consideration of each matter.
Professional assistance can be limited to a particular need, such as advice or document and application review, or extend to broader application assistance where agreed. The appropriate scope depends on the circumstances, the client’s needs and the professional engagement.
A free initial consultation is available to discuss the general nature of the enquiry, understand what assistance is being sought and identify possible next steps. A detailed eligibility assessment or migration strategy is not automatically included in the free consultation and may require formal professional engagement.
Aged Dependent Relative Pathways
The two subclasses address the same underlying family situation but differ in where the applicant must be located. The website structure treats them together so families can understand the onshore and offshore pathways without duplicating the same core visa information.
Offshore Subclass 114
Onshore Subclass 838
Offshore Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114)
Subclass 114 is the offshore Aged Dependent Relative Visa. It is a permanent pathway for a single older person who relies on a relative living in Australia for financial support. The applicant must be outside Australia when applying and when Home Affairs decides the application, making location one of the main distinctions between Subclass 114 and the onshore Subclass 838 pathway.
Important eligibility considerations include being old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension, having no partner, having been dependent on the relative in Australia for basic needs for at least three years before applying, having an eligible sponsor and being able to obtain an Assurance of Support. Aged Dependent Relative applications are also subject to capping and queueing, so families should understand the long-term processing context before proceeding.
I was trying to understand whether the Aged Dependent Relative pathway was relevant to my family member, particularly because they were already in Australia. The information about Subclass 838, dependency and sponsorship initially felt difficult to piece together. I appreciated having the important issues explained in a way that helped me understand what needed closer assessment before deciding whether an application was appropriate.
Subclass 838 Assessment
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️One of my biggest questions was how financial dependency would need to be demonstrated. Our family had been providing support for some time, but I was unsure what information might be relevant or how the history of that support would be considered. The guidance helped me think more carefully about the records we had available and the areas that needed to be examined before proceeding further.
Financial Dependency Evidence
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I contacted Visa Route Migration because I wanted a clearer understanding of the sponsor's role in an Aged Dependent Relative application. There were several aspects I had not fully understood, including the relationship requirements and the Assurance of Support. Having these issues discussed together made it easier for our family to understand that the visa involves responsibilities for both the applicant and the sponsor.
Sponsor Responsibilities
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My relative was in Australia, so I specifically wanted to understand the onshore Subclass 838 pathway rather than assume the offshore visa worked in the same way. The discussion helped me focus on the applicant's location, current circumstances and the requirements that needed individual consideration. It was useful to have the differences between Subclasses 114 and 838 explained without treating them as completely unrelated visa options.
Onshore Subclass 838
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The processing period was an important concern for our family. We did not want to begin with unrealistic expectations about how quickly an Aged Dependent Relative application might be decided. I valued having the capping and queueing arrangements raised early so we could consider the pathway with a better understanding of the long-term nature of the process, rather than making decisions based only on the fact that it is a permanent visa.
Capping and Queueing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I wanted professional help reviewing the documents connected with our family circumstances before taking the next step. There were relationship records, evidence of financial support and other documents that needed to be considered together. Having the matter reviewed in context helped me understand where further information might be needed and why an application like this should be approached according to the individual circumstances rather than a generic checklist.
Application Document Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Our family was initially confused about the difference between the offshore Subclass 114 and onshore Subclass 838 visas. The names are very similar, so it was easy to assume the distinction was minor. The explanation helped us understand why the applicant's location matters and why the correct subclass needs to be considered alongside the wider eligibility requirements before making an application decision.
Subclass 114 vs 838
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I did not initially know how much professional assistance I needed. I mainly wanted to understand the visa pathway and have some important application issues reviewed before deciding whether I needed broader assistance. I appreciated being able to discuss the type of help that might be appropriate rather than assuming every matter required exactly the same service. That made it easier to consider our next step based on our family's circumstances.
Tailored Migration Assistance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Aged Dependent Relative Visa FAQs
What is the Subclass 838 visa?
The Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) is a permanent visa for a single older person who is in Australia and relies on a relative living in Australia for financial support. Applicants must satisfy the relevant eligibility requirements, including requirements concerning age, dependency, sponsorship and having no partner.
How do Subclasses 114 and 838 differ?
The key distinction is the applicant's location. Subclass 114 is the offshore Aged Dependent Relative pathway, with the applicant required to be outside Australia when applying and when the application is decided. Subclass 838 is the onshore pathway and requires the applicant to be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, at application and decision.
Who may qualify for Subclass 838?
Among the principal requirements, the applicant must be old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension, have no partner and have been dependent on their relative in Australia for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing for at least three years before applying. Other requirements also apply, so eligibility depends on the complete circumstances.
What does financial dependency mean?
Home Affairs requires the applicant to have been dependent on their relative in Australia for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing for at least three years before applying. Evidence may therefore need to demonstrate both the nature of the support and how long it has been provided.
Who can sponsor a Subclass 838 applicant?
The applicant must have an eligible sponsor. Home Affairs states that the sponsor must be at least 18 years old and be a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsorship must also meet the Department's requirements and be approved.
Is an Assurance of Support required?
Applicants must be able to obtain an Assurance of Support. Home Affairs advises that it will tell the applicant when the Assurance of Support needs to be provided. This requirement is separate from the visa sponsorship and should be understood before assuming that sponsorship alone is sufficient.
Must I remain in Australia for Subclass 838?
The applicant must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, both when the Subclass 838 application is made and when Home Affairs decides the application. Travel and visa-status issues during a lengthy processing period can require individual consideration, so applicants should not make assumptions about their ability to leave and return.
Is the Subclass 838 visa permanent?
Yes. Subclass 838 is a permanent visa that can allow an eligible applicant to stay in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residents may also have access to work, study and Medicare, subject to the applicable rules, and may later be able to apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
How long can an Aged Dependent Relative visa take?
These visas are subject to capping and queueing because demand exceeds the number of places available. As at 31 May 2026, Home Affairs estimated a processing timeframe of 22 years for new Aged Dependent Relative and Remaining Relative applications. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed timeframe, and processing arrangements can change.
How are these visa applications lodged?
Home Affairs currently states that Other Family visa applications are made using paper application forms. Since 23 July 2025, applicants for subclasses including 114 and 838 can also import eligible paper applications into ImmiAccount, allowing certain application-management functions to be handled online after lodgement.
Can the free consultation confirm my eligibility?
The free initial consultation is intended to understand your circumstances, the nature of your enquiry and the assistance you may need, and to identify possible next steps where appropriate. It should not be treated as an automatic comprehensive eligibility assessment. Detailed professional assessment may require a formal engagement.
Phone Number
0450 337 213
Business Location
4 Handsome Ave, Clyde North VIC 3978, Australia
E-Mail ID
[email protected]Discuss Your Family Visa Situation
If you are considering an Aged Dependent Relative Visa and need help understanding the relevant pathway, complete the enquiry form to arrange a free initial consultation with Visa Route Migration. You can discuss your family circumstances, the general nature of your enquiry and what assistance you are seeking. Where more detailed assessment is required, the appropriate professional scope can then be considered based on your individual matter.
Onshore Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)
Subclass 838 is the onshore Aged Dependent Relative pathway. It allows an eligible single older person who relies on a relative in Australia for financial support to seek permanent residence while applying from Australia. The applicant must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when the application is made and when Home Affairs makes its decision.
The eligibility assessment needs to consider more than the applicant’s age and location. Home Affairs requires the applicant to be old enough to receive the Age Pension, have no partner and have been dependent on the relevant relative for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing for at least three years before applying. An eligible sponsor and an Assurance of Support are also required, alongside other applicable visa criteria.
Processing expectations are especially important for this pathway. Aged Dependent Relative visas are capped and queued, and Home Affairs estimated a 22-year timeframe for new applications as at 31 May 2026. Visa Route Migration can provide agreed professional assistance based on the circumstances, which may range from advice or review work to broader application support. No processing timeframe or visa outcome can be guaranteed.
Subclass 114 vs 838
| Key Point | Subclass 114 | Subclass 838 |
|---|---|---|
| Pathway | Offshore | Onshore |
| When Applying | Applicant outside Australia | In Australia, not immigration clearance |
| At Decision | Applicant outside Australia | In Australia, not immigration clearance |
| Visa Type | Permanent visa | Permanent visa |
| Age Requirement | Old enough for Australian Age Pension | Old enough for Australian Age Pension |
| Partner Status | Must have no partner | Must have no partner |
| Dependency | Dependent on Australian relative for at least three years | Dependent on Australian relative for at least three years |
| Sponsorship | Eligible sponsor required | Eligible sponsor required |
| Assurance of Support | Required | Required |
| Processing Context | Subject to capping and queueing | Subject to capping and queueing |
Before You Move Forward With Subclass 838
A little preparation can make it easier to identify the issues that need closer assessment before an Aged Dependent Relative Visa application is considered.
Have the Applicant’s Visa Situation Ready
Subclass 838 is an onshore pathway. Be ready to explain the applicant’s current circumstances in Australia and relevant immigration history, particularly if visa status or future travel may need to be considered.
Map Out the Dependency History
Financial dependency is not just about receiving occasional help. Consider when the support began, how the relative in Australia has helped meet basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing, and what records may show that history over the required period.
Gather the Family and Sponsor Details Together
The relationship between the applicant and sponsor is part of the assessment. Having relevant relationship information, supporting records and details of the proposed sponsor available can help identify what needs further review.
Sponsorship and Assurance of Support Are Different
An approved visa sponsor does not replace the Assurance of Support requirement. They are separate parts of the pathway, and Home Affairs advises when the Assurance of Support needs to be provided.
Think Beyond the Application Date
Aged Dependent Relative visas are subject to capping and queueing, so this can be a very long-term process. Travel, visa status and other circumstances during that period should not be approached on assumptions and may need individual consideration.
Keep Information Current as Circumstances Change
Accurate and complete information remains important throughout a migration matter. Provide requested documents within relevant timeframes and promptly advise Visa Route Migration if circumstances change while assistance is being provided.
If Your Current Visa Is Approaching Expiry
Subclass 838 is an onshore pathway, but current visa circumstances, relevant deadlines and other time-sensitive issues may still require individual assessment.
Raise the Issue Early
If the applicant’s current visa is approaching expiry, tell Visa Route Migration when making the enquiry. Provide complete and accurate information about the current circumstances and relevant immigration history, and mention any known deadlines or important changes.
Do Not Rely on Assumptions
A Subclass 838 matter may involve visa-status, travel, timing or deadline issues that need individual consideration. The appropriate next step depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the migration requirements that apply to the matter.