838 subclass Australia

Australia Immigration Consultant in UK

What Is the 838 Visa?

The subclass 838 visa also known as the aged dependent relative visa and this is a permanent visa. It allows elderly family members who are already in Australia to remain here with the support of their relatives. It’s especially helpful when the relative is financially dependent and has no close family back in their home country.

This visa is suitable only for onshore applicants which means your elderly relative must be physically present in Australia when they apply.

Who Can Apply for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa 838?

To be eligible for the visa 838 the applicant must meet certain requirements:

Applicant Requirements:

Applicant must be in Australia when applying.
Applicant must be of pension age according to Australian law.
Applicant must have been financially dependent on the sponsor for at least 3 years.
Applicant must not be married.
Applicant must meet health and character requirements.

Sponsor Requirements:

You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident.
You must be the applicant’s close relative (e.g., child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew).
You must be over 18 years of age and able to provide support.

What Does “Financial Dependency” Mean?

To qualify for the aged dependent relative visa 838, the applicant must prove that they rely on their sponsor for basic living expenses Such as:

Rent or housing costs
Food and clothing
Medical needs
Dependency must be ongoing and consistent for at least 3 years before applying.

Supporting evidence includes:

Bank statements showing regular transfers
Rent or utility bills paid by the sponsor
Statutory declarations

contact us

WHY CHOOSE GIEC GLOBAL UK?

At GIEC Global UK, we are committed to making your immigration journey smooth, transparent, and successful.

✅ Experienced Canada, Australia & UK Immigration & Study Experts.

✅ 99% Success Rate Across Visa Categories

✅ Personalized Guidance & Transparent Process

✅ Registered MARA & RCIC Agents

✅ Global Presence with Local Expertise

✅ Free Assessment & Document Review

✅ Free Consultation

What Are the Benefits of the 838 Visa Australia?

The subclass 838 visa offers several important benefits:

✅ Permanent residency in Australia
✅ Access to Medicare
✅ Permission to work or study
✅ Pathway to Australian citizenship (after meeting residence requirements)
✅ Family reunification, allowing loved ones to stay together

Pros and Cons of the 838 Aged Dependent Relative Visa

✔ Pros:

Grants permanent residency
Keeps families together
Access to public healthcare and social services
Path to citizenship

✘ Cons:

Very long processing time
High documentation requirements
Only applies to onshore applicants

Visa Consultant

The 838 visa Australia is a valuable option for families looking to provide long-term support to elderly relatives. While the 838 visa processing times are long, the reward of permanent residency and family unity makes the wait worthwhile.

The aged dependent relative visa 838 is not a quick fix but a long-term solution for aged relatives who depend on you financially and emotionally. Whether you’re just starting the journey or gathering documents, understanding the process will help you take confident steps forward.

If you’re unsure about your situation or need help preparing your subclass 838 visa application. The visa process can be hectic and even a single mistake may lead to rejection. That’s why we recommend speaking with a MARA-registered consultant. GIEC Global UK has Australia-registered MARA consultants who will make the visa process smooth and hassle-free.