How to Apply for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa Subclass 838?

Several family migration visas in Australia are meant to reunite immediate family members with their loved ones in the country. One of these visas is the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838), which is meant for older dependent relatives of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Hiring a parent visa immigration lawyer in Perth and applying for this class of visa enables the applicant to remain in Australia for life in safety and care in their golden years. Here is a guide on how to apply for the Australia Aged Dependent Relative Visa Subclass 838.

Benefits of Being a Holder of an Aged Dependent Relative Visa

Being a holder of an aged dependent relative visa (subclass 114 and 838), you qualify for:

• Staying permanently in Australia
• Eligibility Criteria Visa Subclass 838  for Australian citizenship, subject to requirements being met
• Travel in and out of Australia for five years from the issuance date of the visa

Application Process for Subclass 838 – Step-by-Step Guide

Here is the complete Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) Application Process.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before beginning your application, you need to assess:

• You meet the age, dependence, and relationship requirements;
• You are in Australia now and have a valid visa or bridging visa, and
• You are prepared for the lengthy processing time of the application as these visas can take years because there are limited numbers of places in the Family Visa stream.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

A large number of documents will need to be submitted. You will need the following:

For the Applicant:

• Documentary evidence of age (birth certificate or passport),
• Documentary evidence of seven years of financial dependence (bank statements, money transfers, apartment notices, utility bills),
• Documentary evidence of relationship to sponsor (birth certificates, family trees, legal documents),
• Police clearances and health checks.

For the Sponsor:

• Documentary evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency,
• Documentary evidence of being settled in Australia (visa history, utility bills, rental agreements),
• Sponsorship statement (Form 40).

Step 3: Complete Forms

You will need to submit the following forms:

• Form 47 PA – Application for Migration to Australia by a Parent,
• Form 40 – Sponsorship for Migration to Australia.

Each of the forms needs to be correctly signed and dated. In the case of sponsoring other dependent relatives (another older parent, for instance), independent applications need to be submitted.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Because this is an onshore visa, the application must be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs in Australia by mail or courier, not online.

Ensure you submit all the required forms, documents, and the appropriate visa application fee (VAC).

Step 5: Bridging Visa Grant (successful)

If you’re staying on an existing visa, you may be granted a Bridging Visa application process, which allows you to stay in Australia legally while your Subclass 838 visa is being processed. BVA does not allow for travel outside Australia. If you need to travel outside Australia and return, you’ll need to know the application process for a Bridging Visa B (BVB).

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Subclass 838 belongs to the family migration queue and is in high demand. Sometimes, the subclass 838 processing time can be more than 10 years, depending on government allocations. Your application will be processed in two stages:

• Initial consideration (acknowledgement and queuing you),
• Final decision (when your application reaches the head of the queue).

Step 7: Final Decision and Visa Grant

If you are successful, you will receive a permanent residence visa. It provides you with unrestricted access to:

• Medicare,
• Centrelink (subject to waiting periods),
• Work rights,
• Sponsorship rights for approved relatives.

In the case of refusal, the Department will inform you in writing and determine whether you are or are not eligible for an AAT review.

Conclusion

The Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) is an excellent opportunity for an older person to move to Australia and live with a relative to assist in giving emotional and financial support.

The process can take a long time and be complex, so you might prefer the assistance of a registered migration agent or immigration solicitor to ensure your application is lodged properly and free of error. Preparation, deadlines, and professional best migration lawyers Perth WA assistance are parts of a successful visa application.