Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)

The Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) is a fantastic opportunity for older individuals who depend on family for financial support to settle permanently in Australia. This visa allows them to stay with a relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Costs & Details of the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)

If you’re considering applying for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838), here’s what you need to know about the costs and application details.

Costs:

The application fee for this visa starts at AUD 5,125. If you have family members applying with you, there will be an additional charge for each of them. Here’s how the payment works:

Payment Type	Details
First Instalment	Pay this when you submit your application.
Second Instalment	Pay this later when requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Additional Costs	You may need to cover expenses for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
Visa Pricing Estimator	Use the Visa Pricing Estimator tool to get an estimate of your total costs. Note that it doesn’t include the second instalment or other charges.

Important Details

Application Location: You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa. Also, you need to be outside of immigration clearance when you apply and when the decision is made.

Family Members: Any family members applying with you must also be in Australia and outside of immigration clearance.

Processing Times

Processing times for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa can vary. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

High Demand: Many people apply for this visa each year, so the waiting time can be longer than expected.
Use the Guide Tool: To check the average processing times, use the visa processing time guide tool from the Department of Home Affairs. This tool gives you an idea of how long applications have taken recently.
Possible Delays: Your application may take longer if:
- It’s not filled out correctly.
- You miss any required documents or we need extra information.
- There are delays in verifying your information.
Payment Issues: We can’t process your application without the correct visa application fee. If there’s an issue, we will inform you and may return your application.
Capping and Queueing: Be aware that applications for this visa are subject to capping and queueing arrangements, which can impact how quickly your application is processed.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official website of the Department of Home Affairs. This will help you plan your application effectively and understand the costs involved.

Benefits Of The Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)

The Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) offers several advantages for individuals seeking to live in Australia with family support. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Stay Permanently: Enjoy the freedom to live in Australia for as long as you wish, allowing you to create a fulfilling life in a vibrant country.
Work and Study: Benefit from the opportunity to work and study just like any other permanent resident. This means you can pursue your career ambitions or educational goals without restrictions.
Access to Healthcare: Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, ensuring you receive essential medical services without the burden of high costs.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Once you’re settled, you can sponsor other eligible relatives to join you in Australia, helping to maintain family connections.
Pathway to Citizenship: If you meet the requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship in the future, giving you the chance to fully participate in Australian life.

This visa not only reunites families but also provides stability and support, enhancing the quality of life for both sponsors and visa holders.

Eligibility Criteria for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)

Applying for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by a relative living in Australia. This sponsor should be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Dependency: It’s essential to show that you have relied on your sponsor for financial support for at least three years. This means your sponsor has been there to help you with your basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.
Age Requirement: You need to be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia. The age for this is gradually increasing from 65 to 67 years, depending on when you were born.
Single Status: To qualify for this visa, you must be single and not in a marriage or de facto relationship. This means you should not have a partner.
Health and Character Standards: Both you and any family members applying with you must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This includes undergoing medical checks and providing police clearances.
Assurance of Support: Your sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support (AoS). This is a commitment to financially support you when you arrive in Australia, ensuring you won’t need to rely on government assistance.
No Further Stay Condition: You should not hold a visa that has a “no further stay” condition. This means you must be eligible to apply for this visa without restrictions.
Debt to the Government: If you or any family members owe money to the Australian government, you must have repaid the debt or set up an approved payment plan.
Visa History: You should not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused. A clean immigration history is important for your application to be considered.
Best Interests of Children: If there are any applicants under 18 years of age, the visa cannot be granted if it is not in their best interests.

Remember, you must be physically present in Australia when you apply for this visa and when a decision is made on your application. Meeting these eligibility criteria is crucial to ensuring a smooth application process for your Aged Dependent Relative Visa.

How CIA Lawyers Will Help You Get the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)

We understand that applying for a visa can be a bit daunting. That’s where CIA Lawyers come in! Our experienced migration agents will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you avoid common pitfalls.

Application Assistance: We’ll help you gather all the required documents and complete your application accurately, so you can focus on what matters—bringing your loved one to Australia.
Legal Expertise: Our team knows the ins and outs of immigration law. We’ll answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the application process.
Ongoing Support: Our goal is to reduce your stress. With us on your side, you’ll feel more confident navigating this journey.

Let CIA Lawyers simplify the visa process for you, so you can focus on reuniting with your family in Australia, stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the processing time for subclass 838?

A: The processing time for the Subclass 838 visa can vary significantly based on application completeness and demand. Generally, it may take several months, so it’s best to check the visa processing time guide for the most accurate estimates.

Q: How much is the visa 838 fee?

A: The application fee for the Subclass 838 visa starts at AUD 5,125. Keep in mind that additional costs may apply for family members applying with you, as well as for health checks and police certificates.

Q: What is the bridging visa for the 838 visa?

A: A Bridging Visa A may be granted if you apply for the Subclass 838 visa while in Australia. This allows you to remain in the country legally while your application is processed.

Q: How long does it take to get a dependent visa in Australia?

A: The time it takes to receive a dependent visa can vary. Depending on several factors, including application complexity and current demand, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

Our Process

1. Consultation

Connect with a qualified solicitor to discuss your immigration needs and determine the best strategy for securing your visa under Australian immigration law.

2. Application

Our legal consultants will guide you through the preparation of all required documentation, including any necessary written or oral submissions.

3. Approval

We stand by your side throughout the entire process, advocating on your behalf and supporting you until your visa application is successfully approved.