The aged dependent relative visa is for an older relative who depends on an Australian family member. Registered migration agents in Brisbane explain it. Book a consult.
The aged dependent relative visa is for an older person who has been financially dependent on a relative in Australia and wants to live here permanently. It’s designed for a single relative of pension age who relies on an Australian family member for support and has no partner or other close family to fall back on. It’s a narrow visa with strict eligibility, and the queue can be long, so it pays to understand it before you plan around it. Our registered migration agents in Brisbane help families work out whether it fits.
An aged dependent relative visa is a permanent visa for an aged relative who depends on an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen for financial support. There are two subclasses, depending on where the applicant is when they apply.
Applying inside Australia: the Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838).
Applying outside Australia: the Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114).
Both lead to permanent residency. The visa is for someone who, in plain terms, is old enough to receive an Australian age pension, has no partner, and has been relying on their Australian relative for their basic needs.
This is where the eligibility is tight. To qualify, the applicant generally needs to:
Be old enough to be granted an Australian age pension.
Have no spouse or de facto partner, so they’re single, whether never married, widowed, divorced or separated.
Be financially dependent on their Australian relative, usually for a reasonable period and for their basic needs like food, shelter and living costs.
The dependency is the heart of the case. You have to show a real, ongoing reliance on the Australian relative, not just occasional help. Casual gifts or short-term support won’t meet it, and this is where applications often fall short.
The sponsoring relative is usually the Australian family member the applicant depends on, and they need to be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor typically gives an assurance of support, which is a commitment that the applicant won’t rely on certain government payments for a period after arrival. We explain what that involves before you commit.
Like several family visas in this group, the aged dependent relative visa can involve a long wait, because places are limited and demand is high. There’s a government application charge, and an assurance of support usually applies. Because these figures and queue lengths change, we’ll walk you through the current numbers and a realistic timeline in your consultation. For some families, a parent visa or a carer visa turns out to be a better fit, and we’ll tell you honestly which pathway makes the most sense.
We test the eligibility carefully, especially the age, single-status and dependency requirements.
We help you prove genuine, ongoing financial dependency, which is where these cases are won or lost.
We explain the assurance of support and what it commits the sponsor to.
We compare this visa against parent, carer and remaining relative options so you choose the right one.
We prepare the full application and respond to any requests from the department.
Generally, a single relative who is old enough to receive an Australian age pension, has no partner, and has been financially dependent on their Australian relative for their basic living needs. All three parts usually need to be met.
Both are permanent aged dependent relative visas. The 114 is for an applicant outside Australia. The 838 is for an applicant already in Australia. The right one depends on where the relative is when you lodge.
You need to show genuine, ongoing reliance on your Australian relative for basic needs, usually over a reasonable period, not just occasional help. Bank records, transfers and living arrangements all help build this picture.
Generally yes. The visa is for someone with no spouse or de facto partner. This includes people who are widowed, divorced or separated, as well as those who never married.
It’s a commitment, usually from the sponsor, that the applicant won’t rely on certain government payments for a set period after arriving. It can involve a financial bond. We explain the current requirements before you go ahead.
It can be, because places for this visa are limited. We’ll give you a realistic view of the current queue so you can decide whether this or another family visa suits your timeline.
If the applicant is your parent, a parent visa may be more suitable and, in some streams, faster. We compare the options against your family’s situation and budget.
Yes. The subclass 114 is lodged offshore, and we work with families remotely from start to finish.
