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838 Visa (Aged Dependent Relative)

The Australia visa subclass 838, also known as the Aged Relative Dependent Visa, is designed for elderly individuals who wish to permanently reside in Australia. Citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens can apply to sponsor their ageing family members and reunite with them in Australia. To start your journey as a sponsor or as the sponsored relative, consult with one of our immigration lawyers today.

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    Aged Dependent Relative Visa 838

    The 838 visa Australia offers to aged relatives comes with numerous benefits, such as residing permanently in Australia. With this visa, as an ageing family member, you can stay in the country indefinitely, allowing you to establish a stable and secure life in the land Down Under. You also have the freedom to work, study, and enrol in the public healthcare scheme of Australia.

    With a visa subclass 838, you can also sponsor additional family members to join you in Australia and apply for citizenship, provided you are eligible. In your application, you can include qualified family members, such as your dependent biological children and stepchildren. Only make sure that you comply with the requirements and provide accurate details.

    As this is a permanent visa, you can stay in Australia indefinitely. However, there are essential considerations that you must take into account:

    • Within five years, you have the freedom to travel to and from Australia within the initial validity year;
    • If you wish to travel to Australia after the initial five years, you will need to apply for and be granted a Resident Return visa, which will allow you to enter the country as a permanent resident.
    • You have the option to apply for AUS citizenship, so you will no longer need to apply for a visa every time you enter the country.

    At the time of your application, you and any family members you will be applying with must be in Australia until the decision is granted.

    838 Aged Dependent Relative Visa Requirements

    To apply for the visa subclass 838, these are the requirements that need to be fulfilled:

    • Age requirement: As the applicant, you must be at least 65 to 67 years old at the time of your application. This age is equivalent to the pension age in Australia.
    • Sponsorship and relationship requirement: You need to have an approved sponsor who is a permanent resident or an Australian citizen to apply for this visa. It is also required that you have no spouse or common-law partner in order to qualify.
    • Health and character requirements: You and your family members who will apply with you must meet specific health and character standards. This may involve undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance.
    • Financial support: Your sponsoring relative may be required to provide proof of their ability to support you financially for your living expenses, including food, accommodation, clothing, and medical expenses.
    • Assurance of support: In some cases, your sponsoring relative may need to provide an Assurance of Support as a legal commitment to financially support you as you permanently stay in the country.
    • You must be single (not married or in a de facto relationship)
    • Payment of debt: If your sponsoring relative owes money to the Australian Government, they must have paid or arranged to pay it back upon your application.
    • Compliance with visa conditions: You must agree to comply with all the conditions inherent to the visa subclass 838 application, which may not be limited to the requirements previously stated.

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    Step-by-Step Application for Visa 838

    Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for an Australia visa subclass 838:

    1

    Assess eligibility

    Check if you meet the eligibility conditions for the visa subclass 838, including age requirements, relationship with sponsoring relatives, and health and character assessments.

    2

    Gather required documents

    Collect all necessary documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of relationship with the
    sponsoring relative, proof of financial capacity of your sponsor, your health certifications, and police clearance. There may be additional requirements you need to provide, as may be deemed necessary.

    3

    Fill out the application form

    Complete the visa application form as thoroughly and accurately as possible. Attach all supporting documents to your completed form. Ensure that all information is correct and is in English.

    4

    Submit application

    Lodge your visa application online through the official Australian immigration portal or through a registered migration agent. You also need to pay all the application fees.

    5

    Await processing

    After your submission is submitted, wait for your application to be processed. This may involve providing additional requirements or information as requested by the Department of Home Affairs. You can also verify the status of your application through ImmiAccount.

    6

    Receive your visa subclass 838

    Upon approval, you will be granted the Australia visa subclass 838, allowing you to permanently live in Australia. If your application is rejected or refused, you will receive a letter explaining why and the possibility of a decision review.

    838 Visa Processing Times and Fees

    The Australia visa 838 processing time can vary depending on several factors, such as the volume of applications, the completeness of requirements, and individual circumstances. On average, processing time may range from several months to a year or more.

    Your application may take longer to process if the form is not filled out properly, if the information is inaccurate and incomplete, or if the information provided takes longer to verify.

    The Subclass 838 Aged Dependent Relative visa currently costs AUD $6,415 for the main applicant. Additional fees apply for each family member included in the application.

    Please note that visa application fees are subject to change. The Department of Home Affairs may also require you to pay for:

    • Health examinations
    • Police certificates
    • Biometric collection
    • Document translations and certifications

    Getting Professional Help For Your Visa Subclass 838

    The step-by-step guide of applying for the visa subclass 838 may be intricate. With our experts at Parish Patience, you will navigate your journey with confidence and without hassle. Here are the services that our Australian immigration consultants offer:

    Legal consultation

    State your case and circumstance to our specialist lawyers so they can provide you with tailored legal guidance. Based on your case, they will then conduct a thorough eligibility evaluation to confirm your qualification for the visa.

    Customised guidance on visa requirements

    Our specialist lawyer will guide you in preparing and collecting every requirement for your application. They will ensure that all information in your documentation is accurate and complete, promising a smooth and seamless application.

    Legal representation

    Our specialist lawyer will guide you in preparing and collecting every requirement for your application. They will ensure that all information in your documentation is accurate and complete, promising a smooth and seamless application.

    Post-application support

    Once you have been granted with your visa, our service at Parish Patience will not end there. Your registered agent will continue to give you guidance to ensure that all migration laws and policies are adhered to. They will assist you until you are fully settled to live permanently in Australia.

    Need Visa Assistance?

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    Success Stories of 500+ Highly Rated Reviews


    Our customers are always happy to share their thoughts with us.
    Here is what some of them have said!

    Haroon Parvez

    The team at parish Patience Immigration Lawyers were incredibly helpful throughout the application process. Their assistance made our lives so much less stressful and their expertise cleared up any confusion we had. They remained engaged with us the whole time and quickly responded to any questions with thoughtful, detailed answers. Special thanks to Usman Ali and Shan . We highly recommend the team at Parish patience immigration lawyer for anyone considering help regarding any kind of visa .

    W. A.

    Highly recommended lawyers! Extremely professional and reliable service, with outstanding outcomes. A special thanks to Mr Thong and Marlene, for helping us with our difficult case. Not only did they ensure that everything was ready to go, but their professionalism came in favor when we were granted our visa within just under 6 months!

    J P

    Thong and Marlene helped my partner gain permanent residency in Australia. We did the application ourselves but it turned out lots of information we needed to provide was missing. Thong and Marlene picked our case up and helped amend it. I really appreciate their help and guidance and look forward to contacting them again in the future. I am pleased by their efforts and professionalism.

    Alaa Omer

    Successfully handled my case. He had been prompt, caring and very professional in dealing with my case. I am glad to have received very strong support, guidance and service from them. I would highly recommend Parish patience immigration lawyers. I wish the best for their future prospects.

    Jabir Ibna Mohammad

    I’m really thankful for the guidance and assistance I’ve received regarding my Partner visa from Shan and his assistance Asha at Parish Patience. They handled my matter professionally and there were clear instructions from the beginning till end. I got my partner visa 820 granted in less than 7 months, thanks to their knowledge and expertise. I wish them all the best and highly recommend Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers for any sort of immigration matters.

    Parish Patience: Experts at 838 Visa Australia Has to Offer


    You can feel confident while starting your permanent residency here in Australia through the visa subclass 838. From eligibility assessment, to preparing every document needed, and up to the approval of your visa, our specialist lawyer will be with you every step of the process. Book a
    consultation with an Australian immigration agent from Parish Patience today so you start your visa journey worry-free.

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      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


      What is an 838 visa?

      The Australia visa subclass 838 allows aged relatives of permanent residents, Australian citizens, and New Zealand citizens to permanently live in the country.

      Is visa 835 a permanent resident?

      Yes. Like visa subclass 838, subclass 835 is a permanent visa that allows family members to stay in Australia indefinitely.

      What is an aged dependent relative visa subclass 114, 115, 838, 835?

      Both visa subclasses 114 and 838 allow elderly relatives to enter Australia. However, the main differences lie in the eligibility criteria.
      Subclass 114: This visa allows elderly relatives outside of Australia to live permanently with a sponsoring family member in Australia.
      Subclass 838: This visa allows elderly relatives to live permanently with a sponsoring family member in Australia. The visa applicant is required to be in Australia during the application.

      Nearly similar to subclasses 114 and 838, the subclasses 115 and 835 differ in the eligibility of the applicant:
      Subclass 115: This visa allows individuals outside of Australia to move and reside permanently with their only remaining family members in Australia.
      Subclass 835: This visa allows individuals to move and reside permanently in Australia with their only remaining family members. However, it is required that the applicant is in Australia when the application is lodged.

      Can I bring my sister to Australia permanently?

      While there are no specific visas that will allow a sibling to live permanently in Australia, subclass 115 (Remaining Relative visa) will allow your sister to live permanently with you in Australia, provided that specific conditions and requirements are fulfilled.

      What is the age limit for subclass 838?

      At the time of application, applicants must be at least 65 to 67 years old, which is equivalent to the pension age in Australia.

      How long does it take to get the aged dependent relative visa?

      The processing time of the visa subclass 838 or the Aged Dependent Relative visa takes several months to a year or more, depending on the circumstances. It may even be more protracted if information is incomplete, inaccurate, or unverifiable.

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      On 13 July, I had an appointment with Mr. Usman and Mr. Billah at their Dhaka branch. I was satisfied with the advice they provided regarding my situation, and I was told to contact Mr. Usman once he returned to Sydney from Dhaka, which was expected to be in early August. On 10 August, I followed up by email, asking Mr. Usman and Mr. Billah CC’d, whether they were still interested in taking on my case. However, from 10 August until now (about 2 months later), I have received no response from Parish Immigration. For anyone considering seeking legal advice from Parish, I would highly recommend confirming upfront whether they are interested in handling your case. Otherwise you’ll be wasting a significant amount of valuable time chasing them. The communication after my initial consultation was extremely confusing. During the consultation, they seemed eager to assist me with my case. However, later they did not respond to my follow up emails or even let me know whether or not they were interested in proceeding with my case
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      I am extremely satisfied with the professional services provided by the team especially Usman Bhai in managing my visa application. Their exceptional professionalism, thorough attention to detail, and comprehensive understanding of the immigration process were evident throughout every stage of the application. They demonstrated outstanding commitment, maintained clear and timely communication, and provided valuable guidance with efficiency and diligence. I sincerely appreciate their expertise, dedication, and meticulous approach, which made the entire process considerably smoother and more reassuring. I would highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable, professional, and competent immigration assistance.
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      🌟 Heartfelt Thanks to Mr. Mahalingam Sutharshan (Shan) and His Team! 🇦🇺 I am delighted and truly grateful to have been granted Australian citizenship. My sincere thanks to Shan and his team for their professional guidance, dedicated support, and excellent service throughout this journey. I highly appreciate their assistance and would happily recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and professional support. Thank you for helping make this milestone possible! 🙏❤️
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      One of the most disappointing experiences I have had when seeking professional legal assistance. My experience with Mahalingam Sutharshan (Shan) was absolutely unacceptable. His arrogant attitude, dismissive manner, and apparent unwillingness to provide advice left me extremely frustrated. When someone approaches a lawyer/agent , they expect professionalism, respect, and proper guidance—not an arrogant attitude that makes them feel as though their concerns are beneath consideration. Unfortunately, I felt that I received none of the professionalism or courtesy I expected. What disappointed me most was his attitude towards someone who was simply seeking legal advice. Basic respect and professional communication should be the bare minimum for anyone working in the legal profession. In my experience, the interaction fell well below that standard. I left the interaction feeling that my time had been wasted and my concerns had not been given proper consideration. A professional title means very little if the person behind it cannot communicate respectfully with people seeking assistance. Based on my personal experience, I would not choose to deal with Mahalingam Sutharshan (Shan) again. This experience has left me with a very negative impression, and I sincerely hope the firm takes complaints about client treatment seriously. People seeking legal help deserve respect, courtesy, and clear communication—not an experience that leaves them feeling dismissed and disrespected.
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      I am normally very hesitant to write Google reviews, but in this case, I genuinely feel that a review is well deserved. Mr Usman looked after my SC 186 visa application and successfully guided me through the process until my visa was granted. Before meeting Usman, I sought advice from one of the well-known immigration agents on social media. Unfortunately, rather than taking the time to understand my circumstances, they immediately advised me to pursue a student visa. Usman, however, took the time to properly understand my situation and confidently recommended that I proceed with the SC 186 visa application. He not only recommended the right pathway for my circumstances but also remained highly professional throughout the entire process. He consistently kept me updated and ensured that I understood the key information and requirements at every stage of the application. My nomination was approved without receiving any S56 request, which made the process even smoother and less stressful. Usman's advice has not only helped me avoid future stress and significant financial pressure, but it also ultimately allowed me to obtain permanent residency rather than continue paying tuition fees and living with the uncertainty associated with temporary visas. What impressed me most about Usman is his sincerity, honesty, professionalism, experience, and genuine passion for what he does. He truly cares about his clients and uses his knowledge and experience to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. I would like to sincerely thank Usman once again for his guidance, support, and professionalism throughout my journey. I am genuinely grateful for everything you have done for me. May God bless you and your family, Usman. You are truly a gem. 💎
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      Parish Patience took care my mother, sisters and all of my family’s visa situation since 2012. After David Bitel passed away he left his amazing lawyers who are not only knowledgeable but also efficient and professional. After many years got my PR sorted by Usman, he was onto it in every single documents and Thanks to Golam as well who always been kind. I’m sure all immigrant knows how difficult these days to get PR, but highly recommend their service who can assist you in all situation.
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      6 years ago I found myself in a very difficult immigration situation where I was risking immigration detention, and Parish Patience were the only light of hope in a nightmare immigration loophole. I had consulted with other lawyers who just took thousands of dollars and were misleading and dishonest. When I met with Thong and his amazing team they welcomed me with the upmost care and provided me with clear explanations and guidance. All throughout the process they were available for any questions and support. They anticipated all possibilities, and completed the work in compliance with the immigration laws and I had zero issues with any of the submissions they’ve done on my behalf. I received a double grant two years ago and I am now awaiting for my citizenship ceremony. Parish Patience provides the reliable and professional service you need. Thank you Thong, Marlene, Zinnia for your incredible work.