Australian family migration pathway
Aged Dependent Relative Visa (114 & 838)
The Aged Dependent Relative Visa allows certain older dependent relatives of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia.
The correct pathway depends principally on whether the applicant is applying from outside or inside Australia, together with age, relationship, long-term financial dependency, sponsorship, health and character requirements.
- Permanent residenceBoth pathways provide permanent residence if granted.
- Two locationsSubclass 114 is offshore and Subclass 838 is onshore.
- Dependency focusedLong-term financial dependency is a central requirement.
- Eligible sponsorSponsorship by an eligible Australian relative is generally required.
Stage 1
Understand the Aged Dependent Relative Visa
The visa is designed for certain older relatives who are financially dependent on an eligible Australian relative and wish to live permanently in Australia.
Permanent family visa
Both Subclass 114 and Subclass 838 are permanent family migration pathways for eligible aged dependent relatives.
Dependency is central
The applicant must generally demonstrate long-term financial dependency on the sponsoring Australian relative.
Individual assessment
Age, relationship, location, sponsorship, health, character and supporting evidence must be considered together.
Important: The visa is not available merely because an applicant is older and has family in Australia. The specific age, relationship, dependency and sponsorship requirements must all be satisfied.
Stage 2
Check eligibility
Eligibility should be checked before selecting the onshore or offshore pathway.
- Age requirementThe applicant must generally be old enough to qualify as an aged applicant under Australian migration legislation.
- Relationship requirementThe applicant must be related to an eligible Australian relative in a manner recognised by the visa provisions.
- Dependency requirementThe applicant must generally demonstrate long-term financial dependence on the sponsoring relative.
- Eligible sponsorAn eligible sponsor is generally required before the visa can be granted.
Stage 3
Prove dependency
One of the most important aspects of this visa category is proving dependency.
Long-term financial support
The applicant must generally demonstrate that they have been financially dependent on the sponsoring relative for a substantial period before the visa application.
Supporting evidence
Evidence commonly considered may include financial support arrangements, living arrangements and other material showing ongoing dependence.
Evidence assessment
Because dependency is a central requirement, applicants should carefully assess whether sufficient supporting evidence exists before lodgement.
Stage 4
Check the sponsor
Eligible Australian relative
The sponsor will usually need to be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.
Sponsorship required
Applicants generally require sponsorship from an eligible Australian relative before the visa can be granted.
Ongoing obligations
Sponsorship obligations may continue after visa grant and should be understood before an application is lodged.
For additional information, see our Sponsorship Requirements Guide.
Stage 5
Health and character
Applicants must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements before the visa can be granted.
Health requirements
Medical examinations may be required to demonstrate compliance with Australia’s health criteria.
Character requirements
Police clearances and character assessments may be required as part of the visa process.
Stage 6
Compare Subclass 114 and Subclass 838
Both visa subclasses provide permanent residence for eligible aged dependent relatives. The primary difference relates to where the applicant is located when applying and when the visa is granted.
Subclass 114 (Offshore)
- Permanent residence visa
- Application generally lodged outside Australia
- Applicant generally outside Australia at visa grant
- Requires eligible sponsor
- Dependency requirements apply
- Health and character requirements apply
Subclass 838 (Onshore)
- Permanent residence visa
- Application generally lodged in Australia
- Applicant generally in Australia at visa grant
- Requires eligible sponsor
- Dependency requirements apply
- Health and character requirements apply
The choice between Subclass 114 and Subclass 838 often depends on the applicant’s location and visa status at the time of application. Individual circumstances should be carefully assessed before selecting a pathway.
Stage 7
Benefits of the visa
Successful applicants receive Australian permanent residence and may enjoy a range of benefits available to permanent residents.
- Permanent residenceLive in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
- Work and study rightsPermanent residents generally have unrestricted work and study rights.
- Medicare accessEligible applicants may access Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Citizenship pathwayEligible permanent residents may later apply for Australian citizenship.
Stage 8
Related Family Migration Resources
Parent Visa Australia Comparison Guide
Compare major Australian family migration and parent visa pathways.
Remaining Relative Visa Australia
Learn about the Remaining Relative Visa pathways.
Carer Visa Australia
Explore visa options available for carers of Australian relatives.
Family Migration Australia
Explore Australian family migration visa pathways and requirements.
Stage 9
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Subclass 114 and Subclass 838?
The primary difference is where the applicant is located when applying and when the visa is granted. Subclass 114 is generally an offshore pathway, while Subclass 838 is generally an onshore pathway.
Who can sponsor an Aged Dependent Relative Visa applicant?
Sponsors are generally Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens who are settled in Australia and satisfy sponsorship requirements.
What does 'dependent relative' mean for this visa?
The applicant must generally demonstrate long-term financial dependence on the sponsoring relative. Evidence of ongoing support is usually required.
Can I work in Australia if my visa is granted?
Yes. As a permanent resident, you generally have unrestricted work rights in Australia.
Can I include my spouse in the application?
Depending on the circumstances, eligible family members may be included in the application. Individual circumstances should be assessed carefully.
Is there an Assurance of Support requirement?
Certain family migration visas may involve Assurance of Support requirements. Applicants should review the specific requirements applicable to their circumstances.
Why do many applications require detailed evidence of dependency?
Dependency is one of the core legislative requirements of this visa category. The Department generally expects objective evidence demonstrating ongoing financial reliance over a significant period.
Does this visa provide permanent residence?
Yes. Both Subclass 114 and Subclass 838 provide permanent residence for successful applicants.
Reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi
Principal Registered Migration Agent at Shada Migration Services · MARN 0958292.
Next step
Get Advice About Your Family Visa Options
Family visa matters depend on the applicant, sponsor, family circumstances and supporting evidence. A consultation can help identify the appropriate pathway and the issues to address before lodgement.
