Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)

Sponsorship
The applicant must have a sponsor who is an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be a close relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child of the applicant, and they must have the financial capacity to continue supporting the applicant. In some cases, other relatives like nephews or nieces may be eligible sponsors. Sponsors must sign a sponsorship undertaking, agreeing to provide support for the applicant and ensure they do not rely on government benefits.

Age Requirement
The applicant must be of pension age, as defined by the Australian government. This age varies depending on when the applicant was born but is generally around 66-67 years old. The visa is intended for older relatives who cannot support themselves financially and require assistance from their Australian family members.

Financial Dependency
The applicant must demonstrate financial dependency on their sponsor (an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen) for at least three years prior to lodging the visa application. Financial dependency means the applicant has relied on their sponsor for basic living expenses such as food, shelter, and clothing. The visa is intended for relatives who cannot support themselves financially due to age or lack of other means. Evidence such as bank statements, receipts of financial assistance, and other proof of financial support must be provided.

Marital Status
The applicant must not have a partner or spouse at the time of application. The visa is designed for aged relatives who are dependent on family in Australia rather than a spouse or partner.

Sufficient Financial Means (For the Sponsor):
The sponsor must demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to support the applicant. This typically involves providing proof of income or assets to show they can meet the living expenses of the applicant without government assistance. The financial responsibility extends for a period after the visa is granted to ensure the applicant does not become a burden on Australian social services.

Health and Character Requirements:
Health Checks: Applicants and any dependent family members must undergo medical examinations to ensure they meet Australia's health standards. This is to prevent the Australian healthcare system from being burdened by applicants with significant medical needs.
Character Checks: Police clearances from each country the applicant has lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years are required. This ensures that the applicant poses no security or criminal risk to Australia.