Melbourne:+613 9642 18870425345166    0430666518
Sydney:+612 9282 98360449576488
News  Your Location:Home News Immigration News

Parent Migration: How Elderly Parents Who Don't Meet Balance-of-Family Test Can Migrate to Australia

2025.07.02

Australia's Subclass 838 (Aged Dependent Relative Visa) and Subclass 114 (Aged Dependent Relative Visa) are permanent residency visas designed for:

✔ Elderly single individuals
✔ Who have been financially dependent on an Australian relative for at least 3 years

This visa grants permanent residency in Australia, including access to key benefits.

 


 

Key Advantages

✅ No Balance-of-Family Test Required

Unlike other parent visas, applicants don’t need more children in Australia than overseas.

✅ Access to Medicare & Social Welfare

Eligible for Medicare and other government benefits.

✅ Work & Study Rights

No restrictions on employment or education.

 


 

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicant Criteria

Marital Status: Must be single (never married, widowed, divorced, or permanently separated).

Age: Must meet Australia’s pension age (currently 67+).

Financial Dependency: Must prove 3+ years of reliance on an Australian relative for basic needs (food, shelter, clothing).

Health & Character: Must pass medical exams and provide police clearance.

2. Sponsor Criteria

Must be 18+ years old.

Must be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen settled in Australia.

3. Visa Application FeeAUD $5,125

 


 

Difference Between Subclass 838 & 114

Feature

Subclass 838 (Onshore)

Subclass 114 (Offshore)

Application Location

Must apply inside Australia (e.g., on a visitor visa).

Must apply outside Australia.

Bridging Visa

Eligible for a bridging visa (can stay in Australia while waiting).

No bridging visa—must wait offshore.

Processing Time

Slow (limited annual quota).

Similar delays, but no onshore waiting option.

 


 

Who Should Apply?

✔ Single elderly parents financially dependent on an Australian child.
✔ Families who can’t meet the Balance-of-Family Test for standard parent visas.

Need help assessing eligibility? Consult a registered migration agent.