Overview
The Aged Dependant Relative (Subclass 838) visa is a permanent resident visa for older people who are single and rely on a relative living in Australia for financial support. This visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia indefinitely, work and study, and enrol in Medicare. As an onshore application, the applicant must be in Australia when the application is lodged and when the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 838 visa, you must meet the following statutory requirements:
- Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible relative or their partner. The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.
- Age Requirement: You must be old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension. As of 2026, the qualifying age for the Age Pension is 67 years.
- Relationship Status: You must be single. This means you must not have a spouse or de facto partner.
- Health and Character: All applicants must meet the Australian government's health and character standards.
- Assurance of Support: You must have an approved Assurance of Support (AoS) from a person who will provide financial assistance so you do not rely on government social security payments.
Financial Dependency Requirements
A critical component of this visa is proving dependency. You must demonstrate that you have been wholly or substantially dependent on your relative in Australia for basic needs (food, shelter, and clothing) for at least the three years immediately preceding the application.
- Dependency may be due to financial circumstances or a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working.
- Evidence often includes bank transfers, receipts for paid bills, or legal declarations from your sponsor.
2026 Costs and Charges
The following fees represent the 2026 Base Application Charges for the Subclass 838 visa, reflecting the latest indexation from the Department of Home Affairs. These costs are paid in two instalments.
| Applicant Category | First Instalment (At Lodgement) | Second Instalment (Before Grant) |
| Main Applicant | AUD 5,280 | AUD 2,065 |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | AUD 2,640 | AUD 2,065 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | AUD 1,325 | AUD 2,065 |
Note: The second instalment is only requested when the Department is ready to grant the visa. Other costs such as medical examinations, police certificates, and biometrics are not included in the base application charge.
Processing Times and Benchmarks
The Subclass 838 visa is subject to capping and queuing. Because demand for this visa category is significantly higher than the number of places available in the Migration Program, wait times are extensive.
| Percentile Benchmark | Estimated Wait Time |
| 50% of Applications | Ongoing Queue (approx. 25–28 years) |
| 90% of Applications | 30+ years |
Applicants are generally granted a Bridging Visa that allows them to remain legally in Australia while their application is in the queue. It is vital to maintain a valid mobile number and contact details with the Department during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my children in the application?
Yes, you can include dependent children or step-children in your application, provided they meet the dependency criteria at the time of lodgement.
Do I need a mobile phone for the application process?
While not a visa requirement, you must provide a valid mobile number or email address so the Department of Home Affairs can contact you regarding your file or request further evidence.
What happens if my sponsor leaves Australia?
Your sponsor must be "usually resident" in Australia. If your sponsor's circumstances change significantly, it may impact the ongoing validity of the sponsorship and the visa application.
Is there a way to speed up the processing time?
No. This visa is processed in the order it is received and is strictly governed by annual migration caps. There is no priority processing available for the Subclass 838 visa.
