Subclass 838 · Permanent
Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) Australia
A permanent visa for a person who is a single older person who relies on a relative living in Australia for financial support. In Australia application. From AUD6,600.
About the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)
The Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838) is a permanent visa for a person who is a single older person who relies on a relative living in Australia for financial support. You must be in Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided. These visas are capped each year, so processing can take a long time.
With this visa you can
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public health scheme
- Sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
You must
- Be single, old enough for the age pension and financially dependent on your Australian relative
- Be sponsored by your eligible relative or their partner
- Be in Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided
- Meet health and character requirements
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant; other costs and concessions may apply. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
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Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About the Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838)
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Apply for citizenship when eligible
From AUD6,600 for the main applicant, plus a charge for each family member. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
You can include members of your family unit when you apply.
You must be in Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided.
Eligibility
What you need.
You must be sponsored by an eligible relative, or a relative's partner, who is settled in Australia.
You must be old enough to receive the Australian age pension.
You must have depended on your relative in Australia for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing, for at least the last 3 years before you apply.
You must not have a spouse or de facto partner.
You must be able to get an Assurance of Support.
You and family members applying with you must meet the health and character requirements. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Previous refusals or cancellations are considered, government debts must be repaid or arranged, and applicants aged 18 or over read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement.
The visa may be refused if it is not in the best interests of an applicant under 18.
The visa you currently hold must not have a "no further stay" condition. Check your conditions in VEVO.
Step by step
How the application works.
Before you apply
Check your eligibility and that your relative can sponsor you.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Prepare identity, relationship and dependency or care evidence, plus your sponsor's documents.
Apply
Lodge your application with the sponsorship and pay the visa cost.
After you apply
These visas are capped, so there can be a long wait. You may be asked for health checks, police certificates and an Assurance of Support.
Visa outcome
Home Affairs tells you the decision in writing.
When you have this visa
You are a permanent resident.
You can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, and you are protected by Australian workplace law.
Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years. After that, you need a Resident Return visa.
As a newly arrived resident, you may need to wait before you can access some Australian Government payments.
After meeting the residence requirements you may apply for citizenship, and as a permanent resident you may sponsor eligible family members.
About sponsoring your relative
Your role and obligations.
The main applicant and family members who apply with them.
There is no fee to sponsor, but you agree to support the applicant financially.
For the first 2 years the visa holder is in Australia, you must provide them and their family with accommodation and financial help as needed.
You may be asked to provide an Assurance of Support: a legal commitment to repay certain government payments the visa holder receives.
You can withdraw your sponsorship in writing at any time before the visa is decided.
Sponsor eligibility
Who can sponsor.
You or your partner must be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, usually meaning you have lived lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years, and be 18 or older.
You must have been supporting your relative with their basic needs and agree to keep supporting them.
Step by step for sponsors
How to sponsor your relative.
Before you apply
Make sure your relative is eligible for the visa and that you can meet your sponsor obligations.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Provide accurate information and prove your identity, ideally with your application or as soon as possible after.
Apply to sponsor
Lodge your sponsorship online in ImmiAccount, linked to your relative's visa application.
After you apply
Home Affairs confirms receipt in ImmiAccount and may ask for more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Outcome
Home Affairs tells the visa applicant about the decision in writing.
After the visa is granted
Your support continues.
Provide accommodation and financial help as needed for the visa holder's first 2 years in Australia.
Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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A person who is a single older person who relies on a relative living in Australia for financial support.
From AUD6,600, with concessions in limited circumstances.
In Australia, both when you apply and when the visa is decided.
Yes. You can stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study and enrol in Medicare.
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