838 — Aged Dependent Relative Visa

The Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838) is an Australian permanent visa for single individuals who have reached Age Pension age (67) and are financially dependent on a relative already living in Australia. It is lodged onshore and must be applied for while the applicant is in Australia.

Once granted, it confers permanent residence with full work and study rights. The visa is subject to capping and queuing, and wait times are extremely long — places are allocated annually but demand far exceeds supply. The base charge is AUD 5,280, plus a second instalment of AUD 2,065.

This visa is ideal for single elderly relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents already in Australia and financially dependent on a close relative for at least three years.