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838 — Aged Dependent Relative Visa

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

41.1–54.8 years

Estimated Cost

AUD $8,665

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information

Living in Australia

Cost of Living

2% more than United States

Avg SalaryA$73,000

Quality of Life

187/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

An onshore permanent visa for single older people who are financially dependent on a relative in Australia.

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 6,600, 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.

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Cost Breakdown

Base application chargeAUD $6,600

Second instalmentAUD $2,065

TotalAUD $8,665

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

Subject to capping and queuing

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

155/157 — Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157)

Australia

155/157 — Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1 day – 3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be of age to qualify for the Australian Age Pension (currently 67)

Must be single

Financially dependent on a relative in Australia for at least 3 years

Must be in Australia when applying and when the decision is made

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Evidence of financial dependency for 3 years

Proof of age

Proof of relationship to sponsor

Character and health assessments

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Permanent residency status
Allows family reunification for elderly relatives

Worth Knowing

Extremely long wait times due to annual capping
Strict financial dependency requirements
Having a spouse or de facto partner
Not meeting the age requirement
Not being in Australia at time of application

Application Process

Prepare evidence of dependency

Lodge application onshore

Enter queue for visa allocation

Finalize health and character checks

Application Forms

47OF Application for migration to Australia by other family members	Fill online
40	Fill online
47A Details of child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over	Fill online
40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia (parent, aged dependent relative, remaining relative, carer)	—
40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia (parent, aged dependent relative, remaining relative, carer)	—
40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia (parent, aged dependent relative, remaining relative, carer)	—