Dependency Position
Review whether your financial circumstances demonstrate genuine reliance on your Australian relatives.
Aged Dependent Relative Visa · Subclass 838
Aged Dependent Relative Visa Subclass 838
The Aged Dependent Relative Visa 838 is a permanent onshore visa for an older person who has no spouse or de facto partner and relies financially on a qualifying relative in Australia.
Financial dependency is central
The visa is capped and queued, with new applications currently facing a substantial estimated waiting period.
How We Can Help
Subclass 838 Application Support
Onshore Visa Check
Check your current visa, previous visa and conditions before an application is prepared.
Sponsor Assessment
Confirm the family relationship, Australian status and circumstances of the proposed sponsor.
Dependency Evidence
Review financial transfers, accommodation support and essential living expenses.
Paper Application
Prepare the required visa and sponsorship forms with supporting evidence.
Queue & Ongoing Support
Assist with Home Affairs requests, changed circumstances and later-stage requirements.
At a Glance
Subclass 838 Overview
| Requirement | Current Position |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent onshore Other Family visa |
| Applicant age | Australian Age Pension age, currently 67 |
| Relationship status | No spouse or de facto partner |
| Financial dependency | Required on a qualifying relative in Australia |
| Application location | Must be in Australia |
| Decision location | Must be in Australia |
| Sponsorship | Required |
| Assurance of Support | Required before grant |
| Application method | Paper-based initial application |
| Queue | Capped and queued |
| Estimated processing time | Around 22 years for new applications, as at 31 May 2026 |
| Visa stay | Permanent |
Who Can Apply?
Core Eligibility Requirements
Having family in Australia and meeting the age requirement alone does not establish eligibility.
- Have reached Australian Age Pension age, currently 67
- Have no spouse or de facto partner
- Be financially dependent on a qualifying relative in Australia
- Have an eligible sponsor
- Be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
- Satisfy applicable requirements relating to the current or previous Australian visa
- Obtain an acceptable Assurance of Support
- Meet health and character requirements
- Continue meeting applicable visa criteria while the application remains pending
Financial Dependency
Genuine Reliance on Your Relative
Dependency means genuine reliance on the relative for basic living needs.
Home Affairs guidance describes dependency as having existed for a reasonable period, usually three years.
What Can Demonstrate Dependency?
Evidence can include bank statements, money transfers, accommodation payments, essential expenses and records of the applicant’s own income or resources.
Key pointMoney transfers alone do not necessarily prove dependency. The overall financial circumstances and reason the support is required are important.
Who Can Sponsor?
AgeThe sponsor will generally be 18 years or older.
Australian StatusThe qualifying relative will generally be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Settled in AustraliaThe sponsor will generally be settled and usually resident in Australia.
Relative’s PartnerIn some circumstances, the spouse or de facto partner of the qualifying relative may be able to sponsor instead.
Sponsorship and financial dependency are separate requirements. A family relationship does not automatically establish financial dependence.
Onshore Application
Your Australian Visa Status Matters
Being in Australia does not automatically mean you can lodge this visa.
01
Current Visa
Current VisaYour existing and previous Australian visa position should be checked before lodgement.
02
No Further Stay
No Further StayA No Further Stay condition may prevent an onshore application unless the relevant requirements for making another visa application are met.
03
Bridging Visa
Bridging VisaA bridging visa may become relevant after a valid application, depending on your circumstances.
Do not assumeA bridging visa automatically provides unrestricted work rights, overseas travel rights or particular visa conditions. The bridging visa type and conditions should be checked separately.
Government Charges
Government Costs & Assurance of Support
Government charges effective from 1 July 2026The visa charge is paid in two instalments.
| Applicant | First Instalment | Second Instalment |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | AUD 6,600 | AUD 2,065 |
| Additional applicant 18+ | AUD 3,300 | AUD 2,065 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | AUD 1,655 | AUD 2,065 |
Current Queue PositionApproximate acknowledgement time5 weeks Queue dates released for final processing30 June 2013 Estimated processing time for new applicationsAround 22 years
Subclass 838 Is Capped and Queued
As at 31 May 2026, the published figures describe different stages of the application process.
Acknowledgement ≠ queue assessment ≠ final processing.
How the Application Works
Subclass 838 Application Process
Check Your Visa Position
Confirm that an onshore application can validly be made from your current immigration circumstances.
Confirm Eligibility
Assess age, relationship status, dependency and sponsorship.
Build the Evidence
Prepare financial, family, sponsor and immigration-status documentation.
Lodge the Paper Application
Complete the relevant Other Family visa application, including Form 47OF and the sponsorship requirements under Form 40. Subclass 838 uses a paper-based initial application process.
Queue Assessment
Home Affairs assesses whether the application meets the criteria to enter the visa queue.
Final Processing
When the application reaches final processing, updated information, health and character checks, Assurance of Support and the second instalment may need to be completed before a decision.
What to Prepare
Application Evidence
Applicant
- Passport and identity documents
- Birth and relevant civil records
- Current and previous Australian visa information
Family Relationship
- Evidence establishing the relationship with the qualifying relative
- Evidence of the relative’s Australian immigration or citizenship status
Financial Dependency
- Bank statements
- Money-transfer records
- Accommodation or rent payments
- Essential expenses paid by the relative
- Applicant’s own income and financial resources
Sponsor
- Identity documents
- Australian status evidence
- Residence and settlement evidence
- Required sponsorship documentation
Later Requirements
- Health examinations
- Police or character documents
- Assurance of Support
- Updated information requested by Home Affairs
Non-English documents need to meet the applicable translation requirements.
After Grant
What You Receive After Grant
Permanent Residence
Remain permanently in Australia.
Work & Study
Access work and study rights available to permanent residents.
Medicare
Access Medicare subject to applicable Australian requirements.
Family Sponsorship
Potentially sponsor eligible relatives where applicable requirements are met.
Travel Facility
An initial five-year travel facility applies to permanent residence.
Permanent residence and the right to return to Australia after overseas travel are separate concepts.
Think Higher Consultants
Get Your Circumstances Assessed
Financial dependency, your current Australian visa and the long queue make this a pathway that should be assessed carefully before lodgement.
Registered Agent
Speak with Aneel Khowaja, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1571699.
Dependency Review
Assess whether the financial evidence supports genuine reliance on the qualifying relative.
Visa Position Check
Review current and previous Australian visa circumstances before lodgement.
Long-Term Support
Assist with Home Affairs requests, changed circumstances and later-stage requirements during the queue.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Balance of Family Test required?
No. The Balance of Family Test used for specified Parent visa subclasses does not apply to this Other Family visa.
What is the difference between Subclass 838 and Subclass 114?
Subclass 838 is the onshore Aged Dependent Relative pathway. Subclass 114 is the corresponding offshore pathway and has different applicant-location requirements.
Can I leave Australia while waiting?
Do not assume you can travel simply because a visa application is pending. Your current visa or bridging visa and its travel conditions need to be checked before leaving Australia.
Subclass 838 Consultation
Book a Subclass 838 Consultation
Speak with Aneel Khowaja, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1571699, about whether Subclass 838 fits your circumstances.
Financial dependencyCurrent visa positionSponsorshipPaper applicationQueue requirementsOngoing support