Aged Dependant Relative Visa

The Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838), also known as the 838 visa, is a permanent onshore visa designed for elderly individuals who are financially reliant on a close relative in Australia. This visa allows qualifying applicants to live indefinitely in Australia, providing a pathway for families to reunite and support aging loved ones. It's specifically for single older relatives who meet strict dependency criteria, ensuring they can access essential services while staying close to their support network.

What Is the Subclass 838 Visa and Who Is It For?

The subclass 838 visa targets single elderly people who depend on an Australian relative for basic living needs. Unlike general family visas, it's tailored for those who are "aged" – meaning at least 67 years old, the current Australian Age Pension age in 2026. This visa is ideal for widowed or divorced parents, siblings, or other near relatives without a partner, who have no means of self-support due to age or disability.

Key to this visa is the concept of financial dependency. Applicants must prove they've relied on their Australian sponsor for essentials like food, shelter, and clothing for at least three years before applying. It's not a "single parent visa Australia" – a common search term that often confuses this with parent migration options. The 838 visa isn't for working-age single parents raising children; instead, it's for aged, dependent singles needing long-term family care.

Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 838 Visa

To qualify for the aged dependent relative visa, applicants must meet several subclass 838 requirements:

• Age and Marital Status: Be 67 or older and single (no spouse or de facto partner).
• Location: Be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when applying and when the visa is granted.
• Financial Dependency: Demonstrate genuine reliance on the sponsor for basic needs over the past three years, supported by evidence like bank statements or affidavits.
• Health and Character Checks: Pass Australia's health examinations to ensure no significant healthcare costs or risks, and provide police certificates showing good character. No serious criminal history or unpaid government debts allowed.

Family members, such as dependent children, can be included if they meet similar criteria.

Sponsorship Requirements

Sponsorship is central to the 838 visa. The sponsor must be:

• A near relative (e.g., child, parent, sibling) who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• At least 18 years old and settled in Australia for two years.
• Able to provide ongoing financial support without an Assurance of Support bond in most cases.

Sponsors commit to assisting with accommodation and finances, helping families plan for sustainable settlement.