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Aged Dependent Relative Visa
The Aged Dependent Relative visa lets a single, age-pension-aged person who is financially reliant on an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealander settle in Australia permanently. It comes in two streams—subclass 114 (apply offshore) and subclass 838 (apply onshore)—both granting permanent residence, Medicare, and work rights once granted. Sponsors must provide an Assurance of Support and evidence of at least three years’ financial dependency.
The Aged Dependent Relative (ADR) programme offers two permanent pathways:
Pathway | Where you apply | Visa subclass | Stay | Work | Medicare |
Offshore | Outside Australia | 114 | Permanent | Yes | Yes |
Onshore | In Australia (not immigration clearance) | 838 | Permanent | Yes | Yes |
Both visas let you sponsor eligible family members and count residence towards citizenship.
Requirement | Evidence |
Sponsorship by an eligible relative (Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen aged 18+) | Form 40, identity documents |
Continuous financial support for min. 3 years | Bank transfers, joint bills, sworn statements |
Age-related threshold met | Birth certificate, passport bio-page |
No partner relationship | Family status certificates |
Health & character cleared | Medical exams, AFP/police certificates |
Sponsors must lodge Form 47a and commit to provide accommodation and financial support for 2 years after visa grant. In most cases, Centrelink will require a 10-year Assurance of Support (AoS) bond (currently AUD 10,000 for the first applicant) before grant. Interest is refundable.
“Dependency” means the applicant’s basic living costs (food, shelter, clothing) would not be met without their Australian relative. The Department assesses:
Tip: Supply a timeline table matching transactions to expenses over the past 36 months.
Applicants must reach age-pension age before a decision is made. If you apply aged 66½ and turn 67 while pending, you still satisfy the requirement. Any new marriage/relationship before grant will void eligibility.
Step | Subclass 114 (Offshore) | Subclass 838 (Onshore) |
Lodgement | ImmiAccount + upload docs while outside Australia | ImmiAccount while holding a valid visa (no “no further stay” condition) |
Bridging visa | N/A | Bridging A (BVA) granted automatically; may work if you apply for work rights |
Must be | Offshore at decision | Onshore at decision |
Item | Cost (July 2025) |
Base visa charge | AUD 5,280 |
Additional applicant 18+ | AUD 2,645 |
AoS bond (refundable) | AUD 10,000 first adult, +AUD 4,000 per additional adult |
Other Family visas (Carer 116/836, Aged Dependent Relative 114/838, Remaining Relative 115/835) are numerically capped each migration year. Once the annual cap is reached, no further grants are made and all validated applications are queued in strict lodgement-date order until a future program year has space.
As at 31 May 2025 the Department is releasing for final assessment:
What this means: If your ADR application’s queue date is later than 28 Feb 2013, it is still waiting in the queue.
Visa | Department’s current estimate* |
Aged Dependent Relative (114 / 838) | ≈ 27 years |
Carer (116 / 836) | ≈ 8 years |
Disclaimer: Information is current as at 26 July 2025 and is general in nature. Always review the latest Department of Home Affairs criteria or seek tailored legal advice.
You receive a Bridging A that activates when your current visa expires, allowing lawful stay. Work rights require a separate BVB or work-rights request proving financial hardship.
Applying for an Aged Dependent Relative visa can feel overwhelming—especially with a 20-plus-year wait-queue, strict dependency rules and the Assurance of Support bond. Our team at Jade Immigration Lawyers (Sydney) can guide you at every stage.
Book a 30-minute consultation for $250 with Jade Immigration Lawyers. The lawyer you speak to will be the one who manages your case — from start to finish.
Let us handle the paperwork — so you can focus on your future.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.
Yes, if they are an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen, 18+, and you live with or are financially supported by them.
Not after grant—Medicare covers you. Before grant, maintain adequate cover if in Australia.
Family stream caps mean waits of 12+ years. Check the Department’s queue calculator for updates.
The application will be refused because you are no longer a “single” applicant.
Yes, but you must apply for a Bridging B before departing and be onshore at decision.