Remaining Relative Visa: Subclass 115 and Subclass 835

Australia’s Remaining Relative Visa  allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their family members if no other close relatives are living outside Australia.

It is a great pathway for people who wish to stay permanently with their family in Australia. However, there is an incredibly long processing time for this visa, so applying from offshore, may not be suitable for many applicants.

Overview of the Remaining Relative Visa

The visa is for people whose close family members are: 

• Australian citizens
• Australian permanent residents
• Eligible New Zealand citizens. 

The visa comes in two categories:

• Subclass 115 (Offshore): For applicants residing outside Australia.
• Subclass 835 (Onshore): For applicants already in Australia on a temporary visa.

Both subclasses allow the visa holder to live permanently in Australia, work, study, and access essential health and social services.

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the requirements to apply for a Remaining Relative Visa.

1. Relationship Requirements:

• You must be a remaining relative of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• “Remaining relative” means you have no other close family members (parents, siblings, non-dependent children) outside Australia or residing Australia without PR or citizenship.
• Parents, siblings and non-dependent children of a spouse/partner count as family members

2. Sponsorship:

• You must be sponsored by an eligible parent or step-parent, sibling or step-sibling, relative or their partner who resides in Australia.
• The sponsor must be 18 years or older and willing to provide financial and settlement support.

3. Assurance of Support:

• An assurance of support (AoS) ensures that you will not rely on Australia’s social welfare system during your initial settlement in the country.
• The AoS provider is usually the sponsor.

4. Health and Character Requirements:

• You must meet Australia’s health standards through a medical examination.
• You must pass a character test providing police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

5. Age and Dependency:

• There are no age restrictions for this visa.

Application Process

Step 1: Gather The Documents

• Evidence of your relationship with the sponsor (e.g., birth certificates, family trees, statutory declarations).
• Personal documents (passport, national ID).
• Police certificates and health examination results.

Step 2: Lodge Your Application

• Subclass 115 applications are submitted on paper from outside Australia
• Subclass 835 applications are lodged on paper while in Australia 

Step 3: Payment of The Visa Application Fee

• Base application charge: AUD 5,125.00
• Additional applicant charge
  • Over 18 years old: AUD 2,565.00
  • Under 18 years old: AUD 1,285.00
• Additional charges apply for medical examinations, police checks, and assurance of support also involve additional costs.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

The Remaining Relative Visa has a lengthy processing time.  You may explore other family migration visas (e.g. Parent Visa, Partner Visa) if applicable.  Once a Case Officer is allocated to your application if they are satisfied with the documents that have been provided, you will be notified that it is time to arrange the assurance of support. Prior to requesting the assurance of support they may request additional documents be submitted.

Please note, if you apply for this visa from onshore, you may be eligible for a bridging visa, that will allow you to remain in Australia whilst it is processing.

Step 5: Visa Decision

If approved, you’ll be granted permanent residency. If refused, you will be provided with reasons and may have the option to appeal the decision.

Benefits of the Remaining Relative Visa

• Live in Australia indefinitely.
• Access to work and study opportunities.
• Enrol in Medicare.
• Pathway to Citizenship after meeting the residency requirements
• Reunite with your family

Conclusion

The Remaining Relative Visa is a great opportunity for applicants wanting to get hold of a permanent resident visa to live close with their beloved and only remaining family in Australia. Due to the long processing times and relationship requirements,  the Remaining Relative Visa may not be for everyone, but it is a good pathway for applicants wanting to join their family in Australia and obtain permanent residency.

With knowledge of the legislative requirements and preparation of a strong application you can improve your chances of a successful application. Here at Pathway to Aus, we have reunited many families so book a consultation with one of our migration agents now to see how we can assist you.