Remaining Relative Visa – Subclass 115 / 835

Remaining Relative Visa – Subclass 115 / 835

Reunite with Your Only Close Family in Australia

The Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 and 835) is designed for individuals whose only close family members reside in Australia. This permanent visa allows you to live in Australia indefinitely and build your future alongside the people who matter most — your immediate family.

If you have no near relatives living outside Australia and you long to be with your family in a stable, supportive environment, this visa offers a heartfelt path to reunification.

What Is the Remaining Relative Visa?

This visa is offered in two streams:

• Subclass 115 – For applicants applying from outside Australia
• Subclass 835 – For applicants already in Australia on a valid visa

Both subclasses grant permanent residency, giving you the right to live, work, and study in Australia, as well as access healthcare and eventually apply for citizenship.

Why Apply for This Visa?

This visa provides a compassionate solution for people whose entire immediate family lives in Australia and who wish to reunite permanently.

• Live in Australia as a permanent resident
• Access Medicare and social support
• Work and study freely
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
• Include eligible family members in your application

Who Should Consider It?

For some, family is everything — and when you're the only one left behind, this visa becomes a lifeline. It’s ideal for individuals who have no other close family members living outside Australia and are seeking to rebuild their lives near loved ones in a stable, secure environment.

This visa is best suited for:

• Individuals with no near relatives outside Australia
• People who are the last remaining family member living abroad
• Applicants committed to rejoining and supporting family in Australia

Visa Eligibility Requirements

Understanding who qualifies is key to a successful application. The Remaining Relative Visa is designed for applicants who meet a very specific definition of family structure, ensuring it goes to those with genuine and unique reunification needs.

To be eligible for the Remaining Relative Visa, you must:

• Be sponsored by an eligible relative (or their partner) who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
• Have no near relatives outside Australia
• Meet the definition of a 'remaining relative'
• Meet health and character requirements
• Be outside Australia (Subclass 115) or on a valid visa (Subclass 835) when applying

Your sponsor must:

• Be 18 or over
• Have been lawfully residing in Australia for a reasonable period
• Provide an Assurance of Support

Application Process: Step-by-Step

The visa application journey involves careful documentation and clear evidence of your family circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at each stage:

1. Determine the correct visa stream (onshore or offshore)
2. Confirm your eligibility and gather supporting documentation
3. Submit your visa application with sponsorship
4. Undertake medical exams and police checks
5. Wait for placement in the visa queue and final decision

What You’ll Need

To demonstrate eligibility, you’ll need to show proof of your remaining relative status, along with sponsorship and personal identity documentation. These help build a complete and compelling case for your visa.

• Proof of your relationship with the sponsor
• Evidence showing no other near relatives abroad
• Assurance of Support documentation
• Identity, police, and medical documents

Health & Character Requirements

Like all Australian permanent visas, applicants must meet health and character standards to ensure they are a safe addition to the Australian community.

Applicants must meet Australia’s strict health and character criteria:

• Medical examination through approved health services
• Police certificates from countries where you’ve lived 12+ months

Why Apply with Us?

Remaining Relative Visas are sensitive and complex due to the strict family definition and long processing times. We’ll ensure your application tells your family’s story clearly and accurately.

✅ Advice on meeting the remaining relative criteria

✅ Document preparation and application management

✅ Assistance with Assurance of Support and sponsor eligibility

✅ Long-term support throughout the waiting period

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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general guidance only. For up-to-date and detailed eligibility criteria, visit the Department of Home Affairs.