Remaining Relative Visa: Your Pathway to Reuniting With Your Only Close Family in Australia
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
If your only close family members live in Australia, the Remaining Relative Visa may allow you to reunite with them permanently. This visa is designed for individuals who have no near relatives outside Australia and wish to live with their family under a permanent pathway.
What Is the Remaining Relative Visa?
The Remaining Relative Visa is a permanent visa for people whose only near relatives reside in Australia. It allows eligible applicants to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. The program includes two subclasses:
Subclass 835 (Onshore)
Subclass 115 (Offshore)
Both visas require a sponsor and an Assurance of Support.
Subclass 835: Onshore Remaining Relative Visa
This visa is for applicants who are already in Australia.
Key Requirements
Must be in Australia at time of application and decision
Must be sponsored by an eligible parent, step-parent, sibling, step-sibling, or the eligible partner of your relative
Assurance of Support is required
Must meet health and character requirements
You may not be granted this visa if:
You or your partner have a near relative living overseas
You or your partner have a near relative in Australia on a temporary visa
You have had a previous visa cancellation or refusal
Granting the visa is not in the best interests of a child under 18
Subclass 115: Offshore Remaining Relative Visa
This visa is for applicants applying from outside Australia.
Key Requirements
Must be outside Australia at time of application and decision
Must be sponsored by an eligible parent, step-parent, sibling, step-sibling, or the eligible partner of your relative
Assurance of Support is required
Must meet health and character requirements
You may not be granted this visa if:
You or your partner have a near relative living overseas
You or your partner have a near relative in Australia on a temporary visa
You have had a previous visa cancellation or refusal
Granting the visa is not in the best interests of a child under 18
Who Is Considered a “Near Relative”?
A near relative includes your:
Parent or step-parent
Partner’s parent or step-parent
Sibling or step-sibling
Child or stepchild aged 18 or older and not dependent on you
Child or stepchild under 18 who is not in your or your partner’s daily care and control
To qualify for a Remaining Relative Visa, you and your partner must not have any near relatives overseas or in Australia on a temporary visa.
Benefits of the Remaining Relative Visa
Once granted, this visa allows you to:
Live, work and study in Australia permanently
Access Medicare
Sponsor eligible family members
Attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program (if eligible)
Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Remaining Relative Visa: Book A Consultation
The Remaining Relative Visa offers a permanent and secure pathway for individuals who have no close family outside Australia and wish to reunite with their last remaining relatives. Because this visa has strict eligibility rules and long processing queues, preparing your application correctly is essential.
Book a consultation to discuss your Remaining Relative Visa options if you need assistance understanding your eligibility, preparing documents, or confirming whether you meet the “near relative” requirement.
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