Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 & 835)

Overview – Remaining Relative Visa

The Remaining Relative Visa allows someone whose only close family members are all living in Australia to migrate and live permanently with them. This visa ensures that individuals are not left without family support overseas when all their immediate family resides in Australia.
 
There are two subclasses:

  • Subclass 115 – for applicants applying from outside Australia

  • Subclass 835 – for applicants applying from within Australia

Who Qualifies as a “Remaining Relative”?

To be eligible, the applicant must have:

  • No near relatives living outside Australia

  • All parents, siblings, step-siblings, or children must be:

    • Australian citizens

    • Australian permanent residents

    • Or eligible New Zealand citizens usually residing in Australia

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, the applicant must:

  • Have no other close family members living outside Australia

  • Be sponsored by an eligible relative (aged 18+ and settled in Australia)

  • Meet health and character requirements

  • Be outside (Subclass 115) or inside (Subclass 835) Australia at the time of application and grant

  • Provide evidence of the family structure and residency status of all close relatives

Who Can Sponsor?

The sponsor must be:

  • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

  • A parent, sibling, step-sibling, or child of the applicant

  • Aged 18 or older and settled in Australia

Processing and Wait Times

Due to strict annual caps and long queues, the Remaining Relative Visa can take many years to process. Applicants may face extended waiting periods, and the visa class is subject to capping and queuing.

Important Considerations

  • Applicants must not have other close relatives living outside Australia

  • You cannot apply if your sponsoring relative is temporarily living in Australia

  • Visa queues are long, and processing can take 10+ years

  • You must stay lawful in Australia if applying for Subclass 835 (onshore)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a ‘remaining relative’?

A person whose only close family (parents, siblings, children) all live in Australia as citizens.

Yes, but only if they are not considered ‘close family’ under migration law. Immediate relatives are what matters.

Yes, you can include dependent family members in your application.

You may not be eligible for Subclass 835. You should seek advice and may need to apply for a Bridging Visa E first.

No, sponsors must be a biological or legally recognised close relative (parent, sibling, child).

Processing can take many years. This is one of the longest queues in the family migration stream.

📞 Need Help With a Remaining Relative Visa?

This is one of the most technical and sensitive visas in the family migration program. At Abbasi Migration & Citizenship Services, we guide you through sponsorship, documentation, and legal strategies to give your application the best chance of success.

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