Apply for Remaining Relative Visa Australia

Australia has long been known for its strong focus on family unity through its immigration policies. One such pathway is the Remaining Relative Visa, designed specifically for individuals whose entire close family lives in Australia. If you have no immediate relatives outside Australia, this visa could allow you to reunite with your loved ones permanently.

In this guide, we’ll explore the two subclasses—Remaining Relative Visa 115 (offshore) and Remaining Relative Visa 835 (onshore)—and break down the requirements, processing times, and how a remaining relative visa agent in Brisbane can help make the process smoother.

What is the Remaining Relative Visa?

The Remaining Relative Visa is a permanent family visa for people who have no close relatives living outside Australia. It allows you to stay in Australia (or move there) to be with your only remaining family members.

There are two subclasses:

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

Both visas provide permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and access healthcare in Australia.

Who Is Eligible?

To apply for either visa, you must:

• Have no near relatives (parents, siblings, children) living outside Australia
• Have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Be able to show that your only remaining relatives are living in Australia permanently
• Meet health and character requirements

Remaining Relative Visa 115 (Offshore)

The Remaining Relative Visa 115 is for people living outside Australia who wish to join their only close family in Australia.

Key Features:

• Must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
• Requires sponsorship from an eligible relative in Australia
• Offers permanent residency
• You may include dependent family members in your application

Remaining Relative Visa 835 (Onshore)

The Remaining Relative Visa 835 is for people who are already in Australia on a valid visa and want to stay permanently.

Key Features:

• You must be in Australia at the time of application and decision
• You must hold a valid visa that allows for onshore application
• You cannot be unlawful or hold a bridging visa when applying

Who Can Sponsor You?

Your sponsor must be:

• 18 years or older
• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• A parent, sibling, step-sibling, or eligible family member
• Willing to provide support, housing, and financial assistance for the first two years of your stay

What the Visa Allows You to Do

Both subclasses (115 and 835) give you:

• Permanent residency in Australia
• The right to work and study
• Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare)
• The option to sponsor relatives later on
• The ability to apply for citizenship when eligible

Remaining Relative Visa Processing Time

The remaining relative visa processing time is among the longest in Australia’s family visa stream. As of 2025, applicants can expect to wait:

• Remaining Relative Visa 115: 10 to 15 years
• Remaining Relative Visa 835: 10 to 15 years

Why Is the Wait So Long?

• These visas are capped and queued – there are strict annual limits
• High demand and limited places mean processing queues are lengthy
• Applications are assessed in lodgement order, so earlier submissions are prioritized

Application Costs

As of 2025, the base application fee is around AUD 4,990, but this may vary depending on the number of applicants and other factors like medical exams and police checks.

How a Remaining Relative Visa Agent in Brisbane Can Help

Given the complex documentation and long wait times, working with a remaining relative visa agent in Brisbane can make a significant difference. Here's how they can help:

• Check eligibility and prevent costly mistakes
• Ensure complete and accurate documentation
• Submit a strong application to avoid unnecessary delays
• Help you navigate the tionship evidence
• Provide updates on visa queue status and next steps

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Prepare documents early – birth certificates, relationship proof, and sponsorship forms
2. Double-check your sponsor’s status – they must meet all requirements
3. Include complete health and character checks
4. Submit everything up front to avoid your application being delayed or returned

Conclusion

The Remaining Relative Visa Australia is a meaningful option for individuals with no close family outside of the country. Whether you apply for the Remaining Relative Visa 115 from overseas or the Remaining Relative Visa 835 from within Australia, it offers a pathway to reunite with loved ones and build a future together.

Despite the long processing times, careful planning and expert assistance from a trusted remaining relative visa agent in Brisbane can give you peace of mind and ensure that your application is as strong as possible from the start.