For many migrants, Australia is not just about opportunity, it’s about family.
But what happens if all your close family members are already in Australia, and you’re the only one left overseas (or temporarily in Australia)?
This is where the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835) comes in, one of the most unique, but also one of the most misunderstood, family visas.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What the Remaining Relative visa is
- Who is actually eligible
- Key requirements (and common misunderstandings)
- Processing time reality (very important )
What is the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835)?
The Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835) is a permanent visa that allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely with your only close family members.
It is designed for people who:
- Have no close family members outside Australia, and
- Whose only near relatives are settled in Australia (citizens, PR, or eligible NZ citizens)
In simple terms: You are considered the “last remaining relative” outside your family unit in Australia.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must meet several strict criteria:
1. You must be the “remaining relative”
This is the most important condition.
You (and your partner, if applicable):
- Must not have any close relatives living outside Australia, and
- Must not have relatives in Australia on temporary visas
“Near relatives” typically include:
- Parents
- Siblings
- Adult children (non-dependent)
- Step-equivalents of the above
Even if you’re not close emotionally, they still count legally.
2. You need an eligible sponsor
Your sponsor must be:
- A parent, sibling, or step-relative (or their partner)
- An Australian citizen / PR / eligible NZ citizen
- At least 18 years old and settled in Australia
They must also agree to:
- Provide financial and settlement support for at least 2 years
3. Assurance of Support (AoS)
This is a key requirement.
An Assurance of Support means:
- Someone guarantees you won’t rely on government welfare
- A financial bond may be required
4. Other standard requirements
Like most Australian visas, you must also:
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have no outstanding government debt
What Does This Visa Give You?
Once granted, this is a permanent residency visa, which means you can:
- Live in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study
- Access Medicare
- Apply for citizenship (if eligible)
The Reality: Processing Time
Now let’s talk about the part most people don’t expect…
This visa has extremely long processing times.
Why?
- Limited number of visas each year
- High demand
- Applications are placed in a queue system
Current insights:
- Many applications wait decades
- Some estimates suggest 25–50 years processing time
- As of 2026, only applications lodged many years ago are being processed
In short: This is not a fast visa pathway — it’s a long-term option.
835 vs 115: What’s the Difference?
There are two types of Remaining Relative visas:
- Subclass 835 (Onshore) → You must be in Australia
- Subclass 115 (Offshore) → You must be outside Australia
The eligibility criteria are almost identical — only the location differs.
Is This Visa Right for You?
This visa may be suitable if:
- You genuinely have no close family outside Australia
- Your family unit is already settled in Australia
- You are willing to wait long-term
However, it may NOT be ideal if:
- You want a faster migration pathway
- You still have family living overseas
- Your situation could qualify for other visas (e.g. partner, parent, or employer-sponsored)
Final Thoughts
The Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835) is one of the most emotionally meaningful visa pathways — it exists to reunite families who would otherwise be separated.
But it’s also one of the most strict and time-consuming visas in Australia’s migration system.
If you think you might be eligible, it’s important to:
- Assess your family structure carefully
- Explore alternative visa options
- Plan with a long-term strategy in mind
Not sure if you qualify for the Remaining Relative visa or whether there’s a faster option for your situation?
Get in touch with WeMigrate — we’ll help you assess your eligibility and map out the best pathway for you and your family.