Remaining Relative Visa
Australian Remaining Relative Visa
The Remaining Relative Visa is designed for individuals whose close relatives, and their spouse’s close relatives, are all living permanently in Australia and who do not have another eligible close relative outside Australia.
This visa is an Australian permanent residence visa. If the application is approved, the applicant and eligible family members may live, work, and study permanently in Australia.
Benefits of the Visa
Visa holders may:
- Live permanently in Australia.
- Work and study without restrictions.
- Access the Medicare healthcare system, if eligible.
- Travel to and from Australia, subject to the applicable visa conditions.
- Apply for Australian citizenship in the future, if they meet the legal eligibility requirements.
Who Can Apply for This Visa?
You may be eligible if:
- All of your close relatives live in Australia; and
- All of your spouse’s or partner’s close relatives also live in Australia; and
- You do not have any other eligible close relatives outside Australia.
The relevant close relatives must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Types of Remaining Relative Visas
This program is available under two subclasses:
Subclass 115 – Remaining Relative Visa
For applicants who are outside Australia when they lodge their application.
Subclass 835 – Remaining Relative Visa
For applicants who are in Australia when they lodge their application and who meet the relevant legal requirements.
Who Is Considered a Close Relative?
For this visa, close relatives generally include:
- Parent
- Mother or father
- Step-parent
- Brother
- Sister
- Step-brother or step-sister
- An independent adult child
- An independent adult stepchild
The precise definition of a close relative is determined under Australian immigration regulations.
What Requirements Must the Sponsor Meet?
The applicant must be sponsored by an eligible sponsor.
The sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet the legal requirements for sponsoring the applicant.
In some cases, the Department of Home Affairs may also require an Assurance of Support.
Who Is Not Eligible for This Visa?
This visa is generally not suitable for individuals who:
- They or their spouse have an eligible close relative outside Australia.
- Their close relatives in Australia hold temporary visas.
- They do not meet the legal requirements relating to the sponsor or the definition of a close relative.
General Visa Requirements
The applicant must:
- Meet the Health Requirement.
- Meet the Character Requirement.
- Provide the required identity and family documents.
- Demonstrate their family relationship with the sponsor.
Required Documents
Depending on the circumstances of each application, the following documents are generally required:
- Valid passport
- Identity documents
- Evidence of the family relationship
- Evidence of the sponsor’s Australian citizenship or residency status
- Documents relating to other close relatives
- Police clearance certificate, if requested
- Medical examinations, if requested
Visa Application Fee
The visa application fee is determined by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and may change over time.
In addition to the government application fee, other costs may include:
- Document translation
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Biometric services, if required
Important Points
- This visa is a family visa with limited places, and processing times may be lengthy.
- Complete documentation and clear evidence of the family structure are highly important in the assessment of an application.
- The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application based on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Conclusion
The Remaining Relative Visa is one of Australia’s permanent residence pathways for individuals whose close relatives are almost entirely living in Australia and who do not have another eligible close relative outside the country. Due to the specific eligibility requirements of this visa and the complexity involved in assessing family relationships, carefully evaluating the applicant’s circumstances before lodging an application is highly important.
At Silk Visa Australia, your circumstances are assessed based on the latest Australian immigration laws and Department of Home Affairs guidelines so that the most appropriate immigration pathway can be identified and your application can be prepared accurately and in compliance with legal requirements.
