The Remaining Relative Visa is for people whose only near relatives are Australian citizens or permanent residents; in other words, their only family is in Australia. It is a niche but important visa that allows genuine family reunification. However, it comes with one of the longest processing queues of any Australian visa category.

Key Requirements

•  All near relatives (other than your household) must be in Australia as citizens or PRs

•  Near relatives: parent, brother, sister, step-equivalents only, does not include cousins or extended family

•  Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, PR, or an eligible NZ citizen

•  Assurance of Support (AoS), financial guarantee required

•  Health and character requirements

Who is This Visa For?

People with no near relatives (parents, siblings, children, or step-equivalents) living outside Australia other than the applicant and their household. Their entire near relative circle must be in Australia. Subclass 115 is offshore (outside Australia); Subclass 835 is onshore (in Australia).

Visa Conditions and Key Details

•  Permanent Residence visa once granted

•  Subclass 115 (Offshore): Apply from outside Australia

•  Subclass 835 (Onshore): Apply from within Australia; granted a Bridging Visa while waiting

•  Extremely long queue: current processing times can exceed 10+ years

•  Access to Medicare and full PR benefits upon grant

Processing Time and Cost

•  Processing Time: Queue-managed, current estimates exceed 10 years for most applications

•  Visa Application Charge: AUD 4,770 (2024–25) primary applicant

How We Help

Gemini assesses whether the Remaining Relative definition strictly applies to your situation, advises on lodgement strategy, and manages the long-term correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.