Overview
The Remaining Relative (Subclass 835) visa is a permanent resident visa for individuals who are the only near relatives of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa must be applied for while the applicant is physically in Australia.
Once granted, the Subclass 835 visa allows you to:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
- Work and study in Australia without restriction.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare scheme.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 835 visa, you must meet the following strict requirements:
- Near Relative Status: You and your partner must have no near relatives living outside of Australia. A "near relative" includes a parent, step-parent, sibling, step-sibling, child, or step-child.
- Eligible Sponsor: You must be sponsored by an eligible near relative (or their partner) who is aged 18 or older and is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Assurance of Support: You must obtain an Assurance of Support (AoS), which ensures you will not rely on government assistance after your visa is granted.
- Location: You must be in Australia when you apply for the visa and when the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision on your application.
- Health and Character: You must meet all standard Australian health and character requirements, including police clearances and medical examinations.
Application Costs for 2026
Under the 2026 fee schedule, the Remaining Relative (Subclass 835) visa is paid in two separate instalments.
First Instalment (Paid at time of lodgement):
- Primary Applicant: AUD 5,280
- Additional Applicant (At least 18 years of age): AUD 2,640
- Additional Applicant (Under 18 years of age): AUD 1,325
Second Instalment (Paid only when requested by the Department):
- Per Applicant: AUD 2,065
Note: Other costs may include medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics. Fees are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs.
Processing Times
The Subclass 835 visa is a "capped and queued" visa. This means the Australian Government limits the number of visas granted each year, leading to significantly longer wait times compared to other visa streams.
Based on 2026 benchmarks from the Department of Home Affairs:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 18 years.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 24 years.
Applicants are granted a Bridging Visa upon lodgement, allowing them to remain in Australia lawfully while their application is in the queue.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Eligibility Check: Confirm that you have no near relatives living outside Australia and that your sponsor is eligible.
- Document Preparation: Gather identity documents, relationship evidence, and sponsorship forms. Ensure all documents are translated if not in English.
- Lodge the Application: Submit your application and pay the first instalment. As of July 2025, paper applications can be imported into ImmiAccount for digital status tracking.
- Bridging Visa: Once lodged, you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa to maintain your lawful status in Australia.
- Queue Placement: Your application is assessed and, if it meets initial requirements, placed in the global queue.
- Final Assessment and Second Instalment: When a place becomes available, the Department will request updated health/character checks and the payment of the second instalment.
- Visa Grant: Once all requirements are finalised, your permanent visa is granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my partner on this visa?
Yes, you can include your partner and your (or your partner’s) dependent children in the application at the time of lodgement.
What happens if a "near relative" moves overseas after I apply?
Eligibility is generally assessed at the time of the decision. If a near relative moves overseas permanently, it may affect your eligibility for the visa grant.
Can I work on my Bridging Visa while waiting?
Most Bridging Visas granted for the Subclass 835 application include work rights, but you must check the specific conditions attached to your "Grant Notification" on your mobile device or ImmiAccount.
Is there an age limit for this visa?
No, there is no age limit for the Remaining Relative Subclass 835 visa.
