Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835)
The Subclass 835 Remaining Relative Visa is a permanent onshore visa for individuals in Australia whose only near relatives are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows them to stay in Australia permanently to be with their family.
Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835)
Overview
The Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835) is a permanent visa designed for individuals who are in Australia and whose only near relatives are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa allows applicants to stay in Australia permanently to be with their family members.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 835 visa, applicants must:
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Be in Australia: You must be in Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
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Be a Remaining Relative: You and your partner must not have any near relatives who live outside Australia or are in Australia on a temporary visa.
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Have an Eligible Sponsor: You must be sponsored by an eligible parent, sibling, or step-equivalent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
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Assurance of Support: Obtain an assurance of support to ensure you will not rely on government assistance after the visa is granted.
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Health and Character Requirements: Meet health and character requirements as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
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No Outstanding Debts: Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged to repay any debts.
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Australian Values Statement: If you are 18 years of age or older, sign an Australian values statement confirming you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws.
Application Process
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Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
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Gather Documentation: Collect necessary documents, including proof of relationship, health and character documents, and assurance of support.
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Lodge Application: Submit your application by post or courier to the Department of Home Affairs.
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Wait for Processing: Your application will be placed in a queue for processing. Due to high demand and limited places, processing times can be extensive.
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Visa Grant: If successful, you will be granted a permanent visa to stay in Australia.
Costs Associated
| Fee Type | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Charge | $5,125 (main applicant) |
| Additional Applicant (≥18) | $2,565 |
| Additional Applicant (<18) | $1,280 |
| Medical Examinations | Varies |
| Police Certificates | Varies |
Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances.
Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 835 visa are significantly long due to high demand and limited places. As of 31 March 2025, the Department of Home Affairs is processing applications with a queue date up to 28 February 2013.
Note: Processing times are indicative and can be influenced by various factors.
Benefits
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Permanent Residency: Stay in Australia indefinitely.
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Work and Study: Full work and study rights in Australia.
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Healthcare: Access to Medicare, Australia's public health care system.
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Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
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Travel: Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted. After five years, you will need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia.
Common Hurdles
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Lengthy Processing Times: Due to high demand and limited places, processing times can extend beyond 10 years.
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Strict Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must have no near relatives outside Australia and must be sponsored by an eligible relative.
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Assurance of Support: Obtaining an assurance of support can be challenging for some applicants.
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Health and Character Requirements: Failing to meet health or character requirements can affect the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I include my family members in the application?
A: Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application.
Q: What is an assurance of support?
A: An assurance of support is a legal commitment by a person or organization to provide financial support to the visa applicant so that they do not have to rely on government assistance.
Q: Can I apply for this visa while in Australia?
A: Yes, the Subclass 835 visa is an onshore visa. You must be in Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
Q: What happens if my sponsor has previously sponsored someone else?
A: If your sponsor has previously sponsored someone for a Remaining Relative visa or has been granted one themselves, they may not be eligible to sponsor you.
Real-Life Scenarios
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Scenario 1: John, a 40-year-old from the UK, is in Australia on a temporary visa. His only close family members, his parents and sister, are Australian citizens. He applies for the Subclass 835 visa with his sister as his sponsor. After meeting all requirements and waiting for several years, John is granted the visa and becomes a permanent resident.
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Scenario 2: Emily, a 35-year-old from Canada, is in Australia on a student visa. Her only sibling, an Australian permanent resident, sponsors her for the Subclass 835 visa. Emily applies, meets all the criteria, and after a lengthy processing period, is granted the visa, allowing her to stay in Australia permanently.
Additional Resources
Need Assistance?
Navigating the complexities of the Subclass 835 Remaining Relative Visa can be challenging. At Aus Visa Library, we offer comprehensive resources and expert guidance to assist you every step of the way.
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