The remaining relative visa (subclass 835), also known as the last remaining relative visa 835, is a permanent visa that allows a person to live in Australia with their only close family members who are already Australian citizens or permanent residents. If you are the last remaining relative of your family and are currently in Australia, this remaining relative visa onshore is designed for you.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the remaining relative visa subclass 835, including eligibility, application steps, costs, and the remaining relative visa 835 processing time. Whether you're applying yourself or helping a loved one, understanding the process can make your journey smoother.
The 835 remaining relative visa (also referred to as the remaining relative visa subclass 835) is a permanent onshore visa designed specifically for applicants who have no other near relatives living outside of Australia. If you are the last remaining relative of your family, this visa enables you to join your only close relatives—parents, siblings, children, or other step-relatives—who are settled in Australia as citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
This visa caters to those who are already in Australia at the time of application and wish to remain permanently with their family. As an onshore pathway, it differs from offshore alternatives because you must hold a valid visa and be physically present within Australian borders when you apply and at the time of grant.
Why this visa matters
Family unity: It ensures that you, as the applicant, can live with your remaining family in Australia rather than being separated by international borders.
Permanent residency: Once granted, you can access Medicare, social services, and the opportunity to eventually apply for Australian citizenship.
Sponsor potential: After holding this visa, you may be eligible to sponsor other close family members.
Individuals often find peace of mind knowing that this pathway exists when no other avenue applies. From a first-person perspective, you might feel relieved to have a clear route to permanent residency. From a second-person viewpoint, you can guide family members on how to support your application. From a third-person stance, migration professionals recognize this visa as crucial for those with no other living relatives abroad.
To apply for the visa subclass 835, the applicant must:
Be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
Not have any other near relatives outside Australia
Have an eligible sponsor (usually a close family member who is a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen)
Meet health and character requirements
Not have had a visa cancelled or refused
For this visa, near relatives include:
Parents
Siblings or step-siblings
Children (biological or adopted)
If none of these relatives are outside Australia, you may be eligible for the remaining family visa.
Who Can Sponsor You?
The sponsor for a remaining relative visa onshore must be:
Your brother, sister, parent (or step-relatives of the same category), or an eligible partner of such a relative
18 years or older
A settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Key Features of the Remaining Relative Visa Subclass 835
Type of visa: Permanent (onshore)
Location requirement: You must be inside Australia when you apply and when the decision is made
Visa benefits:
Live, work and study in Australia permanently
Access Medicare and social services
Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
How to Apply for the Remaining Relative Visa 835
Ensure you:
Are the last remaining relative
Are already in Australia
Meet the health, character, and sponsorship requirements
Have your eligible family member complete the sponsorship form and provide required documents such as proof of identity, citizenship or permanent residency, and evidence of their relationship with you.
You'll need:
Birth certificates
Identity documents
Proof of relationship with your sponsor
Health and police checks
Statement of reasons for applying
Submit your visa application online via ImmiAccount or by post. Pay the visa application fee and attach all required documents.
After applying, you may be granted a Bridging Visa that allows you to stay lawfully in Australia while your application is processed.
The Department of Home Affairs will instruct you to complete medical exams and submit police clearance certificates.
Remaining Relative Visa 835 Processing Time
Due to high demand and limited visa allocations, the remaining relative visa 835 processing time is quite long.
As of 2025, the estimated processing time is between 10 to 30 years. These applications are capped and queued, which significantly delays processing. However, applicants can remain in Australia lawfully under a bridging visa during this period.
Costs Involved
As of 2025, the application charge for the subclass 835 visa is:
Base application fee: AUD 6,850
Additional charges for secondary applicants
Other costs: Medical exams, police certificates, translation of documents, etc.
Fees may vary, and you should always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest updates.
Bridging Visa While Awaiting Decision
If you apply for the last remaining relative visa while holding a valid visa, you may be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that allows you to stay in Australia legally until your application is finalized. You may also be able to apply for Bridging Visa B (BVB) to travel overseas temporarily.
Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must:
Undergo medical examinations by approved panel physicians
Provide police clearance from every country where they’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
Conditions and Obligations
Once the remaining relative visa subclass 835 is granted:
You become a permanent resident of Australia
You must obey all Australian laws
You can access Medicare and social services
Advantages of the Remaining Relative Visa 835
Permanent residency: Stay in Australia indefinitely
Path to citizenship: Apply after meeting residency requirements
Work and study: No restrictions
Family sponsorship: Sponsor eligible relatives
Challenges to Consider
Long processing times: Sometimes over 20 years
Capped intake: Limited spots issued yearly
No travel rights on Bridging Visa A: You must apply for a Bridging Visa B if you need to leave and re-enter Australia
Important Tips for Applicants
Apply as early as possible: The earlier your place in the queue, the better
Keep documents updated: Provide updated address, relationship status, etc.
Maintain valid status: Stay lawful in Australia while waiting
Seek professional help: A migration agent can ensure everything is in order
Remaining Relative Visa Onshore vs Offshore
While the remaining relative visa pathway provides hope for many, small oversights can lead to significant delays or refusals. Here are common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:
One of the most critical requirements is demonstrating you have no other near relatives outside Australia. Merely stating it isn’t enough—provide official records such as birth and death certificates, adoption papers, and any other legal documents that conclusively show you are the sole family member remaining abroad.
Applications missing even one piece of documentation can be delayed or refused. Ensure you include all identity documents (passports, national IDs), relationship proofs (certified translations if in another language), health examination results, and character checks. Use a comprehensive checklist and double‑check each item.
Choosing between subclass 835 (onshore) and subclass 115 (offshore) is fundamental. If you’re in Australia when applying, you must lodge under subclass 835. Applying for the wrong subclass not only wastes time but may trigger the need for a fresh application, placing you at the back of the queue.
The Department of Home Affairs communicates important updates and requests via the contact information you provide. If you move or change email addresses, promptly update your ImmiAccount profile. Missing critical communications can result in missed deadlines for additional documents or medical examinations.
Q1. What is the processing time for the remaining relative visa 835?
The remaining relative visa 835 processing time can range from 10 to 30 years due to caps and queues.
Q2. Can I work while waiting for this visa to be granted?
Yes, if you are granted a Bridging Visa with work rights.
Q3. Is there an age limit for applying?
No specific age limit, but health and dependency factors are considered.
Q4. Can I include family members in my application?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application.
Q5. Can I apply from outside Australia?
No, the subclass 835 is only for onshore applicants. Offshore applicants must apply under subclass 115.
Q6. Can I travel while waiting?
Only if you apply and are granted a Bridging Visa B.
Final Thoughts
The remaining relative visa 835 offers a permanent solution for those wishing to reunite with their only close family in Australia. While the journey is long due to extended remaining relative visa processing time, it allows individuals to stay lawfully in Australia, contribute to society, and eventually enjoy full residency rights.
If you're considering applying for the remaining relative visa onshore, it's essential to get your documents in order, understand the obligations, and prepare for a long-term wait. Many applicants find success by consulting a registered migration agent who can guide them through the complex steps.
