Remaining Relative visa

The Remaining Relative Visa, commonly referred to as the 835 visa or remaining relative visa 835, is a permanent residency option designed for individuals already in Australia who wish to reunite with their last remaining relative. This last remaining relative visa targets those with no other near relatives overseas, making it a vital pathway for family unity. Often searched as the sibling visa Australia, it allows sponsorship by close family like siblings, parents, or step-relatives who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

As per the Australian Department of Home Affairs, this subclass 835 visa emphasizes humanitarian family reunion, but it's subject to strict capping and queuing, leading to extended processing times. Updated as of December 2025, applicants can now import paper applications into ImmiAccount from July 23, 2025, streamlining online management. If you're exploring options to bring a sibling or parent to Australia permanently, this visa provides indefinite stay, but patience is key due to backlogs.

Key Eligibility Criteria for the 835 Visa

To qualify for the remaining relative visa, you must meet precise definitions from the Department of Home Affairs. A "remaining relative" means you (and your partner, if applicable) have no near relatives—such as parents, siblings, or children—living outside Australia, except those usually resident here.

• Location Requirement: You must be in Australia when applying and when the decision is made.
• Sponsor Eligibility: Your sponsor must be a settled Australian citizen, PR, or NZ citizen (at least 2 years in Australia), aged 18+, and a close relative like a sibling or parent.
• No Prior Sponsorship: Neither you nor your sponsor can have previously sponsored someone for a remaining relative visa 835 or similar (e.g., subclass 115).
• Health and Character: Pass medical exams and provide police clearances from countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
• Assurance of Support (AoS): A mandatory bond (AUD 5,000 for individuals, up to AUD 15,000 for families) ensures you won't rely on welfare, managed by Services Australia.

This sibling visa Australia option has no age restrictions, making it accessible for older relatives. Key figures: Over 90% of applications require AoS, and queue releases as of November 2025 cover up to May 2013, per official updates.

Benefits of the Last Remaining Relative Visa

Securing the subclass 835 visa unlocks numerous advantages, fostering long-term stability. Holders can:

• Stay indefinitely in Australia as permanent residents.
• Work and study without restrictions.
• Access Medicare for healthcare.
• Enroll in free Adult Migrant English Program classes.
• Sponsor other eligible relatives after settlement.
• Apply for citizenship after 4 years' residency (including 12 months as PR).

This remaining relative visa 835 also grants a Bridging Visa A (BVA) upon application, allowing stay, work (with permission), and Medicare access during the wait—crucial for those on expiring temporary visas. Historically, this visa has facilitated thousands of family reunions, contributing to Australia's multicultural fabric.