Near relatives definition
Parents, siblings (brothers and sisters), and non-dependent children. These are the family members the test counts.
Narrow Eligibility · Long Waits · Specific Situation
For people whose only close family in the world lives in Australia.
The Remaining Relative Visa is narrow, specific, and answers a real human situation. If your parents, siblings, and children all live in Australia, and you are alone in your country, the Subclass 115 (offshore) or Subclass 835 (onshore) may be your path to joining them.
The Remaining Relative test
All near relatives must be in Australia.
The test is geographical and strict. Contact or relationships do not matter. Location does.
The core rule
All near relatives must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are usually resident in Australia.
What this means practically
If even one of your parents, one sibling, or one non-dependent child lives outside Australia (and is not dependent on you), you do not qualify.
Subclass 115 vs Subclass 835
Same test. Different location.
Both apply the same Remaining Relative test. The only difference is where the applicant is at the time of application.
Subclass 115 (offshore)
For applicants outside Australia at the time of application. The visa lets the applicant travel to Australia and settle as a permanent resident.
Subclass 835 (onshore)
For applicants already in Australia on another visa. Grants permanent residency without needing to leave Australia.
Identical eligibility
Both require a sponsor who is a near relative, Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen, usually resident in Australia, at least 18, and able to meet sponsorship obligations.
When another visa is usually better
Most applicants have faster options.
Because of the long wait, we always check other pathways first. Sometimes the Remaining Relative Visa really is the only option. Often, it is not.
Young, educated, professionalSkilled migration is almost always a better pathway. Faster, more certain, and not subject to the long Family stream waits.
Australian partnerA partner visa is faster and more certain than the Remaining Relative Visa.
Willing Australian employerThe Skills in Demand visa or the Subclass 186 is usually faster than the Remaining Relative pathway.
Not all close family in AustraliaYou do not qualify for the Remaining Relative Visa at all. Look at parent visa options, partner visas, or other pathways.
The Remaining Relative Visa is one of the least-used visa categories in Australia's system.
The eligibility rule is very strict: all near relatives must live in Australia. Most families have at least one relative overseas, which usually disqualifies them. When the test is met, however, the visa provides a clear path to permanent residency for people who otherwise have limited options.
Common remaining relative questions
The questions we hear most.
Book with Neha Sharma for family structure assessment and alternative pathway review.
Does a relative in a foreign country count if they are not in contact with me?
Yes. The test is geographical, not based on contact or relationships. A parent or sibling living overseas counts against you regardless of whether you are in regular contact.
What if my overseas sibling is dependent on me?
Dependent near relatives are not counted for the purposes of the test. If your overseas sibling is fully dependent on you for financial support, they may not be a disqualifying relative. Evidence of dependency is required.
Can I apply for the Remaining Relative Visa if I am already in Australia?
Yes. The Subclass 835 is the onshore version. You apply while in Australia on another valid visa.
Will I wait the full decades for this visa?
Processing times are long due to caps. The Department publishes current estimates. For most applicants, wait times of many years are realistic.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.