What is Remaining Relative Visa? Subclass 115 & 835

Are you thinking about moving to Australia to be with your family? The Remaining Relative Visa might be just what you’re looking for.

 

But,

• What exactly is a Remaining Relative Visa?
• Who is eligible to apply for this visa?
• What documents do you need to get this visa?
• And how to apply for it?

 

Learn answers to these questions and more in this blog. I have explained the eligibility requirements, application process, documents needed, visa cost and the difference between subclass 115 and 835. So, let’s get started to learn the details on Remaining Relative Visa Australia.

 

What is the Remaining Relative Visa?

The Remaining Relative Visa allows people whose only close family members live in Australia to move there permanently. This visa is for individuals whose only near relatives are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These relatives can sponsor the applicant

 

With this visa, you can:

• Live permanently in Australia.
• work and study in Australia.
• Access Australia’s public healthcare.
• Apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements.

 

Subclass 115 vs. Subclass 835

The remaining relative visa has two subclasses: 115 and 835. Here is the difference between two:

 

• Subclass 115: This is a permanent visa and is designed for people applying from outside Australia.
• Subclass 835: This is a permanent visa and is designed for people who are already in Australia when they apply.

 

Can I travel to and from Australia with a Remaining Relative Visa?

Yes, you can travel as much as you want for 5 years from the date your visa is granted until the expiry date. 

 

However, if you want to travel after 5 years, you need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV).

 

Moreover, if you become a citizen, you won’t need a visa to enter Australia. You can use an Australian passport to travel to and from Australia.

 

What is the cost of Remaining Relative Visa?

The cost of the remaining relative visa is AUD 5,125.00. Moreover, you will have to pay additional charges for each member of your family and costs for health checks and police certificates.

 

From where can you apply for Remaining Relative Visa?

 

• Subclass 835: You must be in Australia at the time of application submission and when the decision is made.
• Subclass 115: You must be outside of Australia at the time of application and when the decision is made. 

 

 

Requirements for Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 & 835)

 

To be eligible for the Remaining Relative Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

 

1. Sponsor requirements

You must have an eligible relative who can sponsor you. This could be a parent, sibling, or partner. Moreover, the Australian government must approve your sponsor.

 

2. Do not have close relatives elsewhere.

You or your partner must not have close relatives usually living outside of Australia. Additionally, you or your partner cannot have close relatives living in Australia on temporary visas (unless they are eligible New Zealand citizens).

 

3. Assurance of support

You must be eligible to get an assurance of support. This is a guarantee you won’t need government help. The Department of Home Affairs will let you know when to provide the assurance of support. 

 

An Assurance of Support (AoS) guarantees to the Australian government that you won’t need financial help from them. An assurer, who is often the sponsor, makes a legal commitment to provide financial support.

 

4. Character and health requirements

You and any family applying with you must meet health and character requirements. Even if your family is not coming to Australia, they may be required to meet these requirements. 

 

To demonstrate these, you have to submit police clearance certificates and medical examination certificates. 

 

5. Financial requirements

If you or your family owe the Australian government money, you must pay it back or have an approved payment plan.

 

6. No Visa Cancellations

Your immigration history matters. If you’ve had a visa cancelled or refused, it can affect your application. 

 

7. Australian Values Statement

If you’re 18 or older, you must read the “Life in Australia” booklet. Moreover, you must sign a statement agreeing to respect the Australian way of life and obey laws.

 

 

Documents Required to Apply for the Remaining Relative Visa

If you meet the above-mentioned criteria, you can apply for the visa. However, to demonstrate your eligibility, you will have to submit the following documents:

 

1. Identity documents

 

• Passport: Include the pages with your picture, name, and when your passport is valid.
• National ID: If you have a national identity card, include it.
• Name Change: If you’ve changed your name, provide proof like a marriage or divorce certificate. 

 

2. Sponsor’s Documents

You need a sponsor who is an eligible relative or their partner.

 

• Form 40: Your sponsor must complete Form 40 (“Sponsorship for Migration to Australia”).

• Proof of Relationship: Provide documents that prove your relationship with your sponsor, such as birth, marriage, death, adoption and official family status certificates. 
• Sponsor’s Residency: To prove your sponsor’s status, provide a citizenship certificate or passport and a valid visa (for eligible New Zealand citizens).

 

3. Character Documents

The government might ask for character documents later, like police certificates. Wait until they ask before getting them.

 

4. Documents for Dependents

For each child under 18 applying with you, provide:

• Documents proving their identity.
• Proof of your relationship, like a birth or marriage paper.
• If relevant, add documents about their character.
• Parental responsibility documents

 

A brief overview of parental responsibility documents:

If a child under 18 is moving to Australia without both parents, anyone with legal custody who isn’t moving must give their permission. You’ll need to provide documents to show they agree. These documents include:

 

• Form 1229 that is called the “Consent Form to Grant an Australian Visa to a Child Under the Age of 18 Years.”.
• Or a statutory declaration to approve for the child to migrate to Australia

 

Make sure to also include:

An identity document that shows the signature and photo of the person who completed the form or declaration, such as a passport or driver’s licence.

 

If a kid isn’t staying with a relative:

Provide Form 1257, which is an agreement to take care of someone underage called “undertaking declaration.”. The person taking care of them needs to sign it.

 

5. Documents for Dependents Over 18

To include an adult child (over 18) in your application, they have to:

 

• Be less than 18 years old, or
• If aged from 18 to 22, you have to provide information that they are financially dependent on you, or
• Be 23 or more and can’t financially support themselves due to a disability.

 

Provide the following documents for each adult dependent:

• Identity documents
• Details about relationships, if applicable
• Character documents
• Proof of dependency.

 

A brief overview of demonstrating “proof of dependency”

 

• Complete Form 47a called “Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over.”
• Proof of how you’re related (like a birth certificate or adoption file).
• Information that shows financial dependency of the family for 12 months . You could provide:

 

1. Record that they have been living with you.
2. Their tax records.
3. A record that shows they’ve studied.

 

6. Documents for Dependents Older Than 23

If the dependents are aged 23 and over and can’t support themselves, describe the physical or mental disability that prevents them from living on their own income.

 

7. Partner Documents

Include the following documents to demonstrate your relationship with your partner: 

 

• ID and personal documents.
• Documents about their character, if applicable.
• Details about their relationship and if they were in one before to confirm that they were not married or anything related to the topic.

 

You will have to provide any of the following:

• Your Current Marriage Certificate, or
• Documents and proof that you have both been in a relationship for about a year before you apply. Such documents include:
• Joint statements that the both of you hold.
• Documents that confirm that you both have been living at the same place since the last 12 months.

 

Have you gathered your documents? What’s next?

 

Here is the step-by-step application process. Have a look.

 

 

How to Apply for a Remaining Relative Visa?

Follow these steps to submit an application for the Remaining Relative Visa:

 

• Step 1: Things to do before applying.
• Step 2: Organise your documents.
• Step 3: Apply for the visa
• Step 4: Things to do after applying
• Step 5: Wait for the visa outcome.

 

Here is the detailed breakdown of each step. Have a look. 

 

Step 1: Things to do before applying

Before you start the application process, check your passport. Make sure it is current and valid. If you think you need assistance with the application, consider consulting a professional migration agent. 

 

Schedule an online appointment with our experts and get customised help at affordable rates. 

 

Step 2: Organise your documents

The next step is collecting the necessary documents and preparing them. I’ve discussed the required documents above. Make sure you have all the documents and translate them into English (if required). 

 

Step 3: Apply for the visa

For this particular visa, you have to submit a paper application.

 

1. Get the Form 47OF, “Application for migration to Australia by other family members,” form and fill it out. 
2. Your sponsor also needs to complete Form 40, called “Sponsorship for Migration to Australia.
3. You can’t pay in person. Pay the initial fee using the online payment system through ImmiAccount. Include proof of payment with your application.
4. You can’t submit the application in person. 4. Mail it to the Parent, Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth, Western Australia. Find the address on the form.

 

5. Send all the necessary documents and forms with your application.
6. Don’t send original documents. Only send certified copies of your documents.

 

Note: If you don’t complete each of these steps, your application will be considered invalid. If that happens, the government won’t process it. They’ll inform you if it’s invalid, and they may return it to you if you ask.

 

Step 4: Things to do after applying

Once you’ve submitted your application, the department will send you a confirmation that they have received it. Keep in mind that you may not receive regular updates on the progress of your application. However, if the department needs any further information or documents from you, they will contact you. 

 

Things to do after submitting an application include: 

 

• If you are applying for subclass 835, you must stay in Australia while your application is being processed. 
• You may be required to undergo a health examination. 
• You might also be asked to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
• Make sure you pay the fee on time. Failure to do so will result in application refusal. 
• If there have been any changes to your personal circumstances, inform the department as soon as possible.

 

Step 5: Wait for the visa outcome.

The department will notify you regarding your visa status. If your visa is approved, you will be provided with important information:

• Your visa grant number 
• The date your visa becomes effective 
• Any conditions that apply to your visa. 

 

If your application is refused, the department will provide you with a written explanation of the reasons for the refusal. You will also be informed whether you have the right to appeal the decision. 

 

Note: Keep in mind that the application fee is non-refundable.

 

Final Thoughts

The Remaining Relative Visa provides a fantastic opportunity to reunite with your relatives in Australia. And this blog has provided a comprehensive overview of subclasses 835 and 115. The main difference between these two is the location; from where you are applying. 

 

By now, you have learned the requirements, necessary documents and the application process. So, what’s next?

 

Start preparing for your application today. Follow the above guidelines and get ready to reunite with your loved ones in Australia. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Who is eligible for a remaining relative visa in Australia?

To get this visa, you must be the only close relative your family has. Your close family (like a parent, brother, or sister) must live in Australia as citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. You also can’t have other close relatives living outside Australia.

 

Can a relative sponsor me to live in Australia?

Yes, if you are their only close relative and they are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia, they can sponsor you.

 

Who are eligible relatives in Australia?

Eligible relatives are parents, brothers, sisters, step-parents, step-brothers, or step-sisters who are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens and are settled in Australia.