Australian Remaining Relative Visa

An Australian Remaining Relative visa entitles siblings and children of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens who do not have any other near relatives than those living in Australia to be reunited with their families. A near relative is a parent, sibling, non-dependent child or step equivalent.

Australian Remaining Relative Visa Basic Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a Remaining Relative visa, applicants must be sponsored by a brother, sister or parent who is settled in Australia and is:

• an Australian citizen; or
• an Australian permanent resident; or
• an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Remaining Relative visa applicants and their partner cannot have any other siblings or non-dependent children other than those settled and living in Australia to be able to apply for a Remaining Relative visa.

An Assurance of Support (including a financial bond) must be provided before a Remaining Relative visa will be granted.

Onshore Remaining Relative visa applicants are required to hold a valid substantive visa and be in Australia at the time that the visa is granted.

Offshore Remaining Relative visa applicants are required to be outside of Australia at the time that the visa is granted.

All Australian visa applicants are also required to satisfy health and character requirements.

Australian Remaining Relative Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Remaining Relative visa become permanent residents of Australia. Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis. Additional benefits of Australian permanents residence include access to government-subsidised healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits (after a waiting period) and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.