Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835)

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835), you must meet the following requirements:

• Be in Australia when you apply for this visa and when Australian Department of Home Affairs decide your application
• Be a remaining relative of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Have an eligible sponsor who is a near relative (eligible parent or step-parent, sibling or step-sibling, or an eligible partner of your relative)
• Not have any other near relatives who usually live outside Australia or live in Australia on a temporary visa (and are not an eligible New Zealand citizen) or unlawfully
• Have assurance of support to assure that you will not have to rely on government assistance after you enter Australia on this visa
• Meet the health and character requirements
• Have paid back any debts owed to the Australian government
• Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused while in Australia
• Sign the Australian values statement
• Be under 18 years of age and have a visa granted that is in your best interests

Near Relatives Definition

A “near relative” encompasses:

• Parents or step-parents
• Partner’s parents or step-parents
• Siblings or step-siblings
• Children or stepchildren aged 18 or above, provided they are not dependent
• Children or stepchildren under 18, not under your or your partner’s daily care

The frequency of your interaction with these relatives does not influence the decision-making process regarding your status as a remaining relative.

Assurance of Support Requirement

Securing an assurance of support is imperative. This assurance confirms that you and any accompanying family members will not depend on government welfare upon your arrival in Australia with this visa. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will notify you when you should submit this assurance.

Health and Character Criteria

Applicants and any family members included in the visa application must comply with specific health and character requirements set by DHA. Even family members not migrating to Australia need to meet these criteria.

Sponsorship Eligibility

Your sponsor should be a close family member (parent, brother, sister, stepbrother, or stepsister) prepared to provide support, accommodation, and financial assistance during your initial two years in Australia. This support extends to any family members listed in your application. Sponsors must be:

• At least 18 years old
• Settled in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

Additional Visa Conditions

• Assurance of Support: This legal agreement with the department ensures that the applicant won’t need government support after arriving in Australia.
• Health: Fulfill specific health requirements, typically valid for 12 months, applicable to all family unit members included in your application.
• Character: Adhere to specific character criteria, including providing police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more during the past decade after turning 16.

Visa Ineligibility

This visa may not suit you if:

• You or your partner’s near relatives predominantly reside outside Australia.
• Your or your partner’s remaining relative is neither an Australian permanent resident nor a citizen.

Application Process

Check your eligibility and apply for the Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835) with the help of our expert migration consultants. Simplify the process, and benefit from our services, expertise, guidance, experience, and ongoing support.

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