1. What is the difference between Subclass 115 and Subclass 835?

Subclass 115 is the offshore remaining relative visa – you must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.

Subclass 835 is the onshore version – you must be in Australia (on a valid visa) to apply, and in Australia for the visa grant.

The eligibility criteria and benefits are essentially the same. The key difference is your location during the application process:

• If you’re overseas → apply for Subclass 115
• If you’re in Australia on a valid visa → apply for Subclass 835
• Onshore applicants (835) get a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia during processing
• Offshore applicants (115) must remain overseas until grant

2. How long does the Remaining Relative Visa take to process?

This visa category has one of the longest processing times in Australia’s migration program.

Due to limited annual places for “Other Family” visas, waiting times of 10 or more years are common. Many applicants wait well over a decade for a decision.

• No expedited or priority processing available
• Applications processed in queue order (first-come, first-served)
• Department may not contact you for several years after lodgement
• Keep all contact details and circumstances updated throughout

3. Can I visit Australia while waiting for my Subclass 115 visa?

Yes. You can travel to Australia on a temporary visa (such as a visitor visa) while waiting for your Subclass 115.

However: You must ensure you depart Australia again before your Subclass 115 is decided, because it cannot be granted while you are onshore.

• Apply for tourist visas to visit family for a few months at a time
• Keep the Department informed of your current address
• If visa is ready to be granted while you’re in Australia, you’ll be asked to leave
• VisaTasker can guide you on managing visits during the wait

4. Who counts as a “near relative” for this visa?

“Near relatives” are your closest family members:

• Parents (including step-parents)
• Siblings (including step-brothers and step-sisters)
• Adult children (aged 18+ and not dependent on you)
• Children under 18 not in your or partner’s daily care

Critical: This also extends to your spouse or de facto partner’s relatives. If your partner has a parent, child, or sibling outside Australia, you have a near relative outside Australia – and won’t qualify.

5. What is an Assurance of Support (AoS)?

An AoS is a compulsory part of the Remaining Relative visa process:

• Legal commitment by your sponsor (assurer) to Australian government
• Promises to repay certain welfare benefits you might claim
• Refundable bond: typically $5,000–$10,000 per applicant
• AoS period: 2 years from visa grant or arrival
• Bond returned after period if no welfare claims made

Timing: You don’t provide the AoS at application – the Department requests it at the final processing stage, years after lodgement. However, you must have someone who CAN provide the AoS when required.

6. Is there an age limit for the Remaining Relative Visa?

No. There is no age limit for Subclass 115 applicants.

Unlike certain visas with age caps (such as some skilled visas), the Remaining Relative visa can be granted to applicants of any age – whether you are a young adult or a senior citizen.

• Primary consideration is family relationships and sponsorship
• All applicants must meet health and character requirements
• Elderly applicants may face additional health scrutiny
• This makes the visa suitable for elderly parents of Australians

7. Can I include my spouse and children in my application?

Yes! You can include immediate family members on your Subclass 115 application:

• Your spouse or de facto partner
• Your dependent children (or your partner’s dependent children)
• All included family members must meet health and character requirements
• Additional visa fees apply for each person
• AoS bond amount increases for multiple applicants
• Everyone included receives permanent residency if granted

8. How much does the Remaining Relative Visa cost?

The government visa application charge is substantial:

• Primary applicant: ~$6,415
• Additional adult: ~$2,500+
• Additional child: ~$1,200+
• Second installment fee at grant stage

Other costs to factor:

• Medical examination fees: $400–600 per person
• Police clearance fees: varies by country
• Document translation/notarization costs
• AoS bond: $5,000–$10,000+ (refundable)
• Professional service fees: $2,500–$4,000

Fees are periodically revised. VisaTasker confirms exact current costs before lodging.

9. Can I work and study in Australia with this visa?

Absolutely. The Remaining Relative visa grants permanent resident status with full rights:

• Work for any employer in any occupation – no restrictions
• Study at schools, TAFE, colleges, or universities
• Eligible for HECS-HELP loans for tertiary education
• Enroll in Medicare for public healthcare
• Same employment and study access as any Australian PR

10. Can I apply for Australian citizenship after getting this visa?

Yes. The Remaining Relative visa is a pathway to citizenship.

Citizenship requirements:

• Live in Australia for at least 4 years
• At least 12 months of that time as permanent resident
• Not absent for extended periods during that time
• Be of good character
• Pass citizenship test
• Attend citizenship ceremony