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Remaining relative visa Australia
The Remaining Relative visa lets your last close family member—with no near relatives outside Australia—live in Australia permanently. It has two streams: subclass 115 (offshore) and subclass 835 (onshore).
If you’re asking “Can I bring my brother to Australia permanently?”, you’re not alone — many people search for an Australia sibling visa or a relative sponsored visa Australia option. In reality, Australia has only a small number of permanent pathways for siblings, and most sit within the “Other Family” stream (including visas like Remaining Relative), which are heavily capped and can involve very long queues. The best option depends on your brother’s circumstances (onshore vs offshore), whether he has any close family outside Australia, and whether there are faster alternatives through partner, skilled, or humanitarian pathways. If you want a clear plan, start by identifying which relative visa Australia category fits your family situation and then work backwards to evidence and eligibility.
Type | Apply from | Visa subclass | Stay | Work | Medicare |
Offshore | Outside Australia | 115 | Permanent | Yes | Yes |
Onshore | In Australia | 835 | Permanent | Yes | Yes |
Both allow you to live, work, and study permanently in Australia, access Medicare, and sponsor family after settlement.
You may be eligible if:
Requirement | Evidence Example |
All close family in Australia | Birth certificates, immigration status, evidence of residence for all immediate relatives |
No near relatives overseas | Statutory declaration, overseas death certificates if relevant |
Eligible sponsor | Passport, proof of residence |
Assurance of Support | Centrelink AoS assessment, income evidence |
Health & Character | Health exams, police clearances |
Step | Subclass 115 (Offshore) | Subclass 835 (Onshore) |
Lodgement | Outside Australia | Inside Australia (not immigration clearance) |
Bridging visa | Not available | Bridging Visa A (BVA) issued |
Must be at decision | Offshore | Onshore |
Medicare | After grant | Eligible on BVA after valid lodgement |
Application changes | Must remain outside until decision | Must stay onshore at decision |
Fee | Amount (AUD) |
Main applicant | $4,990 |
Additional applicant 18+ | $2,495 |
Assurance of Support (AoS) | $10,000 (refundable, first adult), $4,000 (each extra adult) |
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Only those who met eligibility at the time of application and remain eligible.
For new applicants, approximately 27 years, due to strict capping.
Onshore (835) applicants can access Medicare after valid lodgement. Offshore (115) applicants need private cover until arrival.
Permanent sibling pathways are limited and may include the Remaining Relative visa if the applicant has no near relatives outside Australia.