The “Last Family Member” Visa: Can You Join Your Loved Ones in Australia?

For many migrants, moving to Australia isn’t just about career or lifestyle — it’s about being close to family.

But what happens when your entire family has already settled in Australia, and you’re the only one left overseas?

There is a visa pathway designed for this exact situation.

 However, it’s also one of the least understood — and most misunderstood — options in Australia’s migration system.

What Is the Remaining Relative Visa?

The Remaining Relative Visa is a permanent visa that allows individuals to reunite with their close family members in Australia — only if they are effectively the last remaining immediate family member outside the country.

In other words, this visa applies when:

• Your close family members are already living in Australia, and

• You no longer have eligible close relatives residing outside Australia

It is not a common pathway, but for the right applicant, it can be highly meaningful.

Who Is This Visa Really For?

This visa is designed for a very specific group of applicants.

To qualify, you must meet strict criteria, including:

1. You must be the “last remaining” close family member

This requirement is often misunderstood.

From a legal perspective, “close family members” typically include:

• Parents

• Siblings

• Adult children (who are not dependent)

• Step-equivalents of the above

If any of these relatives are living outside Australia, even if you are not in contact with them, you may not meet the requirement.

2. You must be sponsored by an eligible relative in Australia

Your sponsor must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

• Be over 18 years old

• Be settled in Australia

They must also agree to provide support to help you establish yourself after arrival.

3. Assurance of Support (AoS) is required

Applicants must have an Assurance of Support, which is a formal commitment that you will not rely on government welfare.

In many cases, this involves a financial bond.

4. Standard visa requirements still apply

As with all permanent visas, applicants must also:

• Meet health and character requirements

• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government

What Does This Visa Offer?

If granted, this visa provides permanent residency, allowing you to:

• Live in Australia indefinitely

• Work and study

• Access Medicare

• Eventually apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)

The Reality: Extremely Long Processing Times

While the purpose of this visa is clear and meaningful, the biggest challenge lies in processing time.

Due to:

• Limited places allocated each year

• High demand

• A strict queue system

Processing times are exceptionally long.

In practice:

• Many applicants wait decades

• Current estimates can range from 20 to 50 years or more

• Applications being processed today were often lodged many years ago

This is not a short-term migration solution — it is a long-term option.

Onshore vs Offshore: 835 vs 115

There are two versions of this visa:

• Subclass 835 (Onshore): for applicants already in Australia

• Subclass 115 (Offshore): for applicants outside Australia

The eligibility criteria are essentially the same — the key difference is your location at the time of application.

Is This the Right Pathway for You?

This visa may be suitable if:

• You truly have no close family members outside Australia

• Your immediate family is already settled in Australia

• You are prepared for a long waiting period

However, it may not be ideal if:

• You are seeking a faster migration outcome

• You still have eligible relatives living overseas

• You may qualify for other visa pathways

Final Thoughts

The Remaining Relative Visa exists for a very specific and often emotional situation — when one person is separated from the rest of their family unit.

While it offers a pathway to reunification, it is important to approach it with realistic expectations and a long-term perspective.

Not sure whether you meet the criteria — or if there’s a faster pathway available for your situation?

Speak with our team today.We’ll help you assess your options and plan the most suitable migration strategy for you and your family.