Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)

The Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115) allows a person outside Australia to permanently migrate if all of their close family members live permanently in Australia and they have no near relatives elsewhere.

This visa is designed for applicants whose family ties are entirely based in Australia and who require long-term family support.

Key Features

• Permanent residence in Australia

• Live, work, and study without restrictions

• Access to Medicare

• Ability to sponsor eligible family members in the future

• Pathway to Australian citizenship (subject to eligibility)

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible for the Remaining Relative visa if:

• You are outside Australia at the time of application and decision

• All of your close family members live permanently in Australia

• You have no near relatives living outside Australia

• You are sponsored by an eligible Australian relative

• You meet health, character, and financial requirements

Because visa application charges are generally non-refundable, this visa should only be pursued if you clearly meet the criteria.

Who Is Considered a Close Relative

Close relatives include:

• Parents or step-parents

• Brothers or sisters (including step-siblings)

• Children (including stepchildren)

When assessing eligibility, the Department considers where these relatives usually live, not how often you are in contact with them.

Sponsorship Requirements

You must be sponsored by a relative who:

• Is at least 18 years old

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

• Usually lives in Australia

• Is willing to provide financial and settlement support for the first two years

Sponsors may be required to give an Assurance of Support.

Duration of Stay

• This is a permanent visa

• Once granted, you may remain in Australia indefinitely

Cost

• Visa application charge starts from AUD 4,990

• Additional costs may apply for medical examinations, police clearances, and biometrics

Processing Time

• This visa is subject to very long processing times

• Applications are queued and may take many years to be finalised due to annual migration caps

Applicants should consider this carefully before lodging.

Health Requirements

All applicants must meet Australian health standards.
Health assessments apply to all family members included in the application, even if they are not migrating.

Character Requirements

Applicants aged 16 or over must provide police certificates from each country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Character assessments also apply to any non-migrating family members listed in the application.

Australian Values Statement

Applicants aged 18 or over must sign the Australian Values Statement confirming respect for Australian laws and values.

Government Debts

Before the visa can be granted, you must:

• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government

• Or have formal arrangements in place to repay them

Important Notes

• Applications must be lodged outside Australia

• Bridging visas are not available for this visa

• Migration places for this visa are extremely limited each year

Professional advice is strongly recommended before applying.

Need Help?

Remaining Relative visas are complex and highly restricted.
Visa Aid can assess your eligibility, confirm family status, and advise whether this visa is a realistic option for you.

Book a consultation to avoid costly mistakes.