A Lifeline for Individuals Whose Only Close Family Lives in Australia
The Subclass 115 Remaining Relative Visa allows individuals whose only close family members are living in Australia to join them permanently. This visa is designed for those who are alone in their home country and have no other near relatives outside Australia.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 115 Visa
✅ Permanent residency with full rights to live, work, and study in Australia
✅ Access to Medicare and Centrelink (subject to waiting periods)
✅ Pathway to citizenship after meeting residency requirements
✅ Ability to reunite with your only close family in Australia
Important Note:
⚠️ Very limited visa places – Home Affairs advises new applications face waits spanning decades (capping and queueing applies)
⚠️ Applicant must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
Eligibility Requirements
For the Remaining Relative (Applicant)
✔ Must have no near relatives outside Australia
✔ Must be the brother, sister, child (or step equivalent) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
✔ Must be single or in a dependent relationship (if applicable)
✔ Must meet health and character requirements
For the Sponsor (Relative in Australia)
✔ Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
✔ Must be a settled resident in Australia (usually for at least 2 years)
✔ Must provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) – a financial undertaking to prevent dependence on government support
Application Process & Timeline
Lodge Application Offshore – Applicant must be outside Australia
Visa Processing – New applications face very long waits spanning decades – ask us about interim options
Visa Grant – Permanent residency once approved
Why Consider Alternative Options?
Due to extremely long waiting periods, families may also consider:
✔ Visitor Visas – For temporary stays in Australia while waiting
✔ Other Family or Partner Visas – If eligible under different family streams
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Assess eligibility and confirm remaining relative status
✅ Assist with complex family documentation
✅ Guide the Assurance of Support process
✅ Provide up-to-date timelines and strategic visa planning
Start Your Remaining Relative Visa Application
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Official Resources
Home Affairs – Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
Assurance of Support Requirements
Processing times are estimates and subject to change. Consult a migration expert for current advice.
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Subclass 115 — key questions answered
How much does the subclass 115 Remaining Relative visa cost?
The Department of Home Affairs lists the subclass 115 visa application charge from AUD6,600.00, with concessions available in limited circumstances. Additional costs usually include health examinations, police certificates, document translation and an assurance of support. Charges are reviewed periodically, so confirm the current figure on the Home Affairs website before you lodge. Figure verified 14 September 2026.
How long does a subclass 115 visa take?
Remaining Relative applications are capped and queued, and the wait is long. As at 31 May 2026 the Department had released applications with a queue date up to 30 June 2013 for final processing, while acknowledging new applications in about five weeks. The Department publishes the current position, and no registered migration agent can move an application ahead of the queue.
Who qualifies as a remaining relative?
A remaining relative is someone whose only near relatives live in Australia. The Department will not grant the visa if you or your partner have a near relative who usually lives outside Australia, or one living in Australia unlawfully or on a temporary visa, including a bridging visa. Your sponsor must be an eligible parent, step-parent, sibling, step-sibling or their partner.
Can I apply for the subclass 115 visa from inside Australia?
No. You must be outside Australia when you apply for the subclass 115 visa and when the Department decides it. The subclass 835 Remaining Relative visa is the onshore equivalent for people already in Australia. Both subclasses are subject to the same capping and queueing arrangements, so neither offers a shorter wait.
Is an assurance of support required for the subclass 115 visa?
Yes. You must be able to obtain an assurance of support, which is a commitment that you will not need to rely on certain government payments after arrival. It covers you and any family members included in the application. The Department will tell you in writing when the assurance needs to be provided.
What are the alternatives to a subclass 115 visa?
Because the queue is long, it is worth checking whether another pathway fits before committing. Partner, Parent and skilled visas each have their own criteria and quite different time frames. A Visitor visa can allow time together while an application waits, but does not lead to permanent residence. The right answer depends on your family circumstances.
Related Immigrad pages
Child and relative visas · Partner visas · Parent visas · Speak with Immigrad
General information only, current as at 14 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice and does not take your circumstances into account. Charges and requirements change; always confirm current figures with the Department of Home Affairs. Complex cases should be discussed with a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd. Gaurav Duggal, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1805710.