Overview
The Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115) is a permanent residency visa designed for individuals who have no near relatives living outside of Australia. This visa allows you to move to Australia permanently to be with your only remaining family members, provided they are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
As a high-demand visa within the "Other Family" stream, the Subclass 115 is subject to strict capping and queuing by the Department of Home Affairs. At Aussie Immigration Services®, we provide the technical expertise needed to navigate these complex requirements.
Benefits
With a Subclass 115 visa, you and your accompanying family members can:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely as permanent residents.
- Work and study anywhere in Australia without restriction.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme.
- Apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following 2026 statutory requirements:
- Near Relative Test: You (and your partner, if applicable) must have no near relatives living outside of Australia. "Near relatives" include parents, step-parents, siblings, step-siblings, non-dependent children, or step-children who have turned 18.
- Eligible Sponsor: You must be sponsored by an eligible near relative (or their partner) who is at least 18 years old and settled in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Assurance of Support (AoS): You must obtain a legal commitment from a person or organisation to provide financial support so you do not rely on Australian social security. This usually involves a bank bond.
- Health and Character: All applicants must meet the Australian government's strict health and character standards, including providing police clearances from every country lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.
- Location: You must be outside Australia both when you apply for the visa and when the Department makes a decision.
The Application Process
- Sponsorship Assessment: Ensure your Australian relative meets the "settled" requirement (usually residing in Australia for at least two years).
- Document Preparation: Gather evidence of your relationship, identity, and the "near relative" status of all family members.
- Lodgement: Submit the paper-based application (Form 47OF) along with the first instalment of the visa application charge.
- Queue Placement: Once the Department confirms you meet the initial criteria, your application is "queued." You will be notified of your queue date.
- Final Assessment: When a place becomes available in the migration program, the Department performs final health, character, and AoS checks before grant.
Fees and Costs
The Base Application Charge for the Subclass 115 visa is paid in two instalments. The following rates are current as of March 2026:
| Charge Type | Amount (AUD) |
| First Instalment (Base Applicant) | $5,280 |
| Additional Applicant (18 and over) | $2,640 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | $1,325 |
| Second Instalment (Per Person) | $2,065 |
Note: The Second Instalment is only requested just before the visa is granted. Other costs such as medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics are paid separately to the relevant providers.
Processing Times
The Remaining Relative visa is subject to a Mandatory Cap on the number of visas granted each year. Because demand significantly exceeds the available places, processing times are extensive.
- Queue Entry: Approximately 24 to 36 months for initial assessment and queue placement.
- Final Processing: Based on current 2026 benchmarks, the estimated waiting time for visas in this category is approximately 24 to 50 years.
Due to these timeframes, Aussie Immigration Services® recommends discussing alternative visa pathways with our consultants if immediate relocation is required.
FAQ
Can I include my children in the application? Yes, you can include dependent children in your application at the time of lodgement. They must also meet the health and character requirements.
What happens if I marry or enter a de facto relationship after applying? You must notify the Department immediately. If your new partner is a "near relative" living outside Australia, you may no longer meet the core eligibility criteria for this visa.
Can I visit Australia while my visa is being processed? Yes, you may apply for a Visitor Visa to see your family. However, you must depart Australia for the Subclass 115 visa to be granted.
Is the application fee refundable if the visa is refused? Generally, the first instalment of the visa application charge is non-refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or refused.
