Australia’s Subclass 115 Visa: Reuniting Families Permanently
Subclass 115 – Remaining Relative Visa is a permanent visa for people who have most — or all — of their close family members living permanently in Australia and who do not have near relatives living in any other country. The visa lets the applicant join their Australian family members and settle in Australia permanently.
Key Points
- This is a permanent visa granting indefinite residence, work and study rights and access to Medicare (subject to eligibility).
- Applicants usually apply from outside Australia. (There is a related onshore stream — check eligibility for the best pathway.)
- A sponsoring relative in Australia (usually a citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen) must nominate and sponsor the applicant.
- The Department requires convincing evidence that the applicant’s closest family members reside in Australia and that the applicant has little or no family living elsewhere.
Benefits of the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
- Live in Australia permanently.
- Work and study without restriction.
- Access Medicare (subject to waiting periods and eligibility).
- Sponsor eligible relatives in the future (subject to policy).
- Travel to and from Australia for a period specified on the grant (check travel facility).
Eligibility (Overview)
- Have only or mostly immediate family members (partner, children, parents, brothers/sisters, etc.) living permanently in Australia.
- Have no near relatives living permanently in any other country (or meet the strict “remaining relative” test).
- Be sponsored by an eligible Australian sponsor (citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen).
- Meet health and character requirements and have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government (or have arrangements to repay).
Relationship & Sponsorship Evidence
- Your relationship to the sponsor and other family members (birth certificates, marriage certificates, family registers).
- That the majority (or all) of your close relatives live permanently in Australia and that you have no comparable family elsewhere.
- The sponsor’s Australian status (proof of citizenship, permanent residency or eligible NZ status).
- Where documentary gaps exist, provide statutory declarations, long-term correspondence, photographs and other corroborating material to show family composition and residence patterns.
Including Family Members
You may include eligible family members (partner and dependent children) in the same application. All included persons must meet health and character requirements.
Health & Character Requirements
- Medical examinations are required and usually valid for 12 months.
- Police certificates must be supplied for any country the applicant (or included family members) has lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, where applicable.
Debts to the Australian Government
Any outstanding debts to the Australian Government must be paid or formally arranged for repayment before the visa can be granted.
Application Process — Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
Step 1 — Confirm you meet the Remaining Relative test
- Work with your sponsor to check that most (or all) of your close family live permanently in Australia and that you have no near relatives living permanently in another country.
Step 2 — Prepare sponsorship documents
- Your Australian sponsor gathers proof of their status and evidence that they are willing and able to sponsor you.
Step 3 — Collect supporting evidence
- Compile identity documents, birth/marriage certificates, family composition records, statutory declarations, photos, correspondence and any documents proving family residence patterns.
Step 4 — Lodge the visa application
- Submit the Subclass 115 application from offshore (unless an alternate onshore pathway applies). Pay the required application charge.
Step 5 — Complete health and character checks
- Undertake medical examinations and provide police clearances when requested.
Step 6 — Respond to departmental requests
- Provide additional information promptly if the Department requests clarification or further evidence.
Step 7 — Decision & Grant
- If approved, you will receive permanent residency and can plan your move to Australia. If refused, you will be given reasons and any available review options.
Practical Notes
- The Remaining Relative stream is document-intensive — well-organised evidence speeds assessment.
- Processing times vary; keep contact details current and respond quickly to requests.
Why Apical Immigration Experts — Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
- Family-migration specialists — experience proving remaining-relative claims and mapping family trees to Department expectations.
- Document preparation & validation — we compile certified evidence, statutory declarations and corroborating material to build a persuasive case.
- Sponsorship coaching — practical guidance for sponsors on their obligations and required documentation.
- Responsive case management — a single point of contact, timely updates and support with Department requests.
- Settlement guidance — post-grant advice on Medicare, tax file numbers, and initial settlement steps.
Book a consultation and let us prepare a decision-ready application so your family reunion is as smooth as possible.
FAQs: Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
A permanent visa for applicants whose closest immediate family members live permanently in Australia and who have no near relatives living permanently in other countries.
A sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is willing to support your application.
Yes — Subclass 115 is typically lodged from outside Australia. (Check if you qualify for any alternative onshore family streams.)
Certified birth/marriage certificates, family registers, statutory declarations, long-term correspondence, and proof of family members’ permanent residence in Australia.
Processing times vary based on case complexity and Department workload. Application charges apply — confirm current fees before lodging.
Sumit Katyal
