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Remaining Relative visa subclass 115

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The subclass 115 Remaining Relative visa is a permanent visa appropriate for applicants who are the sole member of their family living in their home country and who have relatives living in Australia as citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. There are various eligibility requirements that must be met, so it is essential for applicants to review these before applying for a subclass 115 visa. Should applicants need assistance, we at Australian Migration Agents can provide relevant support and guidance during this process.

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What is the remaining relative visa (subclass 115)?

The purpose of a subclass 115 visa is to enable people to reunite with their close family members in Australia. This visa lets people move to Australia to live with their closest relative who has already settled here. It is a fantastic way to bring families back together and ease the loneliness that comes with being apart. It is especially good for older parents who do not have any family left in their home country or for siblings who are the only ones outside of Australia.

Eligibility requirements for a remaining relative visa

For the Remaining Relative visa, specific eligibility criteria must be met.

For applicants:

  • Be the only remaining relative of either an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, currently residing outside of Australiasome text
    • This includes an eligible parent, step-parent, sibling or step-sibling, or an eligible partner of these listed relatives, as approved by the department
  • Have assurance of support from your Australian relative that confirms that they can financially support you (a legal commitment)
  • Be outside of Australia when applying for the visa and at the time of the decision
  • Meet the health requirements
  • Meet the character requirements
  • Not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government
  • Signed the Australian values statement

The Department will also assess applicants' immigration history and consider the best interests of any dependent children when evaluating the application.

For sponsors, the criteria includes:

  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Be settled in Australia 
  • Be over 18 years of age 
  • Have not previously sponsored someone on a Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835 or subclass 115), Preferential Family visa (subclass 104) or Family visa (subclass 806)

Applicants should note that if their close relatives reside outside of Australia or hold a temporary visa (excluding eligible New Zealand citizens), a visa will not be granted. Temporary visas include bridging visas.

Benefits of a remaining relative visa

There are several benefits for applicants who successfully receive a Remaining Relative visa.

However, applicants should be aware that various visa conditions may apply, and all accompanying family members must follow them. This includes the requirement to obey Australian laws

- They can stay in Australia permanently work and study in the country, enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system, sponsor relatives to come to Australia, and, where eligible, apply for Australian citizenship.

- Applicants are able to leave and re enter Australia once their application has been approved.

- Applicants should note that there may be waiting periods before they are eligible to access government benefits.

- As mentioned earlier, applicants can also include members of their immediate family when they apply. 

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Remaining relative visa checklist

Subclass 115 visa applications cannot be lodged online or in person as they are paper-based. Furthermore, they require a significant amount of supporting documentation. The following documents must be submitted by post to support a visa application.

This list is extensive, and as mentioned earlier, these are the documents required for the paper application for a subclass 115 visa. To confirm, this means that you cannot lodge your application online like other visa types. This can be extremely time consuming and stressful for those seeking an Australian visa. At Australian Migration Agents, we can help to reduce these stresses and streamline the process for you. Contact us and talk to one of our team members about how we can help you through this process.

  • Current Passport 
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport sized photos 
  • National identity card (if applicable)
  • Proof of change of name (if applicable)
  • Australian police clearance certificate
  • Overseas police clearance certificate (if applicable)
  • Health examination
  • Completion of the relevant sponsorship document
  • Proof of relationship with sponsor
  • Proof of sponsors eligibility
  • Documents relating to a dependant child (if applicable)
  • Documents relating to a partner (if applicable)

How the remaining relative visa works?

The processing of a Remaining Relative visa (subclass 155) application happens in several stages. First, after confirming eligibility, applicants should complete the application form, find a sponsor, submit necessary documents, and pay the initial fee. Once the Department receives the application, it's initially reviewed and placed in a queue until a spot becomes available. During this time, the Department may ask applicants to fulfil additional health or character requirements. When a spot opens up, the Department will reevaluate the application and request the second payment. Then, they'll inform the applicant of their decision in writing. If approved, the applicant will receive their visa details, start date, and any conditions attached to the visa. If rejected, applicants will be provided with reasons for the refusal and information on reviewing the decision. Upon approval, the visa will be electronically linked to the applicant's passport.

Future visa pathways

The Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115) is a permanent visa, meaning applicants can stay in Australia as a permanent resident. Additionally, applicants can be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship and can sponsor other relatives to come to Australia. It is a chance to reunite with close family members and be a part of important moments in life.

Benefits of a remaining relative visa

Prospective applicants have the choice to pursue a subclass 115 visa on their own, yet there are notable benefits to enlisting the assistance of an Australian Migration Agent.

- An Australian Migration Agent brings valuable experience and expertise to analyse an applicant’s visa suitability, ensuring that all necessary forms and accompanying documents are provided.

- Furthermore, our processes can streamline the process, reduce potential delays and help increase the chances of obtaining an Australian visa.

- Australian Migration Agents can support applicants from the initial evaluation of eligibility to the submission of the application.

Remaining relative visa costs

Applying for a subclass 115 visa incurs costs. 

Our professional fees are tailored to the specifics of your application. The complexity of applications can vary and our fees are quoted accordingly. We operate on a fixed-fee basis to ensure transparency regarding the total cost of your subclass 115 application. Additionally, we offer payment plans tailored to differing financial needs, giving our clients flexibility.

As of the time of writing, the Department of Home affairs charges the main applicant $4990, while additional eligible family members over 18 are charged $2495 and those under 18 are charged $1250. These fees are payable across two different instalments during the application process. Various payment methods are accepted by the Department. Applicants should also budget for expenses like health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. For further details on visa application costs, applicants can consult the Department's website. 

Australian visa application steps

The application process can be a complex and time-consuming journey, with strict eligibility criteria and a certain amount of evidence required to support your application. A registered migration agent can help you gather the correct documents and improve your chances of visa success. 

Book a consultation

Step 1

Initial consultation

Book a free consultation with one of our registered migration agents, where we’ll discuss your situation and see how we can help you move forward.

Step 2

Application preparation & submission

Your Australia visa agent will prepare a submission to support your application, tailored to your unique situation and backed by all the documents required. Once completed, we’ll submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.

Step 3

Visa outcome

We’ll be in touch once the Department has come to a decision. If the application isn’t granted, we can appeal on your behalf.

Remaining relative visa processing times using Australian migration agents

Predicting processing time for a Remaining Relative visa application can be challenging due to the high demand for these visas compared to the limited number of available places each year. Delays in processing time can occur if applications are not filled in correctly, lack relevant information, require further verification, or if the application fee is not paid correctly. However, these delays can be minimised by engaging an Australian Migration Agent. They can ensure that all applications meet compliance standards and help with promptly responding to any requests from the Department.

Remaining relative visa considerations: Timing & location

Given the lengthy processing time for a Remaining Relative visa and the requirement for applicants to stay outside of Australia until a decision is made, it's crucial to carefully consider if this visa option is the most suitable. It's also important to understand that a Remaining Relative visa is not guaranteed, as the Department has the discretion to grant or refuse visas. If applicants require extra support or advice during the process of applying for a subclass 115 visa, Australian Migration Agents are dedicated to providing ongoing assistance and guidance throughout the entire visa application process.

Australia-wide services

Our skilled team offers in-person and virtual appointments, which means we can provide immigration assistance and advice regardless of where you live in Australia.  

Frequently asked questions

Read our most commonly asked questions about the subclass 115 visas

Who is eligible for a remaining relative visa in Australia?

A person’s eligibility can vary for a variety of reasons but generally if someone is the last remaining relative outside of Australia, and they have family members who are eligible to sponsor them they will meet the eligibility criteria preliminarily.

What is the difference between remaining relative visas 115 and 835?

At first, it would appear that the subclass 835 and 115 visas are identical. However, while they have similar requirements, the subclass 835 visa can only be applied for when a visa applicant is on-shore and in Australia, whereas the subclass 115 visa can only be applied for when an applicant is off-shore and not in Australia.

How long does it take to get a remaining relative visa subclass 115 in Australia?

Generally, it can be difficult to determine a precise timeline for when this visa will be processed and approved. It can vary for a variety of reasons. The Department’s website will be the best place to receive an approximation.

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