Subclass 115 Visa – Brings Remaining Relatives To Australia

What is a Subclass 115 visa?

The (offshore) Subclass 115 visa, also known as the Remaining Relative visa, is a type of Australian visa designed for individuals who are the only remaining close relatives of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows them to live permanently in Australia.

Benefits of a Subclass 115

Included in the Family-Sponsored Visa Australia, the Subclass 115 visa offers several benefits to eligible applicants:

• Permanent Residency: Holders of visa 115 can live and work permanently in Australia.
• Access to Medicare: Visa holders are eligible for Australia’s healthcare scheme, Medicare, which provides subsidized medical expenses.
• Study: They can study in Australia at any educational institution and have access to domestic fees for education.
• Work: Visa holders can work in Australia without restrictions.
• Travel: They can travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted. After this, they can apply for a Resident Return Visa if they wish to continue traveling.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After holding the Subclass 115 visa for a certain period and meeting residency and other criteria, visa holders may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
• Family Reunion: The visa allows the applicant to live with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen relatives in Australia.

Requirements for a Remaining Relative Visa

The subclass 115 Remaining Relative Visa allows the applicant to live in Australia permanently. Below are the requirements for the subclass 115 applicants and sponsors:

For both applicants and sponsors

• The sponsor must be the grandparent, eligible parent/step-parent, child/step-child, or sibling/step-sibling of the applicant.
• Must meet the heath and character requirements.
• No criminal record.
• No debt to the Australian Government.

For sponsors

• Must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Must be from and over 18 years of age.
• Have never sponsored anyone to come to Australia with a Subclass 115, subclass 835, subclass 104, or subclass 806 visa.

For applicants

• Don’t have any other near relatives living overseas (who are not Australian PR or citizen) 
• Must have assurance of support.
• Have never got a visa application refused before.
• Must be offshore when applying and being granted the Subclass 115 visa.

The Department of Home Affair (DHA) may change the requirements of visas from time to time.

In addition, if the applicant has other relatives, the subclass 114 visa for Australia might be more suitable. Moreover, if you want to come to Australia to care for your relative who is really in need of your care due to their health status, a Carer visa (subclass 116) is a good option.

Contact VEM for updates. Our qualified migration consultant (MARN: 1577877) will assist you.

Step-by-step of a Subclass 115 visa application

Here’s a brief step-by-step guide for applying for a Subclass 115 visa (Remaining Relative Visa):

• Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure you are the only remaining relative of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and meet the Balance of Family Test.

• Step 2: Find a Sponsor

Get sponsorship from your relative in Australia who is willing to support you.

• Step 3: Gather Documents

Collect necessary documents including identity proof, relationship evidence, police certificates, and medical examination reports.

• Step 4: Apply Online

Create an ImmiAccount, complete the subclass 115 visa application form, upload documents, and pay fees.

• Step 5: Wait for Processing

Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application.

• Step 6: Visa Decision

Receive notification of the visa decision.

• Step 7: Travel and Settlement

If approved, travel to Australia and comply with visa conditions.

Following these steps carefully will help you navigate the Subclass 115 visa application process effectively.

You can apply for the visa yourself but it is recommended that you should use visa services provided by a registered migration agent.

Required documents to apply for a Remaining Relative visa

The essential documents required for a Subclass 115 visa (Remaining Relative Visa) application include:

• Identity Documents:
  • Passport or travel document
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Relationship Evidence:
  • Proof that you are the only remaining relative of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Evidence of your relationship with your sponsor in Australia
• Character Documents: Police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years (if 16 years or older)
• Health Documents: Medical examination results from an approved panel physician
• Assurance of Support (AoS): Assurance of Support form from an assurer who will provide financial support
• Additional Documents:
  • Proof of sponsor’s Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility as a New Zealand citizen
  • Evidence to meet the Balance of Family Test (if applicable)

Ensure all documents are valid, translated into English (if required), and certified copies are provided where necessary.

To be granted the visa in the earliest possible time, your visa application should be processed properly and as a “ready make decision”. It’s best to contact VEM for further assistance.

Processing times for a Subclass 115 visa

Currently, there is no information on the subclass 115 processing time. When the latest information is available, VEM will promptly update it on our Fanpage and Website for your convenience.

Costs to apply for Subclass 115

Below are the costs associated with applying for the Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115):

Note: The visa 115 application fee listed above does not include a 1.4% surcharge.

Note that you may not get any refund if your visa application is refused.

Responsibilities of the Subclass 115 holders

Basic difference between Subclass 115 visa & Subclass 835 visa

You must be offshore when applying for a Subclass 115. In contrast, you must be onshore when applying for a Subclass 835 visa.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Frequently asked questions