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Subclass 115
Remaining Relative visa
The Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115), or visa 115, is a permanent visa allowing individuals to live in Australia with their only close family members. High demand leads to long waits; applications must be lodged outside Australia.
Why Choose Edvise Hub?
The Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115), often searched as visa 115 or the last family member visa, provides a permanent pathway for individuals to join their only close relatives in Australia. Administered by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, this visa targets those whose family ties are exclusively in Australia, fostering family unity amid strict migration controls. As of December 2025, the program remains active but faces significant backlogs due to high demand and annual capping, leading to extended remaining relative visa Australia waiting times.
If you're considering the remaining relative visa 115 processing time, be prepared for lengthy delays—estimates hover around 22 years. This guide draws from official sources like the Department of Home Affairs to offer up-to-date insights, helping you navigate requirements and alternatives. Whether you're a potential applicant or sponsor, understanding subclass 115 can save time and resources.
Key Features and Benefits of Visa 115
The visa 115 grants permanent residency, allowing indefinite stay in Australia. Holders enjoy full rights to work, study, and access public healthcare via Medicare. Additionally, you can sponsor eligible relatives, attend free Adult Migrant English Program classes, and pursue Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency criteria.
This last family member visa emphasizes family cohesion, but it's capped annually under the Other Family visa category. In the 2024-2025 migration program, limited places (fewer than 500 visas granted historically for similar streams) contribute to queues. As per Department data, demand far outstrips supply, with thousands in the pipeline.
These figures underscore the visa's exclusivity, making early application crucial despite waits.
Fahad Shamim
Education Consultant
As a education consultant, I provide expert guidance on Australian visas and international education, helping clients navigate both with ease.
Eligibility Criteria for the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
To qualify for the remaining relative visa Australia, you must meet stringent criteria as the "remaining relative." This means you (and your partner, if applicable) have no near relatives—parents, siblings, or non-dependent children—living anywhere except Australia. Near relatives include biological, adopted, or step-relations.
- Applicant Requirements: Be outside Australia during application and decision; no age limit, but health and character checks are mandatory (results valid 12 months). You cannot apply if likely to fail, as fees are non-refundable.
- Sponsor Requirements: Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen; over 18; settled in Australia (usually 2+ years); and not have sponsored another for subclass 115, 835, or similar visas.
- Family Inclusions: Include your partner and dependent children; all must meet health/character standards and be offshore.
- Exclusions: Children cannot sponsor parents; no sponsorship if previous similar visas granted.
An Assurance of Support (AoS) is required—a 10-year commitment where an assurer (often the sponsor) lodges a bond (AUD 5,000-15,000) to cover potential welfare costs, assessed by Services Australia.
Remaining Relative Visa 115 Processing Time and Waiting Periods
One of the most queried aspects is the remaining relative visa 115 processing time. As of October 2025, applications queued up to May 2013 are released for final processing. The estimated remaining relative visa Australia waiting time is 22 years, influenced by annual caps and priorities.
Processing involves:
- Lodgement and acknowledgement (4 weeks).
- Initial assessment for core criteria, assigning a queue date.
- Queuing until places available (lodgement order).
- Final checks (health, character, AoS).
Variations occur due to incomplete applications or external verifications. Department reports show processing times fluctuate, with 2024-2025 seeing minimal releases amid program constraints.
To check status, use ImmiAccount—updated July 2025 to import paper applications from before June 2020.
Application Process: Step-by-Step for Subclass 115
Applying for the visa 115 demands precision. Here's an actionable guide:
- Assess Eligibility: Confirm you're the remaining relative and have an eligible sponsor.
- Gather Documents: Proof of relationships (birth certificates), financials for AoS, health exams.
- Secure AoS: Sponsor or another applies via Services Australia; bond payment required.
- Lodge Application: Paper or online via ImmiAccount (offshore only).
- Pay Fees: AUD 5,280 main applicant; AUD 2,640 additional adults; AUD 1,320 children. Second instalment (AUD 2,065) if low English.
- Queue and Wait: Monitor via ImmiAccount.
- Final Decision: Provide biometrics/health if requested.
Costs total AUD 5,280+, non-refundable. From July 2025, importing old paper apps eases tracking. Consult a registered migration agent for complex cases.
Challenges and Updates for Remaining Relative Visa Australia in 2025
High demand poses challenges: Over 10,000 applications queued historically, per Department estimates, leading to 22-year waits. Withdrawals or refusals (e.g., failed health) don't guarantee refunds.
Recent update: As of July 23, 2025, paper-based applications can be digitized in ImmiAccount, streamlining management. No major policy shifts in 2025, but migration planning levels may adjust in 2026.
- Economic Impact Fact: Visa 115 holders contribute to family support networks, reducing welfare reliance long-term.
- Tip: If waits are prohibitive, explore Partner or Child visas if eligible—shorter processing (6-24 months).
Why Choose the Last Family Member Visa?
The subclass 115 strengthens Australia's multicultural fabric by reuniting families. Successful applicants often report improved well-being, with access to education and employment boosting integration. For sponsors, it's a way to fulfill family obligations without travel burdens.
Amid waits, consider humanitarian streams if urgent. The visa's permanence offers stability, with 90%+ transitioning to citizenship within 5-10 years post-grant.
Start Your Remaining Relative Visa Journey
Facing long remaining relative visa 115 processing times? Act now—lodge early to secure a queue spot. Visit the Department of Home Affairs for forms, or contact Services Australia for AoS details. For personalized guidance, book a free consultation with a MARA-registered agent. Don't delay family reunion—apply for visa 115 today and build your Australian future!
FAQs
What is the Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115)?
It's a permanent visa 115 for people whose only near relatives live in Australia, enabling them to move and reunite as the last family member visa. Applicants must apply and be granted while outside Australia.
What are the eligibility requirements for visa 115?
You must be a sibling, child, or step-equivalent with no other near relatives (parents, siblings, non-dependent children) except those in Australia; have an eligible sponsor; meet health/character checks; and provide an Assurance of Support.
Who can sponsor for the Remaining Relative Visa Australia?
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is a near relative (over 18, settled in Australia) can sponsor, but not if they've sponsored another for similar visas before.
What is the remaining relative visa 115 processing time?
Estimated at 22 years due to capping and queues; as of October 2025, applications queued up to May 2013 are being processed, with high demand exceeding places.
What is the remaining relative visa Australia waiting time?
Waiting times average 22 years for final processing after queuing; acknowledgement takes about 4 weeks, but exact times vary based on program caps and individual factors.
How much does the subclass 115 visa cost?
Starts from AUD 5,280 for the main applicant, plus AUD 2,640 for additional adults and AUD 1,320 for children; a second instalment may apply for low English proficiency, and no refunds for unsuccessful applications.
Can family members be included in the visa 115 application?
Yes, your partner and dependent children can be included if they meet health and character requirements; non-dependent family cannot, and all must be outside Australia during application.
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