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Remaining Relative Visa 115 (Offshore)

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Offshore 115

Remaining Relative 115

What is the 115 Visa?

The Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115) allows your last close family member, who is outside Australia and has no other near relatives abroad, to migrate permanently and join settled family in Australia. This visa is for offshore applicants only—you must apply and remain outside Australia during the entire process. Processing is subject to strict annual caps and a very long queue.

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Who Can Apply?

Both allow you to live, work, and study permanently in Australia, access Medicare, and sponsor family after settlement.

Who Can Apply?

You may qualify for a 115 visa if:

  • All your close family (parents, siblings, children) live in Australia as citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens
  • No other parent, sibling, or step-relative lives outside Australia (alive, located, and contactable)
  • You are sponsored by an eligible relative in Australia (or their partner)
  • You meet health and character criteria
  • You are outside Australia at both application and grant
Who Can Sponsor?
  • Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen (aged 18+)
  • Must be a parent, brother, sister, or step-equivalent (or their partner)
  • Must be usually resident in Australia and prepared to provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) if requested

Key Eligibility & Evidence Requirements

Requirement

Typical Evidence

No near relatives abroad

Birth/death certificates, statutory declarations, official searches for lost contact, certified translations

Sponsor’s status

Passport, citizenship certificate, proof of residence

Family ties

Full family tree, proof of all immediate family in Australia

Assurance of Support

Centrelink AoS assessment and bond

Health & Character

Medicals, police checks for every country lived in 12+ months

Tip: Undisclosed relatives overseas, even if estranged, can result in refusal—be transparent.

Queueing, Capping & Processing Times

  • Annual caps: Only a very small number of 115 visas granted each year
  • Current queue release (31 May 2025): Processing up to queue date 28 February 2013
  • Estimated wait for new applications: ~27 years
  • Queue date assigned: Once Department confirms all criteria (about 4 weeks after valid application)
  • No fast-tracking: All cases processed by queue date order, regardless of circumstances

Essential Document Checklist

  • Form 47OF (applicant) and Form 40 (sponsor)
  • Certified birth certificates and passports (all family members)
  • Proof that all near relatives are in Australia (e.g., their visa/citizenship status, proof of residence)
  • Statutory declarations: no family overseas, full family circumstances
  • Assurance of Support (AoS) documents and income
  • Police certificates (all countries, 12+ months residence)
  • Medical/health exam (panel doctor, HAP ID)

Common Issues for 115 Applicants

  • Missing/estranged relatives: If you’ve lost contact, provide proof of efforts to locate, and statutory declarations
  • Death/unknown location: Supply official documents or legal statements
  • Offshore status: Must remain outside Australia throughout—visiting Australia on a tourist visa during the process can result in refusal
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete or inconsistent family history leads to requests for further information or refusal

Want to Discuss Your Matter?

Applying for a 115 visa is complex and highly competitive. Avoid costly delays—seek expert guidance.

Book a 30-minute consultation with Jade Immigration Lawyers for $250. If you proceed with us, your consultation fee will be credited towards your legal fees. We assist clients Australia-wide and internationally.

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Let us handle the paperwork — so you can focus on your future.

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Related Pages

Get Your Question Answered

Practice Areas

Partner Visas
Family and Parent Visas
Work Related Visas
Waivers and Exemptions
Visa Refusal and Cancellation
Citizenship

FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

Who counts as a “near relative”?

Parents, full/half/step siblings, children, and step equivalents.

How long will I wait?

For new applicants, approximately 27 years, due to strict capping.

What if my only remaining close relative in Australia passes away during processing?

If your sponsor dies during processing, another eligible close relative or their partner may be able to continue your sponsorship. It’s crucial to notify the Department as soon as possible and seek legal advice.

What happens if my circumstances change while waiting (e.g., a new sibling is born or located overseas)?

You must notify the Department of any changes. The arrival or discovery of a new close family member overseas can affect your eligibility and may result in refusal, even after years of waiting.