OTHER FAMILY
Other Family Visas
Australia’s family migration program includes a number of lesser-known but important visa pathways for relatives in specific circumstances. From the Carer Visa for family members providing ongoing care, to the Aged Dependent and Remaining Relative visas for isolated relatives overseas — our immigration lawyers assess your eligibility and guide you through these niche but meaningful pathways.
- Onshore or Offshore
- Temporary (5 years)
- 6–12 months (approx.)
- Renewable visa
What Is the Subclass 461 Visa?
A temporary visa for non-New Zealand citizen family members of New Zealand citizens living in Australia. Allows the holder to live and work in Australia for up to 5 years.
The Subclass 461 is a temporary visa for family members of New Zealand citizens who hold or are eligible for a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) in Australia. Because New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia under the 444 visa, their non-New Zealand citizen family members can apply for the Subclass 461 to join them and enjoy the same right to live and work here.
The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed if the eligibility criteria continue to be met.
Who Can Apply?
- Non-Australian citizens who are a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen
- The New Zealand citizen family member must hold or be eligible to hold a Subclass 444 Special Category Visa
- Must not be an Australian citizen
- Meet health and character requirements
Key Requirements
Temporary Visa The Subclass 461 is granted for a period of 5 years. It is a temporary visa and does not lead directly to permanent residence.
Full Work Rights Holders of the Subclass 461 have full work rights in Australia and can live, work and study here for the duration of the visa.
Renewable The visa can be applied for again once it expires, provided the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements — including that their New Zealand citizen family member remains eligible for the Subclass 444.
- Offshore
- Permanent Residence
- 20–30+ years (subject to capping)
What Is the Subclass 115 Visa?
A permanent visa for people whose only close relatives are permanently settled in Australia. Subject to very limited annual places, with extremely long processing times.
The Subclass 115 is a permanent visa for people living outside Australia who have no close relatives remaining in their home country — because all of their near relatives are already permanently settled in Australia. It is designed to allow families to be together permanently where Australia is effectively the centre of the applicant’s family life.
While this visa leads to full permanent residence, it is subject to strict annual caps on the number of places available. This means waiting times are exceptionally long and applicants should plan accordingly. Our immigration lawyers help you assess whether you meet the remaining relative test and manage expectations around the realistic timeline involved.
Who Can Apply?
- Must be outside Australia at the time of application
- Must have no near relatives living outside Australia
- All near relatives must be lawfully and permanently settled in Australia
- Must have an eligible sponsoring relative in Australia
- Meet health and character requirements
Key Requirements
Remaining Relative Test The applicant must have no close family members — such as a spouse, parent, child or sibling — living outside Australia. All such relatives must be permanently residing in Australia. This test is strictly applied and our lawyers assess your family circumstances carefully before lodgement.
Permanent Residence Once granted, the visa holder can live, work and access Medicare in Australia permanently with no further conditions.
Annual Caps and Processing Times The number of Subclass 115 places allocated each year is very limited, resulting in a waiting list that can span decades. Our lawyers give you an honest picture of current processing times and help you consider whether any alternative pathways may be available in the meantime.
- Offshore
- Permanent Residence
- 8–15+ years (subject to capping)
- Govt fee: From ~$2,115
What Is the Subclass 116 Visa?
A permanent visa for people outside Australia who are willing and able to provide long-term care to an Australian relative with a genuine medical need. Subject to annual caps with lengthy processing times.
The Subclass 116 is a permanent visa for people living outside Australia who intend to migrate in order to provide ongoing care to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen with a serious medical condition. The key requirement is that the Australian relative has a genuine and continuing need for care that cannot reasonably be met through other means available in Australia.
This is a niche but important visa pathway for families in specific circumstances. Our immigration lawyers assess your situation carefully and help you build a well-evidenced application that demonstrates the genuine need for care.
Who Can Apply?
- Must be outside Australia at the time of application
- Must be willing and able to provide long-term care to an eligible Australian relative
- Must have an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen as a sponsor
- Must meet health and character requirements
Key Requirements
Residence Requirement
Medical Evidence An independent medical assessment is required to confirm that the Australian relative has a genuine medical condition and a continuing need for long-term care. This assessment must come from an approved medical authority — not simply from the family’s own doctor.
No Reasonable Alternative Care The application must demonstrate that the care required cannot reasonably be obtained from other sources in Australia — such as community services, professional care providers or other family members already in the country. This is a critical element of the application and must be carefully evidenced.
Permanent Residence Once granted, the visa holder can live, work and access Medicare in Australia permanently.
Important note: The medical evidence and care needs assessment requirements are strictly applied. Our lawyers advise on exactly what evidence is required and how to present your case before you commit to the application process.