PR Pathway via the Carer and Remaining Relative Streams
Two lesser-known family streams can be a direct pathway to permanent residence for the right circumstances: the Carer visa (subclass 116 lodged outside Australia, 836 lodged inside Australia) for someone coming to Australia to care for a relative with a serious medical need; and the Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115 offshore, 835 onshore) for someone whose near relatives are almost all in Australia. Both have very strict definitions. For the detail, read alongside Carer 116/836 and Remaining Relative 115/835.
In the same “other relative” group there is also the Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114 lodged outside Australia, 838 lodged inside Australia) — for an older relative who is single and has been financially dependent long-term on a relative who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This too is a narrow stream with strict conditions; check the definition of “dependent” and the age on Home Affairs.
Who is this pathway for?
- Carer: someone willing to come to Australia to care for a relative (an Australian citizen or permanent resident) with a serious, long-term medical need.
- Remaining Relative: someone whose near relatives (almost all of them) live in Australia and who effectively has no near relatives anywhere else.
Where it starts
It starts with checking whether the circumstances match the strict definition of each stream:
- Carer: usually requires a formal medical assessment confirming that the relative in Australia has a long-term care need that no reasonable service in Australia can meet, and that no other Australian relative can provide the care.
- Remaining Relative: the definition of “near relative” includes the relatives of the applicant’s partner — just one sibling or parent left in the home country is usually enough to fail the test.
These two streams are very easy to misunderstand; confirm the definition on the official page before you invest time.
Steps to permanent residence
- Identify the correct stream and subclass (Carer or Remaining Relative; inside or outside Australia).
- Check the core conditions: for Carer, the medical assessment and care need; for Remaining Relative, a review of all near relatives of both spouses.
- Arrange an eligible sponsor in Australia.
- Prepare the documents: evidence of the family relationship, and for Carer the medical assessment file.
- Lodge the application for the correct subclass.
- Meet the applicant’s own health and character requirements.
- Visa is granted → you become a permanent resident.
Fees and figures to check
According to the official Home Affairs page, the base application charge for the main applicant is from 2,720 AUD for the Carer visa 116 (lodged outside Australia), and from 6,600 AUD for the Remaining Relative visa 115 (lodged outside Australia). The onshore subclasses (836, 835) have their own charges.
The figures you must check yourself on the official source:
- The queue and processing time: both streams are in the family visa group with an annual grant limit and can wait a very long time; compare on Visa Processing Times.
- The definition of “near relative” (Remaining Relative) and the medical assessment threshold (Carer): these are set out specifically and change over time.
- The charge for cases with multiple people: use the Visa Pricing Estimator.
Two official tools to use before lodging:
- Visa Pricing Estimator (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-pricing-estimator)
- Visa Processing Times (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times)
The deciding factors
- Carer: an independent medical assessment confirming the care need, and the absence of any other reasonable care option in Australia.
- Remaining Relative: a full and honest review of all near relatives of both spouses — this is decisive.
- An eligible sponsor in Australia for both streams.
- The ability to wait long-term.
Risks and common mistakes
- Remaining Relative: counting only your own blood relatives and forgetting the partner’s relatives — the most common reason for refusal.
- Assuming that “no contact” with a sibling in the home country means “no longer having that relative”.
- Carer: not having a strong enough independent medical assessment, or skipping the need to prove no other care option exists.
- Confusing these two streams with each other or with other family visas.
- Underestimating the length of the queue.
When to consult an RMA
Because the definitions of both streams are very narrow and getting them wrong can lead to a refusal after years of waiting, checking eligibility before lodging is very important. A Registered Migration Agent registered with OMARA can help review the near relatives of both spouses (Remaining Relative) or assess the medical file and care need (Carer). This article is educational, not advice for your individual circumstances.
Learn more
- Carer visa 116/836 — detail
- Remaining Relative visa 115/835 — detail
- Pathways to Australian permanent residence — the big picture
Carer and Remaining Relative are genuine PR pathways but for very specific circumstances. Do not conclude you are eligible based on a general impression — check the official definitions and consider professional advice before you start.
Last updated: 13/06/2026. Migration rules change frequently — always check the official source.