Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117 & 837)

Overview – Orphan Relative Visa

The Orphan Relative Visa allows a child who has lost their parents or is unable to be cared for by them to move to Australia permanently and live with a close family member.
 
There are two subclasses:

  • Subclass 117 – for children applying from outside Australia

  • Subclass 837 – for children already in Australia without a substantive visa

This visa helps orphaned, dependent minors be reunited with their extended family in Australia.

Who is Eligible?

The applicant (the child) must:

  • Be under 18 years old

  • Be single

  • Have no living parents, or parents who are incapable of caring for them (e.g. due to prison, disappearance, or mental illness)

  • Be dependent on an eligible Australian relative

  • Be sponsored by a settled relative who is:

    • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

    • Aged 18 or older

    • Willing and able to support and care for the child

Who Can Sponsor?

The sponsor must be:

  • A close relative of the child (brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew)

  • Aged 18 or older

  • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Settled in Australia (generally means living in Australia for at least 2 years)

Application Requirements

  • The sponsor must lodge a formal sponsorship application

  • A guardian or other authorised person must complete the child’s application

  • Provide documents proving the child’s orphan status, dependency, and relationship

  • The child must meet health and character requirements

Important Considerations

  • This is a permanent visa – it allows the child to live in Australia indefinitely

  • The sponsor must be able to provide adequate care and support

  • Guardianship and welfare obligations must be satisfied

  • The child must not be part of another migration process as a dependent unless withdrawn

FAQs – Orphan Relative Visa

1. Who is this visa for?

It is for orphaned children or children whose parents cannot care for them, allowing them to live with a close family member in Australia.

Only if the living parent is incapable of providing care due to serious reasons (e.g. imprisonment, abandonment, mental incapacity).

No. The application must be made by a guardian or authorised person, with a sponsor in Australia.

Each child needs a separate application, but siblings can be sponsored together.

If the child is unlawful or without a valid visa, they may apply under Subclass 837.

Yes, this visa grants permanent residency, including access to education, Medicare, and future pathways to citizenship.

📞 Need Help With an Orphan Relative Visa?

At Abbasi Migration & Citizenship Services, we handle sensitive family reunification cases with compassion and care. We can guide you through sponsorship, documentation, and every legal requirement to bring your loved one home safely.

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