How to Apply for Orphan Relative Visa in Australia

Usually, one of the saddest experiences that can happen to a young child, is losing a parent. During these difficult circumstances, the Australian government has a visa option which allows orphan children to gain assistance and stability alongside an eligible member of their family in Australia. The option is called the Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117 or 837).
If you are trying to sponsor an orphan relative to come to Australia, here is your complete guide to the Orphan Relative Visa Australia - all the details you need on eligibility to apply, meeting requirements, how the visa works, and tips to help you through the application process.

What is the Orphan Relative Visa?

The Orphan Relative Visa allows a child who has lost both parents (or whose parents are unable to care for them) to live permanently in Australia with a relative. There are two subclasses:

• Subclass 117 – for children applying from outside Australia

• Subclass 837 – for children already in Australia

This visa grants permanent residency and provides access to essential services such as education and Medicare. It's specifically designed to help children in vulnerable situations who have close family in Australia willing and able to care for them.

Who Can Apply?

The visa is intended for orphaned children under 18 years of age. To qualify for the Orphan Relative Visa Australia, the child must:

• Be under 18 years old

• Have no living parents, or have parents who are permanently incapacitated or missing

• Be sponsored by an eligible relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

• Be single and dependent (not married or in a de facto relationship)

• Be of good health and character

Important: The child must genuinely be in need of care and must not have a parent who is capable of providing care.

Who Can Sponsor the Child?

To sponsor a child under the orphan relative visa, you must be:

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

• A close relative: sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or step equivalent

• At least 18 years old

• Willing and able to take full responsibility for the child’s care and accommodation

Useful Tip: The sponsor must be able to provide evidence of their relationship and show that they can provide a stable home environment.

What Does the Orphan Relative Visa Australia Offer?

Once granted, the Orphan Relative Visa gives the child:

• Permanent residency in Australia

• Access to public schooling

• Enrolment in Medicare

• The ability to apply for citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements

• The option to travel in and out of Australia freely

It’s a life-changing visa, especially for children facing hardship with no one else to turn to.

How to Apply for an Orphan Relative Visa

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

• Confirm Eligibility
  Ensure the child meets the visa requirements and you are a suitable sponsor.

• Gather Documents
  Collect birth certificates, death certificates of parents, medical or police reports if the parents are incapacitated or missing, identity documents, and sponsorship forms.

• Lodge the Sponsorship Form
  Sponsors must submit Form 40CH (Sponsorship for a child to migrate to Australia).

• Submit the Visa Application
  Depending on the child’s location:

  • Subclass 117: Apply from overseas

  • Subclass 837: Apply onshore in Australia

• Health and Character Checks
  The child must pass medical exams and provide police clearances (if over 16).

• Wait for Processing
  Processing times can vary, but applicants are generally kept updated throughout the process.
  

Processing Time and Cost

As of current estimates:

• Processing Time: Approximately 12–18 months, though this may vary based on individual circumstances.

• Visa Cost: The base application charge is around AUD $3,055, with additional charges for dependents or health checks.

Tip to Avoid Delays: Submit a complete and decision-ready application with all required documentation attached.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete documents: Always provide certified copies and English translations if required.

• Unclear guardianship status: Make sure the child truly has no parent who can care for them.

• Wrong subclass: If the child is overseas, apply for subclass 117—not 837.
  

Final Thoughts

The Orphan Relative Visa Australia is more than a visa, it is a life changing chance for an orphaned child who has lost all that is dear in their life. The relative must accept the responsibilities and a safe loving home; however, although this visa pathway it is an opportunity to reunify a family and provide the child with a future in Australia.

The process involves a lot of paperwork and emotional decision making but I promise you it will be a privilege and worth every step. If you are unsure how to get started reach out to a registered migration agent to help guide you through the legal complexities and the emotional decisions ahead.