Orphan Relative Visa (Subclasses 117/837)

Overview

These visas allow your orphaned child relative to move to or stay in Australia, if you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Both are permanent visas. The subclass 117 visa is for children who are outside Australia, whilst the 837 visa is for children who are inside Australia.

This may be the right visa for you if:

What You Can Do & How Long You Can Stay

Both these visas are permanent visas.
Your orphaned child relative can travel to and from Australia multiple times.
Your orphaned child relative can live, work and study in Australia whilst on this visa.
Your orphaned child relative can access Medicare whilst on this visa.
Your orphaned child relative can sponsor relatives to come to Australia.
You orphaned child relative be eligible for a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia while waiting for the subclass 837 visa to be processed.

Limitations and Important Things to Know

Your orphaned child relative must be under 18.
Your orphaned child relative must have no partners at the time of application.
Your orphaned child relative may be refused this visa if a member of their family unit cannot meet health or character requirements, even if they are not accompanying your child to Australia. This is known as the “One Fail, All Fail” rule.
Usually, your orphaned child relative will not be eligible for a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia while waiting for the subclass 117 visa to be processed.

If you are worried about encountering issues or restrictions when applying for this visa, we may be able to help. Please contact us for more information.

As part of the specific visa requirements, you may have to:

Be under 18
Be sponsored by a relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and who has lived in Australia for the last two years
Obtain consent to migrate to Australia from all those who have legal responsibilities towards the child
Demonstrate that granting the visa is in the best interests of the child