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Orphan Relative Visa Australia

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Orphan Relative Visa

Orphan Relative Visa

Orphan Relative Visa: Overview

The Orphan Relative Visa allows eligible children to live with relatives in Australia when their parents cannot care for them due to death, disappearance, or incapacity. This visa is a pathway for children who do not have parental support and wish to join their family in Australia—either from overseas (subclass 117) or while in Australia (subclass 837).

Quick facts:

  • Two visa types:
    • Subclass 117: Apply from outside Australia
    • Subclass 837: Apply from inside Australia
  • Permanent residency pathway for the child
  • Must be sponsored by an eligible Australian relative
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Who Can Apply? | Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an Orphan Relative Visa, the applicant must:

  • Be under 18 years of age
  • Be single (not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship)
  • Have no parent able to care for them due to death, disappearance, or incapacity
  • Be sponsored by a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen (who is a relative: sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, or step-equivalent)
  • Meet health and character requirements
Application Process

1: Prepare Documents

  • Child’s birth certificate and identity documents
  • Proof of parents’ death, disappearance, or incapacity
  • Sponsor’s citizenship or residency evidence
  • Police checks, health checks

2: Lodge the Application

  • Subclass 117: Apply outside Australia
  • Subclass 837: Apply in Australia
  • Pay the visa application charge

3: Department Processing

  • Attend medical checks and provide biometrics if requested
  • Department may contact sponsor and applicant for more information

4: Visa Outcome

  • If granted, the child becomes a permanent resident
  • Travel to or remain in Australia with their sponsor
Processing Times & Fees (As of July 2025)
  • Processing time:
    • Orphan Relative visas are subject to long processing times—often several years—due to low annual quotas and high demand.
  • Visa application charge:
    • Main applicant: AUD $1,980
    • Additional applicant (under 18): AUD $550
    (Fees subject to annual change—always check the latest on the Department of Home Affairs website)

Key Considerations & Tips

  • Evidence is critical:
    Provide comprehensive proof about parents’ situation (death, disappearance, or incapacity).
  • Sponsor’s role:
    Sponsor must be settled in Australia and able to support the child.
  • No work rights for bridging visas:
    If applying onshore (subclass 837), check your bridging visa conditions.
  • Lengthy queues:
    Expect significant waiting periods due to annual caps.

Need expert help?

Book a 30-minute consultation with Jade Immigration Lawyers for $250. If you proceed with us, your consultation fee will be credited towards your legal fees. We assist clients Australia-wide and internationally.

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Related Pages

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Practice Areas

Partner Visas
Family and Parent Visas
Work Related Visas
Waivers and Exemptions
Visa Refusal and Cancellation
Citizenship

FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

Can a child apply if one parent is alive but unable to care for them?

Yes, as long as neither parent is able to care for the child due to serious reasons (e.g. incapacity).

Who can sponsor a child for the Orphan Relative Visa?

Eligible relatives include siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or their step equivalents who are settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

How long does the visa take to process?

Processing times can be several years due to low annual allocations and high demand.

Can the child travel outside Australia while the visa is being processed?

If applying onshore (subclass 837), travel rights depend on the bridging visa. Check your BVA/BVB conditions.