Australia Orphan Relative Visas (Subclass 117 & 837)

Orphan Relative Visas (Subclass 117 & 837): Giving Orphaned Children a Secure Future in Australia

The Australian Government provides pathways for orphaned children to be cared for by relatives living in Australia through the Orphan Relative visa program. These visas enable children who have lost their parents or cannot be cared for by them to live in Australia permanently with a sponsoring relative.

In this article, we explain the two visa types, Subclass 117 (offshore) and Subclass 837 (onshore), along with their requirements, differences, and key considerations.

🔹 What is an Orphan Relative Visa?

The Orphan Relative visa is a permanent visa designed for children under 18 who:

• Have no parents who can care for them due to death, permanent incapacity, or missing status
• Have an eligible relative in Australia willing to sponsor and care for them

✈️ Subclass 117 – Offshore Orphan Relative Visa

This visa is for children outside Australia when they apply and when the visa is granted.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

• The child must be:
  • Under 18 years old
  • Not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship
  • Unable to be cared for by either parent due to:
    • Death
    • Permanent incapacity
    • Being permanently missing
• Sponsored by a relative who is:
  • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • At least 18 years old
  • A brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or step equivalent
• Meet health and character requirements

🌍 Where to Apply:

• The child must be outside Australia both at the time of application and at the time of decision.

🏡 Subclass 837 – Onshore Orphan Relative Visa

This is the onshore equivalent for children who are already in Australia without their parents.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

• Same as Subclass 117
• The child must be in Australia at the time of application and visa decision
• Must not have already been granted a visa subclass 117

📌 Key Points to Know

🔍 Additional Notes

• Children must not be under the care of anyone else with legal responsibility, unless that person is unable to care for them.
• The sponsor must commit to supporting the child for the first two years in Australia (housing, financial support, etc.) or 2 years following the grant of the child’s visa if the child is applying in Australia.
• A Form 40CH (Sponsorship for a child to migrate to Australia) is required as part of the application.

FAQs ❓

1. Can my cousin sponsor an orphaned child under this visa?

No. Only close relatives like siblings, grandparents, uncles, or aunts (including step-relatives) are eligible to sponsor.

2. Is the visa temporary or permanent?

Both Subclass 117 and 837 are permanent visas.

3. What happens if one parent is alive but missing or unable to care?

You must provide evidence proving that the surviving parent is permanently incapable of caring for the child or cannot be located despite reasonable efforts.

4. Can adopted children apply for the Orphan Relative visa?

No. Adopted children must apply through the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102).

In Summary

The Orphan Relative visas Subclass 117 and 837 ensure that orphaned children are not left without a home or care. Through these permanent visa pathways, Australia supports vulnerable children in reuniting with family members who can provide a safe, loving environment.

If you’re a relative looking to sponsor an orphaned child, it’s essential to meet all eligibility requirements and provide strong supporting documentation. The process can be sensitive and complex, so professional guidance from a registered migration agency like Ausdirect Migration is highly recommended.

Why Choose Ausdirect Migration for Your Orphan Relative Visa Application?

Navigating the Australian Orphan Relative Visa process can be overwhelming — that’s where we come in.

At Ausdirect Migration, we are committed to making your visa journey seamless and stress-free.

✅ Expertise – With years of professional experience, we provide accurate advice and strong support to maximize your chances of success.

✅ Efficiency – We ensure a fast and smooth process, from your initial consultation to the finalization of your application.

✅ Personalized Service – Every case is unique, and we tailor our services to your specific circumstances.

If you need expert assistance, contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation.

Our friendly and experienced MARA-registered migration agents are here to provide tailored advice and guide you every step of the way.

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