Orphan Relative Visa Australia (Subclass 837 & 117): 2026 Guide
Last Updated: 9 July 2026
The Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837 onshore, subclass 117 offshore) is a permanent visa that lets a child under 18 join a relative in Australia when neither parent can care for them.
The child's parents must be:
-
Deceased
-
Permanently incapable of caring for the child
-
Unable to be found
The child must also be sponsored by a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is an eligible relative.
Unlike the Aged Dependent Relative, Remaining Relative, and Carer visas, the Orphan Relative visa is not subject to the Department of Home Affairs' capped queueing system. It is processed as part of the Child visa program.
Orphan Relative Visa — Quick Answer
-
Visa cost: AUD $2,475 for the main applicant (plus additional charges for each dependent child included)
-
Available subclasses:
-
Subclass 837 (Onshore)
-
Subclass 117 (Offshore)
-
-
Who can apply: A single child under 18 who has no parent able to care for them
-
Sponsor: Eligible settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
-
Processing: Not part of the Other Family queue system
-
Outcome: Permanent residence with work rights, study rights, Medicare and pathway to Australian citizenship
Every family situation is different, particularly where a child has lost both parents or a parent cannot be located. Book a free consultation with RACC's registered migration agents to confirm which subclass applies and whether your evidence meets the Department's threshold before you lodge.
What Is the Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837/117)?
The Orphan Relative visa is designed to reunite children with close relatives in Australia when they have effectively lost parental care.
The Department of Home Affairs grants this visa only where both parents are:
-
Deceased.
-
Permanently incapable of caring for the child.
-
Unable to be found.
The visa cannot be granted if the parents are capable of caring for the child but simply choose not to.
This distinction is important. A child whose parents are alive, contactable, and capable of providing care does not qualify, even if the parents agree for the child to live in Australia.
Both subclasses grant permanent residence, but the commencement date differs.
Subclass 837
Permanent residence begins on the day the visa is granted.
Subclass 117
Permanent residence begins on the day the child first enters Australia using the granted visa.
Subclass 837 vs Subclass 117
Where the Child Must Be
Subclass 837 (Onshore)
The child must:
-
Be in Australia when the application is lodged.
-
Remain in Australia when the Department makes its decision.
-
Not be in immigration clearance.
Subclass 117 (Offshore)
The child must:
-
Be outside Australia when the application is lodged.
-
Remain outside Australia when the Department makes its decision.
Eligibility Requirements
Both subclasses require the child to:
-
Be under 18 years of age.
-
Be single.
-
Have no parent able to care for them.
-
Be sponsored by an eligible relative.
-
Meet Australia's health requirement.
-
Meet the character requirement (if aged 16 years or older).
-
Meet consent requirements.
-
Satisfy the Department that granting the visa is in the child's best interests.
Additional Requirements for Subclass 837
Applicants for the onshore visa must also:
-
Hold a substantive visa or have applied within the permitted timeframe after their last substantive visa ceased.
-
Not have last held a Subclass 771 Transit visa.
-
Be assessed against their immigration history, including previous visa refusals or visa cancellations.
These additional criteria only apply because Subclass 837 applicants are already within Australia's migration system.
When Permanent Residence Begins
Subclass 837
Permanent residence begins immediately when the visa is granted.
Subclass 117
Permanent residence begins when the child first enters Australia on the granted visa.
This difference may affect when the child becomes eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Travel Requirements
Subclass 117
The child must enter Australia before the first-entry date specified in the visa grant letter.
Subclass 837
No first-entry deadline applies because the child is already in Australia when the visa is granted.
Visa Cost
The government application charge is the same for both visa subclasses.
-
Primary applicant: AUD $2,475
Additional charges apply for each dependent child included in the application.
Who Is Eligible for the Orphan Relative Visa?
Both the child and the sponsor must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs' eligibility requirements before the visa can be granted.
Child Requirements
The applicant must satisfy the following requirements at the time the Department makes its decision.
Age and Marital Status
The child must:
-
Be under 18 years of age.
-
Be single.
No Parent Able to Care for the Child
The Department only grants this visa where both parents are:
-
Deceased.
-
Permanently incapable of caring for the child.
-
Unable to be found despite reasonable efforts.
The visa is not available where a parent is simply unwilling to care for the child.
Consent to Migrate
The Department must also be satisfied that one of the following applies:
-
Everyone with legal authority over where the child lives has provided written consent.
-
The laws of the child's home country allow the child to leave.
-
The arrangement is consistent with any Australian court order relating to the child.
Health Requirement
The applicant, and any dependent children included in the application, must satisfy Australia's health requirement.
Character Requirement
Applicants aged 16 years or older must satisfy the character requirement.
Australian Government Debts
Any outstanding debt owed to the Australian Government must:
-
Be fully repaid; or
-
Be covered by an approved repayment arrangement.
Best Interests of the Child
Even if all other eligibility requirements are met, the Department may refuse the application if granting the visa would not be in the best interests of the child.
Sponsor Requirements
The child must be sponsored by an eligible relative who is settled in Australia.
Eligible sponsors include:
-
Brother or sister.
-
Step-brother or step-sister.
-
Grandparent.
-
Step-grandparent.
-
Aunt.
-
Uncle.
-
Step-aunt.
-
Step-uncle.
The sponsor must also be one of the following:
-
A settled Australian citizen.
-
An Australian permanent resident.
-
An eligible New Zealand citizen.
Sponsorship Approval
The Department must approve the sponsorship before the visa can be granted.
If the sponsor or their spouse or de facto partner has:
-
A pending charge for a registrable offence, the sponsorship and visa application must be refused.
-
A conviction for a registrable offence, sponsorship approval is only possible in limited circumstances.
Because sponsor suitability is assessed carefully, applicants should ensure all sponsorship requirements are met before lodging the application.
Additional Requirements for Subclass 837
Applicants applying for the onshore Subclass 837 visa must also satisfy additional eligibility criteria.
Hold a Substantive Visa
Generally, the child must:
-
Currently hold a substantive visa; or
-
Have applied within 12 months after their last substantive visa ceased.
The applicant must not have last held a Subclass 771 Transit visa.
Immigration History
The Department will also consider the child's immigration history, including whether they have:
-
Had a visa cancelled.
-
Had a previous visa application refused.
These additional requirements apply only to Subclass 837 because the applicant is already inside Australia's migration system.
How Much Does the Orphan Relative Visa Cost?
Government Visa Application Charge
The government application charge for both visa subclasses is:
-
Primary applicant: AUD $2,475
Additional application charges apply for each dependent child included in the application.
Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Concession
From 1 July 2026, eligible applicants holding passports from the following countries may qualify for a reduced visa application charge:
-
Federated States of Micronesia
-
Fiji
-
Kiribati
-
Nauru
-
Palau
-
Papua New Guinea
-
Republic of the Marshall Islands
-
Samoa
-
Solomon Islands
-
Timor-Leste
-
Tonga
-
Tuvalu
-
Vanuatu
Eligibility is based on the passport held by the primary applicant.
Other Costs
Applicants should also budget for additional expenses, including:
-
Health examinations.
-
Police certificates.
-
Biometrics.
These costs are separate from the government visa application charge.
How Long Does the Orphan Relative Visa Take to Process?
The Orphan Relative visa is not part of the capped and queued Other Family visa program.
Unlike the following visas:
-
Carer Visa
-
Aged Dependent Relative Visa
-
Remaining Relative Visa
the Orphan Relative visa is processed as part of Australia's Child visa program.
No Fixed Processing Time
The Department does not publish a fixed processing time for either:
-
Subclass 837
-
Subclass 117
Processing times depend on factors such as:
-
Whether the application is complete.
-
The quality of supporting documents.
-
How quickly applicants respond to requests for additional information.
The Department generally acknowledges receipt of an application within approximately one month after lodgement.
What Can Help Reduce Processing Delays?
Applications are generally processed more efficiently when applicants:
-
Lodge a complete application.
-
Submit all supporting evidence at lodgement.
-
Pay the correct application fee.
-
Respond promptly to any Department requests for additional information.
What Documents Do You Need?
Preparing a complete application with the correct supporting documents can help reduce delays during processing.
The Department may request additional information depending on your individual circumstances, but applicants generally need the following documents.
Identity Documents
Provide documents confirming the child's identity, including:
-
Current passport showing:
-
Photograph
-
Personal details
-
Passport issue date
-
Passport expiry date
-
-
National identity card (if applicable)
-
Change of name documents (if applicable)
Travel Documents
Provide evidence of the child's:
-
Current travel document.
-
Previous travel history, where applicable.
Photographs
Submit recent passport-style photographs that meet the Department's photo specifications.
Evidence That No Parent Can Care for the Child
This is one of the most important parts of the application.
Depending on the family's circumstances, supporting evidence may include:
-
Death certificates.
-
Medical reports confirming permanent incapacity.
-
Evidence showing reasonable attempts to locate a missing parent.
-
Other documents demonstrating that neither parent is able to care for the child.
The stronger and more comprehensive this evidence is, the easier it is for the Department to assess eligibility.
Relationship Documents
Applicants must provide evidence demonstrating the relationship between the child and the sponsoring relative.
Examples include documents establishing that the sponsor is the child's:
-
Brother or sister.
-
Step-brother or step-sister.
-
Grandparent.
-
Step-grandparent.
-
Aunt.
-
Uncle.
-
Step-aunt.
-
Step-uncle.
Character Documents
Applicants aged 16 years or older must provide character documents required by the Department.
Documents for Dependent Children
If dependent children are included in the application, supporting documents for each child must also be provided.
Sponsorship Documents
The sponsor must provide evidence showing they are:
-
A settled Australian citizen.
-
An Australian permanent resident.
-
An eligible New Zealand citizen.
Additional documents may also be requested to support the sponsorship assessment.
How to Apply for the Orphan Relative Visa
The Orphan Relative visa is a paper-based application rather than an online ImmiAccount application.
Following the correct process can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 1 – Before You Apply
Before lodging the application:
-
Confirm the child's passport is valid.
-
Ensure the correct visa subclass has been selected.
-
If someone is providing immigration assistance, they must be:
-
A registered migration agent.
-
A legal practitioner.
-
An exempt person.
-
Step 2 – Gather Supporting Documents
Collect all required documents before lodging the application, including:
-
Identity documents.
-
Travel documents.
-
Relationship evidence.
-
Evidence that no parent can care for the child.
-
Character documents.
-
Sponsorship documents.
Providing complete and accurate information helps reduce requests for additional information later.
Step 3 – Lodge the Application
The Orphan Relative visa must be lodged on paper.
Applicants use:
-
Form 47CH – Application for migration to Australia by a child
-
A separate sponsorship application completed by the sponsor.
Step 4 – After Lodgement
After submitting the application, the Department may request additional information or documents.
Applicants should:
-
Monitor correspondence carefully.
-
Respond promptly to any requests.
-
Ensure all requested information is complete and accurate.
Step 5 – Visa Decision
For Subclass 837, the child must remain in Australia when the Department makes its decision.
If the application is approved, the Department will issue written confirmation including:
-
Visa grant number.
-
Visa commencement date.
-
Any applicable visa conditions.
If the application is refused, the Department will explain:
-
The reasons for refusal.
-
Any available review rights.
The government application fee is not refundable if the visa is refused.
What Can You Do With This Visa?
The Orphan Relative visa is a permanent visa that allows the child to build a long-term future in Australia.
Successful applicants can access a range of benefits available to Australian permanent residents.
Live Permanently in Australia
Both Subclass 837 and Subclass 117 allow the child to:
-
Live in Australia indefinitely.
-
Remain a permanent resident from the relevant commencement date.
Work and Study
Visa holders can:
-
Work in Australia without restriction.
-
Study at Australian schools, colleges, or universities.
-
Receive the same workplace protections as other workers under Australian law.
Enrol in Medicare
Permanent residents can enrol in Australia's public healthcare system, Medicare.
Sponsor Eligible Relatives
Once eligible under Australia's migration laws, permanent residents may be able to sponsor certain relatives to migrate to Australia.
Access Free English Classes
Eligible visa holders may access free English language tuition through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
Apply for Australian Citizenship
After meeting Australia's residence and citizenship requirements, permanent residents may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Travel In and Out of Australia
The visa includes a travel facility that allows the holder to travel freely to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
After the travel facility expires, permanent residents generally need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia unless they have already become Australian citizens.
Applicants can check their travel facility using the Department's VEVO system.
Protection After the Visa Is Granted
Once the visa has been granted:
-
The sponsor cannot cancel the child's permanent visa.
-
The sponsor cannot withdraw the child's permanent residence.
-
The sponsor cannot control the child's immigration status.
If a child experiences abuse, neglect, or exploitation, support services are available through Australian Government agencies and community organisations.
For emergencies, applicants should contact Triple Zero (000).
Orphan Relative Visa vs Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
Although both visas involve children migrating to Australia, they are designed for different situations.
Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837 & 117)
This visa is suitable where:
-
The child has not been legally adopted.
-
Neither parent is able to care for the child.
-
The child is joining an eligible relative in Australia.
Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
The Adoption visa is appropriate where:
-
The child has already been legally adopted outside Australia.
-
The child is joining their adoptive parent in Australia.
Applicants should ensure they choose the correct visa pathway, as the eligibility requirements for each visa are different.
Common Reasons Orphan Relative Visa Applications Face Difficulty
The Department assesses every application individually. However, applications commonly encounter delays or refusals where the evidence is insufficient or eligibility requirements have not been fully met.
Common issues include:
Insufficient Evidence That No Parent Can Care for the Child
Applicants should provide strong supporting evidence, such as:
-
Death certificates.
-
Medical evidence confirming permanent incapacity.
-
Evidence of attempts to locate a missing parent.
Simply stating that a parent cannot care for the child is generally not sufficient.
Parents Are Unwilling Rather Than Incapable
The visa is not available where parents are capable of caring for the child but simply choose not to do so.
Missing Consent Documents
Applications may be delayed if written consent from everyone with legal authority over the child has not been provided, unless another legal basis applies.
Sponsor Character Issues
Applications may be affected where the sponsor or their spouse or de facto partner has:
-
Pending registrable offence charges.
-
Registrable offence convictions.
These matters are assessed under the sponsorship requirements.
Incomplete Application
Because this visa is lodged on paper rather than online, submitting a complete application with all supporting documents can significantly reduce delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Subclass 837 and Subclass 117?
Subclass 837 is for children who are already in Australia when they apply and when the Department makes its decision.
Subclass 117 is for children who are outside Australia during both stages.
Subclass 837 also includes additional eligibility requirements relating to substantive visas and immigration history.
Does the Orphan Relative visa have the same long waiting time as other family visas?
No.
The Orphan Relative visa is not part of the capped and queued Other Family visa program.
Instead, it is processed as part of Australia's Child visa program, although the Department does not publish a fixed processing timeframe.
How much does the Orphan Relative visa cost?
The government application charge is AUD $2,475 for the primary applicant.
Additional charges apply for dependent children included in the application.
Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders may qualify for a reduced application charge from 1 July 2026.
Can a child apply if one parent is still alive?
Yes.
The child may still qualify if the remaining parent is permanently incapable of caring for them or cannot be located.
The visa is not available where the parent is simply unwilling to care for the child.
Who can sponsor a child for the Orphan Relative visa?
Eligible sponsors include:
-
Brother or sister.
-
Step-brother or step-sister.
-
Grandparent.
-
Step-grandparent.
-
Aunt.
-
Uncle.
-
Step-aunt.
-
Step-uncle.
The sponsor must be a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Is the Orphan Relative visa the same as the Adoption Visa?
No.
The Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) is for children who have already been legally adopted outside Australia.
The Orphan Relative visa is for children who have not been adopted but have no parent able to care for them.
Can I apply online?
No.
The Orphan Relative visa is a paper-based application using Form 47CH together with a separate sponsorship application.
Need Help With an Orphan Relative Visa Application?
RACC's registered migration agents can help you:
-
Determine whether Subclass 837 or Subclass 117 is the correct visa.
-
Assess whether your supporting evidence satisfies the Department's requirements.
-
Prepare your application and supporting documents.
-
Manage your application from lodgement through to the final decision.
Book a Free Consultation to discuss your family's circumstances with one of our registered migration agents.
Small careless mistakes may result in visa rejection. Book a FREE consultation with Registered Migration Agents will help you get the visa without any headaches.
Why RACC?
-
20+ years of experience
-
Prepare for your application to the Immigration
-
Preparation of Police Check
-
Arrange for new Insurance
-
Advice on Medical Checkup
-
Don't let small careless mistake resulting in a Visa rejection
-
You can also apply from outside Australia
-
4.8 out of 5 customer satisfaction
-
Our Team speak multiple languages
-
English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bahasa, Sinhalese, Malay, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, Punjabi etc...
-
Registered Migration Agents (MARN1572961, MARN1172003)
