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Orphan Relative Visa – Subclass 117
Orphan Relative visa (Subclass 117) – bring your orphaned relative to Australia for permanent care and support
The Orphan Relative visa (Subclass 117) allows orphans (under 18 years of age) to live permanently in Australia with a relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa is for children who have been orphaned and are unable to live with their parents, but who are able to be cared for by a relative in Australia.
Once granted, this visa gives the child the right to live, study, and work in Australia indefinitely, as well as access to Medicare and eventually apply for Australian citizenship.
Overview for Orphan Relative Visa – Subclass 117
- Permanent residency for orphaned children
The Orphan Relative visa (Subclass 117) allows orphans (under 18 years of age) to join their relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa is designed for children who are unable to live with their parents due to the death, incapacity, or abandonment of both parents and are instead reliant on a relative in Australia for care and support. - Live, study, and grow up in Australia
Once granted, this visa provides the child with permanent residency, allowing them to live in Australia indefinitely. They can study, work, and access Medicare, eventually leading to the possibility of applying for Australian citizenship when eligible. - Family reunification for orphaned children
The Subclass 117 visa helps reunite orphaned children with their family members in Australia, ensuring they can be cared for by a close relative and enjoy the stability of growing up in a safe, supportive environment.
Cost: AUD1,980.00 | for latest cost estimation check here
Eligibility for Orphan Relative Visa – Subclass 117
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship / Sponsor | The sponsoring relative must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is living in Australia and is willing to sponsor the orphaned child. |
| Location at the Time of Application | The orphaned relative must be outside Australia at the time the application is lodged. |
| Relationship & Dependency | The applicant must be an orphaned child under 18 years of age who is unable to live with their parents due to the death, incapacity, or abandonment of both parents. The child must be dependent on the sponsoring relative in Australia. |
| Parental Responsibility & Consent | You must be a relative of the child: sibling or step-sibling, grandparent or step-grandparent, and aunt, uncle, step-aunt, or step-uncle. This is all it specifies, with no mention of legal responsibilities. |
| Health & Character | The child must meet health requirements, including medical examinations and any relevant character assessments depending on age and country of residence. |
| Proof of Relationship | The sponsor must provide proof of relationship, such as adoption papers, birth certificates, or family status certificates/family books, to confirm their connection to the orphaned child. |
| Location at the Time of Grant | The child must still be outside Australia at the time the visa is granted, as this is a permanent offshore visa. |
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Orphan Relative visa can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
To apply for the Orphan Relative visa, you’ll need to provide several important documents, including:
- Proof of parent-child relationship (e.g., birth certificates, adoption papers, custody documents).
- Legal custody or guardianship documents showing you have the legal right to care for the child.
If applicable, death certificates of the parents, or evidence that they are unable to care for the child or cannot be located.
We help you gather and present this evidence correctly to ensure your application is complete and decision-ready.
Yes, when the child has been living with extended family, we’ll need to demonstrate that you have legal responsibility for the child’s care. This could include guardianship orders, parental responsibility documents, or written consent from any non-applying parents. If these documents aren’t available, we can help guide you through obtaining the necessary evidence to establish your right to sponsor the child.
It’s generally not recommended for a child to enter Australia on a tourist visa while their Orphan Relative visa is in process. Tourist visas typically have a condition preventing permanent migration and may raise concerns during processing. If your child is already in Australia and you’re seeking a permanent visa, we can help with applying for a Bridging Visa while the permanent visa is processed.
Your child will need to meet Australia’s health requirements to be granted the Orphan Relative visa. This typically involves a medical examination. If your child has pre-existing health conditions, these may be assessed as part of the visa application process. In some cases, this could lead to additional processing time or conditions on the visa. We recommend getting a health assessment early to understand how the medical condition could impact the visa process.
Yes, you can apply for the Orphan Relative visa while also pursuing other visa options, such as a partner or skilled visa. However, there may be different waiting times and application processes, so it’s important to plan ahead. We can help you manage the timelines and coordinate multiple applications to make sure that both your child’s visa and your own are progressing without delays.
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