Family · Subclass 117 / 837
Orphan Relative visa
For a child under 18 whose parents cannot care for them, sponsored by a relative.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
Who it is for
A child under 18, not married or in a de facto relationship, who cannot be cared for by parents (both deceased, permanently incapacitated, or whereabouts unknown), sponsored by a relative in Australia.
Key eligibility
- The sponsor is a sibling, grandparent, aunt or uncle (or step equivalent) who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Evidence of the parents' situation.
- Health, character and the best interests of the child.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
117 outside Australia; 837 in Australia.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence
Death certificates, medical evidence of incapacity or evidence of searching for a missing parent.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares sensitive evidence carefully.
Lodge
Lodge with the sponsor. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent lodges a complete application.
Grant
Permanent residence.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent plans settlement.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$2,475 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$1,235 |
| Family member under 18 | A$625 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Parents' situation not shown.
- Sponsor not eligible.
- Best interests of the child.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117)
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.