When a child is left without parents due to unfavorable circumstances, the families contribute their time in giving the child the love and affection it needs. In Australia, there exists the Orphan Relative Visa which enables eligible Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens to sponsor an orphan relative so that they can come and settle in Australia. There are two subclasses in the class, namely the Orphan Relative Visa Subclass 117 and the Orphan Relative Visa 837.
If you want to reunite with an orphaned relative who no longer has parental care, understanding how the Orphan Relative Visa process works in Australia can make the journey smoother and less stressful.
What Is an Orphan Relative Visa?
The Orphan Relative Visa allows children under 18, who are orphaned or unable to be cared for by their parents, to live with a relative in Australia.The visa allows vulnerable children to get shelter by providing them an opportunity to stay with relatives whom they can trust.
There are two major subclasses of the visa:
- Orphan Relative Visa Subclass 117 – for children applying outside Australia.
- Orphan Relative Visa 837 – for children already in Australia when the application is made.
Orphan Relative Visa 117: For Overseas Children
Orphan Relative Visa Subclass 117 is specifically for children who are outside Australia both when they apply and when the visa is granted. It provides them with an opportunity to enter Australia and live with a sponsor who will undertake to sponsor and bring them up.
Major Requirements for Subclass 117
- The child should be below 18 years old.
- Both parents have to be dead, permanently incapacitated, or have missing whereabouts.
- The sponsor has to be a suitable Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The sponsor has to be a relative of the child and should not have any offense related to child welfare.
The visa grants permanent residence, in which the child can settle down, study, and later work in Australia.
Orphan Relative Visa 837: For Already Arrived Children in Australia
Orphan Relative Visa 837 encompasses children who are already onshore in Australia but are no longer able to access the parents’ country due to loss of care at home.
Sine qua nons for Subclass 837:
- The child must be onshore in Australia (not clearing immigration).
- They should meet on the same conditions as applicants who are intending to make application under Subclass 117.
- The child cannot be issued a visa that does not include the ability to make an application for a permanent visa in Australia.
This subclass provides for permanent residence and suitability for health care, education, and other social welfare benefits.
Orphan Relative Visa Processing Time
The most common question is how long it takes to process the Orphan Relative Visa.Since the Orphan Relative Visa is part of the family migration stream, processing times can vary based on the complexity of the case and the number of applications in the queue.
As of now, the Department of Home Affairs hasn’t published an official timeframe. However, applicants should expect a long wait — often between 12 and 36 months, or possibly more. To avoid delays, make sure to submit all required documents and respond quickly to any requests from immigration authorities.
Who Can Sponsor a Child for an Orphan Relative Visa?
The sponsor should be:
- Close relative in the sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew category.
- Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Willing and able to assume legal responsibility for the child.
- Free of any criminal offense against children’s welfare.
Apart from the emotional responsibility, sponsors should also be ready to assume financial and legal responsibilities upon approval of the visa.
Benefits of the Orphan Relative Visa
Both Orphan Relative Visa Subclass 117 and Orphan Relative Visa 837 have an impressive list of benefits:
- Permanent Residency: The child is permanently resident in Australia.
- Access to Education: Go to school or further education with the same level of access as residents.
- Healthcare: Medicare and other general public health care.
- Social Security: Centrelink payments eligible after waiting period.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residence and character requirements.
Final Thoughts
Applying for an Orphan Relative Visa Australia is a decision that can make a difference to the life of the sponsor and the child.It gives children who have experienced serious hardship a chance to start fresh in a safe, loving family environment.Whether you are applying for the Orphan Relative Visa 837 for a child living in Australia, or the Orphan Relative Visa 117 for a child who does not live in Australia, it is advisable to be aware of the eligibility criteria, the required documents, and the estimated Orphan Relative Visa processing time.
