Permanent Residency for Orphaned Children
The Subclass 117 Orphan Relative Visa allows orphaned children to live with their eligible relative in Australia, offering a permanent solution for family reunification.
🔍 Visa Overview
The Subclass 117 – Orphan Relative Visa allows orphaned children to live permanently with their eligible relative in Australia. This visa is designed for children who are under the care of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, offering them the opportunity for a permanent solution to family reunification.
Key Benefits:
Permanent Residency: The child can live in Australia indefinitely.
Work & Study Rights: Full rights to work and study in Australia.
Healthcare: Access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
Family Sponsorship: The child can sponsor other eligible relatives to migrate to Australia.
Citizenship: Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
English Classes: Opportunity to attend free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program if eligible.
Why Apply for the Subclass 117 Orphan Relative Visa?
Reunite with family: Live permanently with your eligible relative in Australia.
Permanent residency: Secure long-term stability and a future in Australia.
Work and study rights: Full access to work and study opportunities.
Healthcare access: Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
Pathway to citizenship: Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Family sponsorship: Potential to sponsor other relatives to join you in Australia.
Eligibility for Subclass 117 - Orphan Relative Visa
To apply for the Subclass 117 Orphan Relative Visa, the following criteria must be met:
Age: The child must be under 18 years of age at the time of application.
Single: The child must be unmarried.
No Parent: The child must have no parent to care for them.
Parental Consent: The child must have consent from the parent(s) if applicable to migrate to Australia.
Relative Sponsorship: The child must have a relative who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident.
Location: The child must be outside of Australia when the application is made.
Health Requirements: The child must meet Australia's health requirements.
Character Requirements: The child must meet Australia's character requirements.
🔍 Application Step-by-Step for Subclass 117 - Orphan Relative Visa
1
Check eligibility
2
Gather documents
3
Complete the application
4
Health & character checks
5
Pay visa fee
6
Wait for processing
7
Decision & visa grant
Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete or missing documents proving orphan status
Failure to provide evidence of the sponsor's eligibility |Australian citizenship or permanent residency
Missing health checks or police clearances
Tips for Strong Application
Double-check the relationship proof |birth certificates, adoption papers
Ensure all health and character documents are up-to-date
Confirm the sponsor’s eligibility and ensure financial support documents are clear
After Visa Grant Benefits
The Subclass 117 Orphan Relative Visa is designed for children, but other family members may be eligible for separate visa applications
Permanent Residency: Stay in Australia permanently.
Work Rights: Full rights to work.
Study Rights: Full rights to study.
Medicare Access: Access to healthcare.
Citizenship Eligibility: Can apply for Australian citizenship.
Required Documents – What You’ll Need
For the Applicant - Child
Passport
Birth Certificate
Health Examination
Police Clearance - if applicable
Evidence of Orphan Status
Relative’s Australian Status
Evidence of Relationship
Sponsor - Relative
Proof of Australian Citizenship
Proof of Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship
Proof of Relationship to Applicant
Evidence of Sponsorship Capacity
Police Clearance if applicable
Health Examination if applicable
Proof of Financial Capacity if requested
Visa Fees & Processing Time
| Type | Details & Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 🧾 Government Visa Fee | Approx. AUD 1,980 |
| 👥 Addtional Applicant 18+ | AUD 990 |
| 👥 Addtional Applicant below 18 | AUD 500 |
| ⏳ Processing Time | Typically 3–7 months (post-invitation) |
❓Frequently Asked Questions
The Subclass 117 visa is for orphaned children who are under the care of an eligible relative in Australia. It allows them to live permanently in Australia.
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is a relative of the child.
Yes, the child can apply for the Subclass 117 visa from outside Australia.
Once granted, the child will be able to live permanently in Australia with the sponsor and have access to healthcare, work rights, and other social benefits.
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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.