Get Clear Answers to Your Subclass 117 Application Questions

The Subclass 117 Child Visa is a permanent visa for orphaned children who are outside Australia and have been orphaned or whose parents are unable to care for them. This visa allows them to join their Australian relatives in Australia, typically in the care of a relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. 

• To be eligible for Subclass 117, the applicant must: 

• Be an orphaned child (either both parents are deceased, or one parent is deceased and the other is unable to care for the child). 

• Be under the age of 18 at the time of application. 

• Have a relative in Australia who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and who can sponsor the child. 

• Meet health and character requirements. 

No, a job offer is not required for Subclass 117. This visa is family-based, and eligibility is determined by the relationship with your Australian relative who is sponsoring you, rather than employment.

To apply for Subclass 117, you must lodge your application online through the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide documents such as proof of orphan status, proof of the Australian relative’s sponsorship, health and character documents, and any other supporting documents. 

• You will need to submit the following documents: 

• Proof of orphan status (death certificates of parents or proof of inability to care for the child). 

• Proof of relationship with your Australian sponsor (birth certificates, family documents). 

• Identity documents (passport, birth certificate). 

• Police clearances from any countries where you’ve lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years (if over the age of 16). 

• Health examination results. 

The processing time for Subclass 117 varies, but on average, it takes between 12 to 18 months. Processing times depend on factors such as application volume, the complexity of the case, and additional document requests. 

No, only the orphaned child can be included in the application. Siblings or other dependent family members would need to apply for a separate visa if they wish to come to Australia. 

Yes, you must meet health and character requirements. This includes undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates from countries where you’ve lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years. 

Subclass 117 is not points-based. Eligibility is determined by the orphan status and the relationship to the Australian relative who is sponsoring the child, as well as meeting health and character requirements. 

After submitting your application, the Department of Home Affairs will review it. You may be asked to provide additional documents or information. Once your application is processed and approved, you will be granted the Subclass 117 visa, allowing you to live permanently in Australia with your Australian relative.