Visa file / Partner and family visas
Orphan Relative visa 117 / 837
For a child under 18 whose parents cannot care for them, sponsored by a relative.
In force
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.
Published 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 you apply from
117 outside Australia; 837 in Australia.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 03
Evidence
Death certificates, medical evidence of incapacity or evidence of searching for a missing parent.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares sensitive evidence carefully.
- 04
Lodge
Lodge with the sponsor.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges a complete application.
- 05
Grant
Permanent residence.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans settlement.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$2,475 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$1,235 |
| Family member under 18 | A$625 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| 117 outside Australia | 75 months | 97 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Parents' situation not shown.
- Sponsor not eligible.
- Best interests of the child.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Application
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.