About the Orphan Relative (subclass 117) Visa
The Orphan Relative (subclass 117) Visa is a permanent residency visa designed for children under the age of 18 who are outside Australia and have no parent to care for them. This pathway allows a child to move to Australia to live with an eligible relative who acts as their sponsor.
To qualify, the child’s parents must be deceased, permanently incapable of providing care, or their whereabouts must be unknown. This visa is a vital component of the Australian Government's commitment to family reunification and child welfare.
Benefits of the Subclass 117 Visa
As a permanent resident of Australia, the visa holder can:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Work and study in Australia (standard age-related restrictions apply).
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme.
- Apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
Eligibility Requirements
For an application to be successful under 2026 standards, the following criteria must be met:
The Child (Applicant):
- Age: Must be under 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Marital Status: Must be single (not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship).
- Parental Care: Must have no parent who can care for them because the parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated, or lost.
- Location: Must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision.
- Health and Character: Must meet the mandatory Australian health and character requirements.
The Sponsor:
- Relationship: Must be an eligible relative (sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or step-equivalent).
- Status: Must be a "settled" Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Sponsorship Obligation: Must provide accommodation and financial support for the child's first two years in Australia.
Application Fees (2026 Rates)
Under the latest 2026 fee schedule, the Base Application Charge for the Subclass 117 visa is as follows:
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Main Applicant (Child) | $2,970 |
| Additional Applicant (under 18) | $745 |
Note: Additional costs may include health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics collection. Fees are subject to annual indexation every July.
Current Processing Times
Processing times for the Orphan Relative visa can be lengthy due to the complex nature of verifying parental status and ensuring the best interests of the child.
Current 2026 Benchmarks:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 45 months.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 85 months.
The Department of Home Affairs prioritises applications that are "decision-ready," meaning all supporting documentation and health checks are provided at the time of lodgement.
The Application Process
Step 1: Document Preparation
Gather proof of the child's identity, relationship to the sponsor, and official evidence regarding the parents' inability to care for the child (e.g., death certificates or medical reports).
Step 2: Sponsorship Approval
The Australian relative must complete a sponsorship form. The Department will assess the sponsor’s character, including mandatory police checks, to ensure the safety of the child.
Step 3: Visa Lodgement
The application must be submitted while the child is outside Australia. Ensure all forms are completed accurately to avoid delays.
Step 4: Health and Character Checks
Once the application is being processed, the child will be required to undergo a medical examination by an approved physician.
Step 5: Visa Outcome
If approved, the child will receive a visa grant notice including their visa grant number and the date residency begins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the child be in Australia when applying for a Subclass 117 visa?
No. The Subclass 117 is an offshore visa. The child must be outside Australia both when the application is made and when the visa is granted. For children already in Australia, a Subclass 802 visa may be more appropriate.
What does "permanently incapable of caring for the child" mean?
This refers to a situation where a parent has a long-term physical or mental impairment that prevents them from providing the necessary care for their child. Professional medical evidence is required to prove this.
Is there a way to speed up the processing time?
Processing times are subject to the Department's internal queues. However, providing a complete application with clear, English-translated documents and completing the medical checks on time (via a mobile device or PC through the ImmiAccount) can prevent unnecessary delays.
Does the sponsor need to be a biological relative?
The sponsor must be a sibling, grandparent, aunt, or uncle. This includes "step" relationships (e.g., a step-aunt) provided the relationship can be legally evidenced.
