Orphan Relative Visa (837)

This is a permanent visa suitable for a child who is single and their parents are either deceased or cannot care for them. If they have a relative in Australia who is willing to provide ongoing care, then the child remain in Australia permanently on this visa. If the child is currently overseas then they should consider the Orphan Relative Visa (117).

Applicant

As the visa applicant, the child:

• must be under 18 years old at the time of visa application
• must be in Australia at the time of application
• have no parent to care for them.

Australian relative and sponsor

The sponsor is:

• an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• a sibling or step-sibling, grandparent or step-grandparent, aunt or step-aunt, uncle or step-uncle.

At the current time, Other Family Visa applications cannot be lodged via ImmiAccount and must be lodged as a paper application. The documents required for the Orphan Relative Visa (837) can be grouped under the following categories:

Forms

Some forms such as a sponsorship form and Form 956A may be required in addition to the paper visa application

Identity and other documents

These documents would include birth certificate, passport, national ID, evidence of name changes, proof of address. 

Other documents

These documents would include:

• evidence of residence status of your sponsoring parent
• evidence that the child has no parents to care for them
• evidence of the child’s relationship with their sponsoring relative.

As at 1 July 2024, the Home Affairs fees for this visa are as below:

• primary applicant – A$ 3,140
• dependent over 18 years of age – A$ 1,570
• dependent under 18 years of age – A$ 790

In addition, there will be fees associated with undertaking health examination and obtaining police clearance (if required).