Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837)
The Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837) is a permanent visa for orphaned children in Australia whose parents are deceased, missing, or unable to care for them.
It enables the child to live permanently with a sponsoring relative in Australia.
Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837)
The Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837) is a permanent visa that allows a child who is in Australia and has no parent able to care for them to remain in Australia and live permanently with an eligible relative. This visa supports family reunification for children whose parents are deceased, permanently incapable of care, or cannot be located.
Who This Visa Is For
The Subclass 837 visa is for a child who is:
- Under 18 years of age
- Single (not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship)
- In Australia at the time of application and when the visa is decided
- Without a parent able to care for them due to death, permanent incapacity, or unknown whereabouts
The child must be sponsored by an eligible relative.
Key Benefits
Once granted, the Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837) allows the child to:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Study and work in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident
- Become eligible for Australian citizenship, subject to meeting residence requirements
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this visa:
- The child must have no parent able to provide care
- The sponsor must be an eligible relative, such as a sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or equivalent family member
- The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Health and character requirements must be met
- All required legal consents for the child’s migration must be provided
Important Considerations
- A separate application is required for each child
- Applications are paper-based and cannot be lodged online
- Sponsors are generally expected to provide accommodation, financial support, and care for the child in Australia
The Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837) provides a permanent pathway for children already in Australia to remain with their family in a safe and stable environment.