If you’re looking to bring an orphaned child from overseas to live with you in Australia, the Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117) might be the right option. This visa helps children who’ve lost their parents or can’t be cared for any more to live with close family in a safe and loving home.
Let’s walk you through this visa step by step—in plain English.
💡 What is the Orphan Relative Visa?
This visa allows an orphaned child under 18 to live permanently in Australia with a close family member. It’s for situations where both parents have either passed away, are seriously sick, or are missing.
It’s a way to keep families together when life takes a hard turn.
✅ Who Can Apply?
For the Child:
- Must be under 18 years old
- Must be single (not married or in a relationship)
- Must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
- Has no parents who can care for them (due to death, illness, or disappearance)
- Must not be adopted by the relative sponsoring them
For the Sponsor (You):
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or an eligible New Zealand citizen
- Must be a close relative (like a brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew)
- Must be able to look after the child and support them
🧩 How They Decide If You Qualify
The visa office will look at:
- Are you closely related to the child?
- Is the child’s situation genuine (i.e., are the parents truly unable to care)?
- Can you provide a safe, stable home?
- Is moving to Australia in the child’s best interest?
- Does the child pass a health check?
- Do you (the sponsor) have a clean background?
🪜 How to Apply – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible
Ensure that both the child and sponsor meet the basic requirements.
Step 2: Collect Your Documents
You’ll need birth certificates, proof of relationship, parent death reports, your ID, and additional documents (we’ll provide a complete list soon).
Step 3: Fill Out the Forms
You’ll need to complete:
- Form 47CH – for the child’s visa application
- Form 40CH – for the sponsor’s details
Step 4: Post Your Application
Send everything by post to the correct Australian Visa Office (in the child’s country).
Step 5: Do Health & Police Checks
The child needs to undergo a health check. You (the sponsor) may be asked for a police clearance.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
The process takes place around 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific case.
📋 What Documents Will You Need?
Here’s a checklist to help you stay organised:
| ✅ What You Need | 👤 Who Gives It |
|---|---|
| Child’s birth certificate | Child |
| Proof that both parents can’t care (death certificate, medical report, missing person report) | Child |
| Your ID and proof that you’re a citizen or PR | Sponsor |
| Proof of relationship (birth records showing how you’re related) | Sponsor |
| Police check (if asked) | Sponsor |
| Medical check results | Child |
| Form 47CH (child) and Form 40CH (you) | Both |
✍️ Make sure all non-English documents are officially translated into English.
💰 Fees and Waiting Time
| 💵 What | 🔎 Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | Around AUD 2,990 |
| Extra Costs | Health checks, document translation, police clearance |
| Waiting Time | Usually 12–24 months, sometimes longer |
💸 Do You Need to Show Money?
There’s no set amount you need to show in your bank. However, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can adequately care for the child.
You can show:
- Payslips or bank statements
- Rental agreement or proof of where you live
- A short letter saying how you’ll care for them (emotionally and financially)
🎁 What the Child Gets from This Visa
- ✅ Permanent residency in Australia
- 📚 Can go to school here
- 🏥 Covered by Medicare (public health care)
- 🛫 Can travel in and out of Australia
- 🧑🤝🧑 Grows up in a safe, loving home
- 🇦🇺 Can apply for citizenship later on
⚠️ A Few Important Notes
- The child must apply from outside Australia
- The sponsor must be a close relative
- The sponsor can’t adopt the child
- Long wait times—be prepared to be patient
- All information must be honest and transparent—false information can lead to rejection.
🌐 Helpful Links and Contacts
| 💻 What You Need | 🔗 Link or Info |
|---|---|
| Official Visa Info | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Download Forms (47CH/40CH) | Search on the Home Affairs site |
| Help from a Trusted Immigration Consultant | Visas Adviser |
| For more information, Contact us at | +91 8744852222; info@VisasAdviser.com |
📄 Sample Documents – What to Expect
| 📎 Document | ✍️ What It Should Include |
|---|---|
| Child’s birth certificate | Child’s full name, date/place of birth, parents’ names |
| Parental death/missing certificate | Official record with dates |
| Proof of your citizenship/PR | Visa grant letter or Australian passport |
| Bank statement or payslips | 3–6 months’ worth |
| Police clearance (if needed) | From your country’s police department |
❓ Common Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for more than one child?
Yes. Siblings can be included if they all meet the requirements.
Q: Can we apply from inside Australia?
No. The child must be overseas during the whole application process.
Q: Can the child become a citizen later?
Yes, after a few years of living in Australia, they can apply for citizenship.
Q: What if the child has living parents, but they’re unable to care for them?
You’ll need to give proof of the parents’ incapacity (like a medical report or court decision).
🧠 Helpful Advice
- ✅ Start early – paperwork takes time.
- ✅ Be honest – tell the whole story.
- ✅ Write a caring letter explaining why the child needs to live with you.
- ✅ Consult a migration agent if you’re unsure or the situation is complex.
❤️ Final Words
The Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117) is more than a visa. It’s a chance to give a child hope, family, and a bright future. The process might take time, but the outcome can change a life forever.