The Subclass 117 Orphan Relative visa is designed to help children under 18 who do not have parents capable of caring for them. This visa allows a child to join a relative in Australia permanently if their parents are deceased, permanently unable to care for them, or cannot be located.
Overview
Stay Duration
- This is a permanent visa, allowing the child to live in Australia indefinitely.
Cost
- The application fee starts at AUD1,920 for the primary applicant, with additional costs for dependents.
Processing Times
- Processing times vary. For current estimates, use the visa processing time guide tool, though times are not guaranteed.
Benefits of the Subclass 117 Visa
With this visa, the child can:
- Migrate to Australia as a permanent resident.
- Work and study in Australia.
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public health scheme.
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
- Sponsor relatives for migration to Australia.
Travel
The visa includes a 5-year travel facility allowing unlimited trips to and from Australia during this period. After five years, the child may need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or consider Australian citizenship for continued travel rights.
Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirement
- The child must be under 18 years old and single.
Parental Care
- The child must have no parent able to care for them because the parents are either:
- Deceased,
- Permanently incapable of care, or
- Cannot be located.
Sponsor Requirement
- The child must have an eligible sponsor in Australia, such as:
- A sibling or step-sibling,
- Grandparent or step-grandparent, or
- Aunt, uncle, step-aunt, or step-uncle.
Consent to Migrate
- For children under 18, either:
- Written consent from those with legal custody is required,
- The laws of the home country must permit the child to migrate, or
- Any Australian child order must align with migration plans.
Health and Character Standards
- All applicants must meet health and character requirements, with possible additional requirements for dependent children who apply.
Financial Obligations
- All outstanding debts to the Australian government must be settled.
Best Interests of the Child
- The visa may not be granted if it is not deemed in the child’s best interests.
Application Process
Location
- The child must be outside Australia at both the time of application and the decision.
Application Preparation
- Prepare all necessary documentation, including evidence of relationship with the sponsor, consent letters (if required), and other supporting information.
- Any incomplete or incorrect information can cause delays.
Cost Considerations
- Fees include the base application charge plus additional charges for any dependents.
Obligations and Conditions
Initial Entry
- The child must enter Australia before the specified date in their visa grant letter, typically within 12 months of the visa grant.
Visa Label
- The visa will be digitally linked to the child’s passport, with no physical label issued.
How WIDEN Migration Can Assist You
WIDEN Migration provides specialised support for Subclass 117 visa applications, ensuring the process is as straightforward as possible. Our services include:
- Eligibility assessment to confirm the child meets all visa criteria.
- Application preparation to ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate.
- Guidance on health and character requirements, helping applicants understand and meet these standards.
- Liaison with Australian authorities to keep the application on track.
Let WIDEN Migration guide you through this process, providing compassionate and knowledgeable support tailored to the unique needs of this visa.