Subclass 837 · Permanent
Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837) Australia
A permanent visa for a single child in Australia whose parents have died, cannot care for them or cannot be found, to live with a relative in Australia. From AUD2,475.
About the Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837)
The Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837) lets a single child under 18 in Australia live permanently in Australia with a relative who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident, when their parents have died, cannot care for them or cannot be found.
With this visa the child can
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public health scheme
- Sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia
- Attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program
The child must
- Be under 18, single and with no parent to care for them
- Have a relative who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Be in australia when the application is made
- Meet health and character requirements
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant; other costs and concessions may apply. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About the Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837)
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare
- Apply for citizenship when eligible
AUD2,475 for the main applicant, plus a charge for each of the child's own dependent children. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
Each brother or sister must lodge their own separate application.
The child must be in Australia when the application is made and when it is decided.
Eligibility
What the child needs.
The child must be sponsored by an eligible sibling or step-sibling, grandparent or step-grandparent, or aunt or uncle (including step-relatives).
The child must be under 18 when they apply.
The child's parents must have died, be permanently incapacitated or be unable to be found.
For a child under 18, everyone with legal rights to decide where the child lives must consent, or Australian law must allow the move.
The child and any dependants applying with them must meet the health requirement. Children aged 16 or over must meet the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Any debts owed to the Australian Government by the child or their family must be repaid or arranged.
The visa may be refused if it is not in the child's best interests.
Step by step
How the application works.
Before you apply
Check the child's eligibility and that the sponsor is eligible.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Prepare the child's identity documents, proof of the relationship, consent from other parents where needed, and the sponsor's documents.
Apply
Lodge the application with the sponsorship and pay the visa cost.
After you apply
Respond to requests for health checks or more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Visa outcome
Home Affairs tells you the decision in writing.
When the child has this visa
What happens next.
The child and family members must meet all visa conditions, obey Australian laws and tell Home Affairs about changes such as a new passport.
After a certain time, the child may be eligible for Australian citizenship.
About sponsoring a child
Your role and obligations.
There is no fee to sponsor, but you take on financial obligations.
You must help the child with accommodation and financial support for their first 2 years on the visa.
You do not need to be in Australia when the visa application is lodged.
Sponsor eligibility
Who can sponsor this child.
A relative of the child (sibling, grandparent, aunt or uncle, including step-relatives) who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
Sponsors may need to provide police checks, and sponsorship is limited for people convicted of certain offences involving children.
Step by step for sponsors
How to sponsor the child.
Before you apply
Make sure the child is eligible for the visa and that you can meet your sponsor obligations.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Provide accurate information and prove your identity, ideally with your application or as soon as possible after.
Apply to sponsor
Lodge your sponsorship online in ImmiAccount, linked to the child's visa application.
After you apply
Home Affairs confirms receipt in ImmiAccount and may ask for more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Outcome
Home Affairs tells the visa applicant about the decision in writing.
After the visa is granted
Your support continues.
You must help the child with accommodation and financial support for their first 2 years on the visa.
Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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A single child under 18 in Australia whose parents have died, cannot care for them or cannot be found.
From AUD2,475, with concessions in limited circumstances.
A relative who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident.
Yes. The child can stay in Australia indefinitely.
Reunite Your Family in Australia
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your family visa.
