Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117 Visa) For 2026

Benefits of a Subclass 117 Visa

With the Subclass 117 Orphan Relative Visa, you can:

• Live in Australia permanently.
• Work and study in Australia.
• Travel to and from Australia freely during the validity of the visa.
• Access to healthcare and education services in Australia.
• Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

The Australian Orphan Relative visa (Subclass 117) requirements include:

1. Eligible Sponsor

• The child must be sponsored by a relative who lives in Australia.
• The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen lived in Australia for at least 2 years.
• Eligible relatives can include grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or the spouse or de facto partner of the child’s relative.
• The sponsor is willing to provide accommodation, financial support, and care to the child.

2. Age requirement

The applicant must be under 18 years old at the time of application.

3. Status of the child

• The child must not have a parent who can provide proper care.
• This situation may occur if both parents are deceased or permanently unable to care for the child.

4. Consent to leave the home country

• Legal permission must be obtained for the child to migrate to Australia.
• This includes written consent from legal guardians or approval from a court/ relevant authority in the child’s home country.

5. Health and character

Applicants must meet health and character requirements.

6. No outstanding debts

If the child owes money to the Australian Government, the debt must be repaid or arrangements made before the visa can be granted.

Meeting these requirements is crucial for successfully applying for and obtaining the Australian Orphan Relative visa, ensuring that orphaned children can reunite with family members and establish a secure future in Australia.

Processing Times of 117 Visas

According to the latest update from the DHA in 2026, the visa 117 processing time is from 74 to 93 months.

117 Visa Application Process

Applying for a Subclass 117 visa (Orphan Relative visa) involves several key steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Start by ensuring the child meets the main requirements. The applicant must be under 18 years old, have an eligible relative in Australia willing to sponsor them, and have no parent able to provide care due to death, disappearance, or permanent inability.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Gather all required documents for the application. This usually includes identity documents and official consent from a legal authority or guardian in the child’s home country, allowing the child to migrate to Australia.

Step 3: Meet Health & Character Standards

The child must complete the required health checks and satisfy Australia’s character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Lodge the visa application and check the visa status regularly.

Cost of a visa 117 application

The subclass 117 visa cost has increased to AUD 2,475 according to the new Australian Migration policy in 2026. Below are the details of visa 117 cost for each applicant:

For optimal results with your visa application, reach out to VEM for expert assistance. Our registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877) offers legal advice and ensures your application is thoroughly prepared for the best possible outcome.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Frequently asked questions