Orphan Relative (Onshore) Visa (Subclass 837)

Similar to a Subclass 117 visa, this subclass 837 visa is a great opportunity for orphans to migrate to Australia and enjoy their life. Dive in to learn more about the benefits, requirements, and key differences between Subclass 837 and 117.

Subclass 837 Visa Overview

The Subclass 837 visa, also known as the Orphan Relative (onshore) Visa, allows an orphan under 18 years of age to come to Australia and live with their relatives who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

This permanent visa prioritizes family unity and the well-being of orphaned minors whose parents are deceased, missing, or unable to care for them. Unlike the Subclass 117 visa, applicants for the Subclass 837 visa must be in Australia (onshore) when lodging the visa application.

Subclass 837 Visa Benefits

While holding an Orphan relative visa 837, visa holders will be entitled to the following benefits:

• Live in Australia permanently
• Study and work in Australia with no time limits
• Access Medicare and Australia’s public healthcare system
• Apply for Australian citizenship once eligibility requirements are met
• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
• Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years from the grant date (a Resident Return Visa is needed after this period)

837 Eligibility Requirements

Child applicant:

• Under 18 at the time of application
• Single (no spouse or de facto partner)
• Be in Australia when applying and when the visa is decided (not in immigration clearance)
• Holds, or last held, a valid substantive visa (not a Transit visa)
• Applies within 12 months of their last substantive visa ending
• Has no parent able to provide care because the parents are:
  • Deceased, or
  • Permanently unable to care, or
  • Missing and cannot be located
• Parents are not simply unwilling to care (this would make the child ineligible)
• Has written consent from anyone with legal authority over where the child lives
• Is legally allowed to leave their home country
• Meets health requirements
• Meets character requirements if aged 16 or over
• Has no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, and repayment plans are in place
• Has not had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused

Sponsor requirements

• Sponsored by a relative who is:
  • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Settled in Australia and approved by the Department
  • Eligible relatives include:
  • Brother or sister (including step)
  • Grandparent (including step)
  • Aunt or uncle (including step)
• Sponsor must pass character and background checks, especially for offences involving children

How To Apply For an 837 Visa?

Applying for a Subclass 837 visa in Australia involves the following key steps:

• Step 1: Ensure the child meets age and orphan status criteria and visa requirements.
• Step 2: Gather necessary documents like identity, relationship evidence, health & character assessments.
• Step 3: Complete the visa application forms.
• Step 4: Submit your application with all documents and pay the visa fee.
• Step 5: Arrange your health exams and provide police checks.
• Step 6: Wait for the visa processing by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Step 7: You’ll be notified of the visa decision.

Cost of a Subclass 837 Visa

According to the new Australian Migration policies, the subclass 837 application fee is:

• AUD 1, 980 for the main applicant.
• AUD 990 for the additional applicant over 18 years of age.
• AUD 485 for the additional applicant under 18 years of age.

The applicants are also required to pay for police and health checks.

837 Visa Processing Time

Currently, there is no available information on the processing time for Subclass 837 visa applications announced by the DHA. However, you are granted a Bridging visa A to stay in Australia while waiting for the outcome of the visa application.

VEM highly recommends you prepare your documents properly before lodging your visa application to meet the “ready-made decision” criteria. For further assistance, please contact VEM. For the best support during your Orphan relative visa 837 application process, consider contacting a registered migration agent. At VEM, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our qualified consultant (MARN: 1577877), is dedicated to assisting you throughout your application.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Frequently asked questions

Mr. Phong Cao

CEO and Founder of VEM

Mr. Phong Cao is a licensed migration agent by MARA (MARN: 1577877). He is also a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), one of the most reputable organizations in the field of immigration in Australia. In addition, Mr. Phong Cao holds a QEAC certification in study abroad consulting (QEAC: K580) and Australian real estate investment (RA85931). With over 12 years of experience in Australian immigration, he provides comprehensive solutions for studying and settling in Australia.