EMC Australia / Subclass 117 / 837
A child whose parents cannot care for them — sponsored by a relative in Australia.
117 is from overseas. 837 is in Australia. A child whose parents are dead, permanently unable to care for them, or of unknown whereabouts, sponsored by an eligible relative. Evidence of the parents’ situation is the centre of the application.
Last reviewed:
Official source: Department of Home Affairs – Orphan relative (subclass 117)
Official source: Department of Home Affairs – Orphan Relative (subclass 837)
Call +61 3 9069 3284 or WhatsApp · Weekdays 9:00am–5:00pm AEST
Who We Assist
Who We Assist
- You are a relative in Australia who needs to bring a child whose parents cannot care for them
How it works
What this visa asks of you
These are the parts of this visa, in the order they usually matter.
Evidence
The child’s country
The parents’ situation
Death, incapacity, or unknown whereabouts — proven, not asserted.
This is not a faster child visa because a parent is busy.
Location
Offshore or onshore
117 or 837
Where the child is when you lodge decides the subclass.
The relative sponsor still has to meet the rules.
How EMC works
How we help
01
The evidence, first
We will not lodge on a story. Death certificates, court papers, or a real inquiry into whereabouts.
What to Prepare
What to Prepare for Your Consultation
- Your relationship to the child
- What happened to each parent
- The child’s identity and location
Before you apply
Important Considerations Before Applying
- A parent who is alive and contactable is usually not an orphan-relative case.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually no. That is a different visa, often a child visa with consent. Orphan relative is a specific, hard test.
Start with your situation.
You do not need to memorise the subclass. Book a consultation, or send a short note. MARN 1800335 · Level 14, 333 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Other work
This page is general information, not advice about your circumstances. Australian migration law changes. You should consult a Registered Migration Agent before you apply. EMC Australia is OMARA-registered (MARN 1800335).