orphan relative visa
Australia always has a compassionate immigration system, especially when it comes to reunion of families. One such visa that exposes this human approach is an orphan relative visa. The children are designed to help children who have lost their parents or can no longer be taken care of, this visa allows eligible relatives to bring these children to live in Australia.
In this article, we will explain what the orphaned relative visa is Australia, including the subcontinent 117 and 837, eligibility criteria, application process and the difference between orphan relative visa processing time.
What Is the Orphan Relative Visa?
Orphan relative visa is a family visa introduced by the Australian government. This allows a child who is to live with a relative in Australia (subclass 117) or already Australia (subcontinent 837), when their parents are dead, permanently disabled, or missing.
This visa is not only a way of bringing families together, but also an important solution for children’s good in weak conditions. This enables them to grow in a stable and loving environment with close family members in Australia.
Orphan Relative Visa Subclass 117
The Orphan Relative Visa 117 is for children who are outside of Australia at the time of application and decision. To be eligible, the child must:
- Be under 18 years of age
- Have no parents who can care for them due to death, disappearance, or long-term incapacity
- Be sponsored by a relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be single (not married or in a de facto relationship)
- Meet health and character requirements
The sponsor must be willing and able to support the child financially and emotionally after their arrival in Australia.
Orphan Relative Visa 837: For Applicants Already in Australia
The orphan relative visa 837 is similar to subclass 117, but it is for children who are already in Australia while applying. The eligibility criteria are almost the same, except the child should be physically in Australia and there should not be a visa subclass, which has certain conditions (such as not staying forward) associated with it.
This visa is suitable for conditions where a child has entered Australia under another visa, such as visitor visas, and circumstances have changed-it has become unprotected or impossible for them to return to their country.
Who Can Sponsor an Orphan Relative?
Sponsors must be
- A brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or step-equivalent of the child
- At least 18 years old
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Willing and able to provide care for the child upon arrival
The sponsoring relative must agree to provide financial support and accommodation and assist with the child’s integration into Australian society.
Orphan Relative Visa Processing Time
The orphan relative visa processing time can vary significantly depending on a range of factors.
- Completeness of the application and supporting documents
- Complexity of the case
- Health, character, and identity checks
- Demand for the visa and available spots under Australia’s migration program
Currently, there is no standard published timeframe, and applicants should expect a longer-than-average wait, often exceeding 12 to 24 months. It’s crucial to submit a fully documented application and respond quickly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs to avoid unnecessary delays.
Key Benefits of the Orphan Relative Visa Australia
- Permanent residency: Once granted, the child can stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to education and healthcare: Visa holders can enroll in school and access Medicare.
- Pathway to citizenship: After meeting residency and other criteria, the child may be eligible for Australian citizenship.
- Family stability: Allows the child to live with trusted relatives and grow up in a safe environment.
Important Considerations
- The Department of Home Affairs will carefully examine the child’s family situation to ensure the visa is truly in their best interest.
- False or misleading information can lead to visa refusal and potential bans.
- Legal guardianship may be required in certain situations, and sponsors may need to work with social services or family courts.
Final Thoughts
Orphan Relative Visa-Classes subclass is 117 or 837-a kind option that brings weaker children for safety, love and stability with its families in Australia. While orphan relative visa processing time can be longer, results are going to change life, provide children a new beginning in a safe and nutrition environment.
If you are considering applying for orphan relative visas to Australia, it is highly recommended to consult a registered migration agent. They can help you navigate the complications of the application process and ensure that all criteria are properly addressed.
