Child Visa - Orphan Relative Child

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Orphan Relative Visa (SC 117 & SC 837)

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This is a permanent visa granted to an orphan relative child of: 

  • An Australian Citizen
  • An Australian Permanent Resident
  • an eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia.

The child (applicant) must be related to an Australian relative as

  • Brother or Sister
  • Grandchild
  • Nephew or Niece
  • Or step-equivalent of above

Orphan Relative 

A child is considered as an orphan relative whose parents are dead, permanently incapacitated or lost.

An orphan relative child applying from off-shore applies for a SC 117 visa.
While an orphan relative child already in Australia would apply for a SC 837 visa.

Other requirements – Orphan Relative Visa

  • Age – less than 18 years.
  • Must not be married or in a de facto relationship.
  • A child can apply for this visa if their parents are dead, incapacitated or cannot be found. 
  • Require written consent of each person who can legally decide where the child lives. 
  • Meet the laws of the child’s home country permitting the removal of the child to Australia.
  • The child applicant must meet the health (and character if over 16 years of age) requirements.

This visa cannot be applied by a child if their parents cannot care for them.

Sponsor

  • Must be over the age of 18 years and usually resident in Australia.
  • Must be an Australian citizen, Permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen residing in Australia
  • Must be related to the orphan relative as either a brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle or step-equivalent
  • Be responsible for caring the child adequately and provide accommodation, financial and other living needs for at least the first two years in Australia.

Orphan Relative Visa Holder - Rights

  • SC 117 and SC 837 are permanent residence visas allowing the orphan child to live in Australia indefinitely.
  • Can study, work, enroll in Medicare and apply for Australian citizenship.
  • Can travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years. 
    After this period, they may have to apply for another visa to re-enter Australia (unless they have become an Australian citizen)

Please contact eMA by purchasing a MAP to discuss your specific circumstances, appropriate advice and costs for applying for an Orphan Relative Child visa.

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