Apply for Orphan Relative Visa Subclass 837 (Onshore)

Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837) (onshore) is a permanent visa that allows a child of a relative to live in Australia permanently. This is an onshore visa and would require the applicant to be in Australia when the application is made. It takes about 78 months to 112 months to process the visa.

The recipient of this visa, ultimately, will be eligible for Australian citizenship and will be able to work and study in Australia. They are also entitled to Medicare (public health care system), sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia and to travel indefinitely for a 5-year term.

Sponsorship Obligation for the Orphan Relative Visa

The sponsor can be an eligible relative and may include child’s siblings, grandparents, aunt and uncle or the current spouse or de facto partner of the child’s relative. The sponsor should agree to provide support, financial and housing help for the applicant and any member of the applicant who apply with them for the first 2 years in Australia.


Eligibility requirements for Subclass 837 Orphan Relative Visa

To be eligible for the Orphan Relative Visa Subclass 837:

  • The child must be dependent on the parent and single

  • Must be under 18 years of age. If the child is over 18 then must have a disability

  • If the child is between the ages of 18 – 25, then the child should be a full-time student.

  • Have a sponsor

  • Must consent to migrate to Australia

  • satisfy health requirements

  • satisfy character requirements

  • repay any remaining debts, that is owed by the applicant or any family member, to the Australian Government