The Orphan Relative (subclass 117) Visa is a permanent visa allowing a child to come to Australia to live with a relative if their parents are deceased, can’t care for them or can’t be found. This application must be submitted outside of Australia.
They must then have a relative who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident, who acts as the child’s sponsor for the visa application.
As noted, the sponsor must be a family member of the child, which can include a sibling or step-sibling, grandparent or step-grandparent, or aunt, uncle, step-aunt or step-uncle.
The child’s family member must be willing and able to help the child to settle in Australia, and must provide adequate accommodation and financial support to meet the child’s needs for their first two years in Australia.
The Orphan Relative (subclass 117) Visa requires substantial supporting documents, and needs to show a number of key factors, including but not limited to:
that being granted Australian permanent residency to live with a family member is in the best interests of the child
The child must also satisfy a number of additional considerations, which can include assessments as to health and character. Supporting evidence, such as police certificates, will be required in addition to the above.
The All Access Migration team is experienced with complex Orphan Relative (subclass 117) Visa matters, and have assisted clients to obtain permanent residency for their orphan relatives. We are able to assist with advising comprehensively on the requirements of the visa, including advising on the level/quality of supporting evidence required for the application. Our office will also prepare detailed submissions to the Department of Home Affairs outlining you and your orphan relative’s ability to meet each requirement of the visa, as well as outlining the evidence provided.
We can also prepare and lodge both the visa application and sponsorship application, as well as supporting evidence on your behalf, with the Department, and provide ongoing ancillary advice regarding the same.
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NEWS & INSIGHTS
17th Aug 2026
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17th Jul 2026
The 2026–27 financial year brings the usual annual indexation to Australia's migration system. There are some notable increases. This article breaks down the updated Visa Application Charges, Skilled Visa income thresholds (CSIT and SSIT), the Fair Work High Income Threshold, ART and Federal Circuit Court fees, and a new limit on ImmiAccount application imports, so you know exactly what's changed from 1 July 2026.
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8th Jun 2026
Recent changes to student visa refusal reviews mean most Tribunal applications will now be decided “on the papers”, without a live hearing. This article explains what applicants need to know, including the importance of strong written submissions, complete evidence, and meeting Administrative Review Tribunal deadlines.
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29th May 2026
Australia has officially reopened its Working Holiday visa program for eligible Czech citizens, with 500 visa places available each year. Learn who can apply, the visa conditions, work and study restrictions, and how the program allows young travelers to live, work, and explore Australia for up to 12 months.
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7th May 2026
Recent changes to Australia’s migration system now allow several Parent visa subclasses to be applied for online through ImmiAccount. This article explains which Parent visas are eligible, how the online application process works, and what these changes mean for visa applicants from 22 April 2026 onwards.
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8th Apr 2026
The Australian Government has introduced new changes to the Training Visa Subclass 407 from March 2026, requiring sponsorship and nomination to be approved before a visa application can be lodged. This article explains what has changed and how it may affect applicants and sponsors.
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10th Mar 2026
Australia’s skilled visa income thresholds will increase from 1 July 2026, affecting employer sponsored visas including subclass 482 and subclass 186. This article explains the new CSIT and SSIT salary requirements, who will be affected, and what employers and visa applicants should do before lodging an application.
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10th Feb 2026
Thinking about applying for Australian citizenship in 2026? This article explains how to prepare before you lodge, including the key eligibility requirements, what identity documents you will need, how the citizenship test works, and why residency rules and travel history are so important. It also highlights common mistakes that can delay an application and when it may be worth getting legal advice.
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3rd Jun 2025
From 1 July 2025, Australia will raise its skilled visa income thresholds by 4.6%, directly affecting key employer-sponsored visa programs such as the TSS (subclass 482), ENS (subclass 186), and RSMS (subclass 187). Applicants must now meet the higher of either the new threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). These changes aim to uphold fair pay standards for overseas workers and maintain visa integrity. In this article, our team explains what the new thresholds mean and how to stay compliant.
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