Orphan Relative Subclass 117

Orphan Relative subclass 117A

This visa allows a child to travel to and live permanently in Australia with their sponsoring relative. An Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117) is for a child whose parents are dead, permanently incapacitated or of unknown whereabouts. It allows a child in this situation to travel to and stay permanently with their sponsoring relative in Australia. The sponsoring relative usually applies on behalf of the child. The visa application must be lodged outside Australia and the child must be outside Australia when the application is decided. The sponsoring relative must meet the parental responsibility or custody requirements.
To qualify for this visa:

lodge their application outside Australia
be younger than 18 years old
be sponsored by their relative who is:
the brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle or step-equivalent of the child
older than 18 years of age
an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen
not be married or in a de facto relationship
be in the situation where their parents are unable to care for them
Meet health and character requirements.
This visa will enable you to:

travel to and stay in Australia indefinitely
work and study in Australia
enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses
apply for Australian citizenship (if you are eligible)
sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted (after that time, you will need a resident return visa or another visa to return to Australia).