Applying for this Visa

These pages provide information to help you understand and apply for this visa. Before applying for this visa, applicants and sponsors should also read the Child Migration information booklet.
See: Booklet 2 Child Migration

Application charge

There is an application charge for this visa. This will usually not be refunded if the application is unsuccessful, or if the application is withdrawn after it has been lodged.

Only one application charge is payable if dependents of the child are included in the application, or siblings apply together, at the same time and place.
See: Fees & Charges

Other costs

In addition to the application charge the applicant will need to pay for any health examinations. The applicant may also be required to pay a charge for obtaining police checks. This charge varies from country to country. When the applicant is required to obtain their own police checks, they are personally responsible for all arrangements. There may be other costs associated with the application, such as translating documents into English.

Application checklist

The Application Checklist details the information and supporting documents that must be provided with the visa application.
See: Application Checklist Orphan Relative Visa Checklist (Subclass 837) (52KB PDF file)

Application forms

The forms listed in the table below must be completed and provided to the department.

Who Completes	Form Details
The sponsor	See: Form 40CH Sponsorship for a Child to Migrate to Australia (297KB PDF file) Note: This form must be lodged with Form 47CH.
The applicant or sponsor on behalf of the applicant	See: Form 47CH Application for Migration to Australia by A Child (333KB PDF file)

Information to help prepare your application

More information is available on certifying and translating documents, communicating with the department, using a migration agent, authorising another person to receive information from the department, and receiving assistance with your application.
See: Information to Help Prepare Your Application

How and where to lodge your application

All Orphan Relative (subclass 837) applications are processed at the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. The appropriate application forms, together with all necessary supporting documentation and application charges, should be lodged at the Child and Other Processing Centre (preferred) or at your nearest state or territory office:

• by post
• by courier
• in person.

See: Australian Processing Centres

For this visa, the child must be in Australia at the time of application and at the time of visa grant.

After lodging an application

Information about what happens after an application is lodged is available.
See: After Lodging an Application

More information

If you have read all of the available information for this visa and you still require assistance.
See: More Information