Child Visas Australia
Australia offers several Child visa subclasses that allow eligible children to live permanently with their parents. The correct subclass depends primarily on where the child is located, the parent’s visa status, and whether the child is biological, adopted, or a stepchild.
This page explains the main Child visa subclasses, who they are for, and the key eligibility rules that apply across all Child visa pathways, based on information published by the Department of Home Affairs.
Overview of Child Visa Subclasses
Australian Child visas fall into several related subclasses, each designed for a specific family situation:
- Child Visa Subclass 101
- Child Visa Subclass 802
- Adoption Visa Subclass 102
- Other related child and family subclasses used in limited circumstances
All Child visas are permanent visas unless otherwise specified.
Child Visa Subclass 101
The Child Visa Subclass 101 is for children who are outside Australia at the time of application and visa decision.
This visa allows the child to migrate to Australia permanently to live with a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent visa holder.
The child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is decided.
Child Visa Subclass 802
The Child Visa Subclass 802 is for children who are inside Australia at the time of application and decision.
It is used where the child is already in Australia and meets the same dependency, relationship, and sponsorship requirements that apply to other Child visas.
The eligibility principles for Subclass 802 mirror those of Subclass 101, with location being the key difference.
Adoption Visa Subclass 102
The Adoption Visa Subclass 102 applies in specific adoption scenarios.
A child may be eligible for this visa if they were adopted or are to be adopted by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent visa holder, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and the adoption arrangement meets Australian legal requirements.
This visa is distinct from Child visas where the adoption occurred before the parent held Australian permanent status or citizenship.
Who Can Be Included as a Child
Across Child visa subclasses, a child must be dependent on a parent who is:
- An Australian citizen
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- An Australian permanent visa holder
The child can be:
- A biological child
- An adopted child
- A stepchild from a former partner
A stepchild does not meet the dependency requirement if the step-parent is the current spouse or de facto partner of the child’s biological or adopted parent.
Age and Dependency Rules
To qualify as a dependent child, the applicant must be:
- Under 18 years of age, or
- Aged over 18 and under 25, studying full time and financially dependent on the parent, or
- Aged over 18 with a disability that prevents full-time work
Children aged 18 to 25 must be enrolled in full-time study and cannot work full time. Financial dependency on the parent must be demonstrated.
Children aged 18 or over with a disability must provide medical evidence confirming loss of bodily or mental function affecting work capacity.
Relationship Status Requirement
For all Child visa subclasses, the child must be single.
The child must not be, and must never have been:
- Married
- Engaged
- In a de facto relationship
Sponsorship Requirements
A Child visa application must be supported by an approved sponsor.
The sponsor must be:
- The child’s eligible parent, or
- The parent’s spouse or de facto partner
Sponsorship must be approved before the visa can be granted. Sponsorship may be refused if the sponsor or their partner has certain registrable offence issues, except in limited circumstances.
Health, Character, and Legal Requirements
All Child visa subclasses require the child and any included dependants to meet health requirements.
If the child is aged 16 years or over, character requirements apply and police certificates may be required.
Additional requirements include:
- Repayment or arrangement of any Australian Government debt
- Signing the Australian Values Statement for applicants aged 18 or older
- Consent to migrate for applicants under 18
- Consideration of the best interests of the child
What Child Visas Allow
Once granted, a Child visa allows the child to:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from visa grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
After the initial travel facility expires, a Resident Return Visa may be required unless the child becomes an Australian citizen.
Applying for a Child Visa
The application process depends on the subclass and whether the child is inside or outside Australia.
Applications may be paper based and require specific forms, supporting documents, and payment of the visa application charge before lodgement.
Only certified copies of documents should be provided, and all information must be accurate and complete to avoid processing delays.
Choosing the Correct Child Visa Subclass
Selecting the correct Child visa subclass depends on:
- The child’s physical location
- The parent’s visa or citizenship status
- Whether the child is biological, adopted, or a stepchild
- The child’s age and dependency status
Each case must be assessed carefully against legislative requirements.