Child Visa Australia: Complete Guide to Subclass 101 and 802 Applications
Bringing your child to live permanently in Australia represents one of life’s most significant family decisions. Whether your child currently lives overseas or is already in Australia on a temporary visa, understanding the child visa pathway is essential for successful family reunification.
Australia’s child visa system provides two primary routes for dependent children to obtain permanent residence: visa subclass 101 for children outside Australia and Subclass 802 for those already in the country. Both permanent visas are designed to keep families together while ensuring compliance with Australian laws and immigration requirements.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about child visa applications, from eligibility requirements to processing times, helping you make informed decisions about your family’s future in Australia.
What is a Child Visa?
A child visa enables dependent children to live permanently with their parents in Australia. These permanent residence visas facilitate family reunification by allowing children to join Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who can sponsor their arrival or continued stay in the country.
The australian government recognizes two main types of child visas:
Subclass 101 (Child visa - offshore): For children currently outside Australia
Subclass 802 (Child visa - onshore): For children already in Australia on temporary visas
Both are permanent visa options that grant the same long-term rights and benefits. The key difference lies in where the child lives when applying and during the processing period.
These visas specifically target dependent children under 18 years of age, though certain circumstances may allow older children to qualify. The visa system prioritizes the best interests of the child while maintaining strict eligibility criteria to ensure genuine family relationships.
Child Visa Subclass 101 (Offshore)
The Subclass 101 child visa serves families where the dependent child currently lives outside Australia and wishes to migrate permanently. This offshore visa allows permanent migration to live with a sponsoring parent who holds Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or is an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Children applying for this visa must remain outside Australia until their visa is granted. Once approved, they can enter Australia and stay in Australia indefinitely with full permanent residence rights.
The current application fee for the main applicant stands at AUD 3,235 as of 2025, with additional costs for health examinations, police certificates, and document preparation.
Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 101
To qualify for the child visa subclass 101, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Age and Relationship Status:
The child must be younger than 18 years of age at the time of application
Must be single (unmarried and not in a de facto relationship)
If the child is 18 years of age or older, they must be financially dependent on the sponsoring parent and either a full-time student or unable to work due to disability
Family Relationship:
Must be the biological child, adopted child, or stepchild of the sponsor
For adopted children, the adoption must be recognized under Australian laws
Stepchildren require evidence that the child’s parent is in a genuine relationship with the sponsor
Dependency Requirements:
Must be financially dependent on the sponsoring parent
Cannot be engaged to be married or in a de facto relationship
Must rely on the sponsor for basic needs including accommodation, food, and clothing
Sponsor Eligibility:
The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
The sponsor can be located inside or outside Australia when lodging the application
Must demonstrate genuine parental responsibility and ongoing relationship with the child
Health and Character:
All applicants must meet health requirements through medical examinations
Police certificates are required for character assessment
Children aged 16 and over need police clearances from countries where they have lived for 12 months or more
Child Visa Subclass 802 (Onshore)
Subclass 802 serves as the onshore equivalent for children already in Australia on temporary visas. This child visa allows the child to remain in Australia permanently rather than requiring departure and reentry under the offshore pathway.
Children on various temporary visas, including tourist visas, student visas, or other temporary partner visa arrangements, may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through this route. The visa provides the same permanent residence benefits as Subclass 101, including the right to work, study, and access healthcare services.
The application fee structure mirrors the offshore visa, with the main applicant paying AUD 3,235 plus additional costs for medical examinations and supporting documentation.
Key Differences Between Subclass 101 and 802
Understanding the distinctions between these child visas helps families choose the appropriate pathway:
Location Requirements:
Subclass 101: Child must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
Subclass 802: Child must be in Australia when applying and can remain during processing
Processing Considerations:
Offshore applications may have different processing times due to country-specific factors
Onshore applicants may be eligible for a bridging visa during processing
Travel restrictions vary significantly between the two options
Family Circumstances:
Onshore applications suit families already established in Australia
Offshore applications work better for children joining parents who have recently migrated
Sponsoring Parent Requirements
The eligibility of the sponsoring parent significantly impacts the success of any child visa application. Sponsors must meet strict criteria and accept ongoing responsibilities throughout the process.
Citizenship and Residency Status: A sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Parental Responsibility: The sponsor must demonstrate genuine parental responsibility and an ongoing relationship with the child. This includes:
Regular contact and communication with the child
Financial support and provision of basic needs
Active involvement in major decisions affecting the child’s welfare
Evidence of intention to continue the parental relationship in Australia
Financial Obligations: While there’s no specific income threshold, sponsors must show they can financially support the child without relying on government assistance. This includes:
Accommodation arrangements suitable for the child
Ongoing financial support for education, healthcare, and living expenses
Evidence of stable employment or sufficient financial resources
Location Flexibility: The sponsor can be inside or outside Australia when lodging the application. However, they must intend to live in Australia with the child once the visa is granted. Sponsors temporarily overseas for work or family reasons can still proceed with applications.
Required Documentation
Successful child visa applications require comprehensive documentation proving eligibility and family relationships. Gathering these documents early in the process helps avoid delays and ensures all requirements are met. Child visa application is a paper application and cannot be submitted through ImmiAccount.
Child’s Identity and Status:
Certified copy of birth certificate showing parent-child relationship
Current passport with at least six months validity
Recent passport-style photographs meeting Department requirements
Evidence of current visa status if already in Australia
Proof of Family Relationship:
Birth certificates showing biological parent-child relationships
Court orders or legal adoption papers for adopted children
Marriage certificate of child’s parent to sponsor (for stepchildren)
Evidence of genuine and continuing relationship between biological parent and sponsor
Sponsor Documentation:
Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residence, or eligible New Zealand citizen status
Current passport or citizenship certificate
Evidence of residence and establishment in Australia
Employment documentation or evidence of financial capacity
Health and Character Requirements:
Health examinations conducted by approved panel physicians
Police certificates from all countries where the child has lived for 12 months or more since turning 16
Character references and statutory declarations if required
Medical insurance evidence for initial period in Australia
Additional Supporting Documents:
Certified translations of all foreign language documents
Financial records demonstrating dependency relationship
School enrolment evidence or educational transcripts
Written consent from non-accompanying parent if applicable
All foreign documents require certified translations by accredited translators, and document authenticity may be verified through additional processes.
Application Process and Timeline
The child visa application process involves multiple stages with current processing times ranging from 14 to 20 months for most applications. Understanding each step helps families prepare effectively and avoid common delays.
Pre-Application Preparation: Before lodging a visa application, families should:
Verify eligibility criteria for both child and sponsor
Gather all required documents, including certifications and translations
Complete health examinations at approved facilities
Obtain necessary police certificates for character assessment
Application Lodgement: Applications are submitted on paper, by mail to the Department of Home Affairs.
Processing Period: During assessment, the Department may:
Request additional information or documentation
Conduct interviews with the child or sponsor
Verify relationships and circumstances through various checks
Make preliminary or final decisions based on all evidence
Decision and Grant: Once approved, the visa grant notice will specify:
Visa conditions and any restrictions
Commencement date and validity period
Rights and obligations of the visa holder
Next steps for travel and arrival in Australia
Important Application Considerations
Several factors can significantly impact application success and processing times:
Child Protection Measures: The Department prioritizes child welfare in all decisions. This includes assessing whether the visa grant serves the child’s best interests and ensuring appropriate care arrangements exist in Australia.
Changing Circumstances: Applicants must notify the Department of any changes during processing, including:
Changes in relationship status of parents
New address or contact details
Changes in the child’s circumstances or dependency status
Birth of additional family members
Additional Information Requests: If the Department requests more information, families typically have 28 days to respond. Extensions may be granted for complex situations, but delays in response can significantly impact processing times.
Appeal Options: If an application is refused, families may have options to:
Request review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Lodge a new application addressing refusal reasons
Seek administrative review in certain circumstances
Getting Professional Help
Navigating the child visa process requires careful attention to legal requirements, documentation standards, and procedural compliance. Professional guidance significantly improves application success rates and helps families avoid costly mistakes.
Contact Via Migration for an initial consultation to review the family’s situation. Their experienced migration agents can assess eligibility, identify potential issues, and develop a strategic approach tailored to your specific circumstances.
Prepare documents early, including certified copies and proof of relationship. Professional assistance ensures all documentation meets Department standards and helps identify any gaps before submission. This proactive approach prevents delays and reduces the risk of refusal due to inadequate evidence.
Lodge the application once ready, ensuring everything is in order and the right subclass is chosen. Selecting the wrong visa subclass or submitting incomplete applications can result in refusal and lengthy delays. Migration professionals ensure applications are properly prepared and lodged through the correct channels.
Professional assistance proves particularly valuable for complex family situations, including:
Blended families with stepchildren requiring careful relationship documentation
Adoption cases involving international adoption processes
Families with previous visa refusals or compliance issues
Cases involving children approaching the age limit
Situations requiring urgent processing due to family circumstances
Costs and Fees
Understanding the full cost structure helps families budget appropriately for child visa applications. The main expenses extend beyond the basic application fee to include various mandatory and optional costs.
Government Application Fees:
Main applicant fee: AUD 3,235 for both Subclass 101 and 802
Payment required at the time of application lodgement
Health Examination Costs:
Medical examinations: AUD 300-500 per person depending on age and location
Additional tests may be required based on health history or country of origin
Costs vary between approved panel physicians and locations
Character Assessment Expenses:
Police certificates: Costs vary by country, typically AUD 50-200 per certificate
Character references and statutory declarations may incur minimal costs
Apostille or authentication services for international documents
Documentation and Translation:
Certified document copies: AUD 20-50 per document
Professional translation services: AUD 30-50 per page depending on language complexity
Courier services for document delivery: AUD 50-100
Professional Assistance:
Migration agent fees vary based on complexity and services required
Initial consultation fees range from AUD 150-300
Full application assistance typically costs AUD 2,000-4,000
Additional services for complex cases may increase overall costs
The total cost for a straightforward child visa application typically ranges from AUD 5,000-7,000 including government fees, health examinations, and basic professional assistance.
After Visa Grant
Receiving a child visa grant marks the beginning of a new chapter in Australia, bringing both opportunities and responsibilities for the child and sponsoring family.
Permanent Residence Rights: The child gains the right to:
stay in Australia indefinitely without further visa applications
Australia indefinitely work in any legal employment
enrol in Australia’s public education system
Access Medicare healthcare benefits and services
Travel freely in and out of Australia (subject to travel facility conditions)
Path to Australian Citizenship: After meeting residence requirements, the child becomes eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. Generally, this requires:
Continuous residence in Australia for at least four years
No absence from Australia for more than 12 months in the four-year period
No absence exceeding 90 days in the 12 months before application
Meeting character and other citizenship requirements
Educational Opportunities: Children with permanent residence can:
enrol in Australia’s public schools at no cost to their families
Access the same educational opportunities as Australian citizens
Apply for government assistance for higher education
Participate in vocational training and apprenticeship programs
Healthcare and Social Services: Permanent residents receive:
Full Medicare coverage for essential healthcare services
Access to prescription medication subsidies
Emergency healthcare services
Mental health support services through the public system
Work and Career Development: Once old enough, permanent resident children can:
Work in any legal employment without restriction
Start businesses and engage in self-employment
Access government employment opportunities
Build careers without visa limitations
Travel Considerations: The visa remains valid for travel for five years from the grant date. After this period, a Resident Return Visa may be required for international travel. Maintaining strong ties to Australia helps ensure ongoing travel facility renewal.
Family Sponsorship Rights: As permanent residents, children may eventually sponsor their own family members for migration, subject to meeting sponsor requirements and maintaining permanent residence status.
The transition to permanent residence represents a significant milestone in your family’s Australian journey. Understanding these rights and responsibilities helps ensure the child maximises the opportunities available while meeting their obligations as a permanent resident.
With proper planning, professional guidance, and thorough preparation, the child visa process can successfully reunite families and provide children with the security and opportunities that come with permanent residence in Australia. Contact Via Migration today to begin your family’s journey toward Australian permanent residence.
