Child Visas
Australia offers a range of visas that allow children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently or temporarily.
General Requirements:
- The child must be single.
- Usually under 18 or up to 25 if studying full-time and financially dependent.
- Sponsored by a parent or eligible relative.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Child Visa (Subclass 101 / 802) – Permanent
Subclass 101 – Offshore
A dependent child under 18 (or up to 25 if financially dependent and studying full time), applying from outside Australia. If the child is 18 years or older with a disability, they:
- Must have totally or partially lost their bodily or mental functions
- Can’t work full time
- No Partner: The child must not have or have had a married, engaged to be married or de facto partner and relationship.
- Sponsor: Must be the child's parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Pathway to PR: Grants permanent residency on arrival in Australia.
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Meet health and character requirements:
This applies to both the applicant and any dependent family members included in the application. -
Provide supporting documentation:
Evidence of shared finances, household, social recognition, and commitment is required.
Subclass 802 – Onshore
Biological, adopted, or step-children under 18 (or up to 25 if dependent). Similar to Child Subclass 101 visa. The only difference is that the child must be in Australia to apply for a Subclass 802 visa.
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Access to Medicare, education, and citizenship pathway
- The child must be single and financially dependent
- Must be in Australia when the application is submitted and the decision is made
Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
Children under 18 adopted (or to be adopted) by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
- Permanent visa for adopted children from overseas
- Must be adopted before the parent became an Australian citizen or PR
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
Children of parents who hold a temporary partner visa (example: Subclass 309 or Subclass 820) and are awaiting their permanent partner visa
- Temporary Visa
- Allows child to stay in Australia until the parent’s permanent partner visa is finalised.
Key Considerations Across Child Visas
- Age: Generally, under 18, or under 25 if a full-time dependent student. Children over 18 must not be married or in a de facto relationship.
- Best interests: The visa must be in the child’s best interests.
- Health and character checks: Required for most visas.
- Sponsor eligibility: The sponsoring parent must be settled in Australia.
Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117/837)
Children under 18 whose parents are deceased, cannot care for them, or cannot be found.
Sponsor: A relative in Australia who is a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
- Subclass 117: Apply from outside Australia
- Subclass 837: Apply from inside Australia
Outcome: Permanent residency.
Book a Consultation with 26 Degrees Migration
Whether you're applying for a:
- Child Visa (Subclass 101 or 802)
- Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
- Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117 or 837)
- Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
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