Child Visas
(Subclass 101 & 802)
Bring your children to Australia permanently. This visa ensures your children have the security of permanent residency and the same rights as every other Australian child.
Visa Type
Permanent PR
Full residency rights
Age Limit
Under 18 / 25
Dependency required
Processing
18 - 26 Months
Average wait times
Base Fee
$3,140 AUD
Primary child applicant
Understanding the Child Visa
The Subclass 101 & 802 Visas are dedicated pathways for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealanders to sponsor their children for a life in Australia. These visas grant immediate permanent residency, allowing families to plan for the long term with absolute peace of mind.
While primarily for children under 18, the system also supports adult children up to age 25 if they are full time students and still rely on their parents for financial support. This ensures that the migration process doesn't separate families during the critical years of higher education.
Navigating the documentation for dependency and proving the parent child relationship can be complex. We provide personalized guidance to help you gather the right proof, ensuring your child's journey to Australia is as smooth as possible.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
The Child visa has specific rules regarding age and current dependency.
Relationship & Age
The applicant must be your biological, adopted, or step child. They must be under 18 years old, or between 18-25 if they are studying full time and haven't started their independent professional life yet.
Dependency Rules
- Financial Support: For adult children, you must prove they are substantially reliant on you for food, housing, and clothing.
- Full time Study: Adult children must have been enrolled in full time study since turning 18 or finishing school.
Visa Rights
Key Features of the Child Visa
Explore the residency rights and future opportunities for your child.
Permanent Family Unity
This visa allows children to join their Australian parents permanently. It's the most secure way to ensure your child can live, grow, and thrive alongside you in Australia.
Outcome
Permanent Residency
Key Detail
Must be a biological, adopted, or step child of an Australian.
Future Potential
Direct path to permanent residency and future citizenship.
Eligibility Benchmarks
Ensure your child meets these core criteria before beginning the application.
Parent Status
Sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, PR, or NZ citizen.
Age Check
Generally under 18. Students can apply up to age 25.
Dependency
Adult children must be financially and emotionally dependent on you.
Character
For children 16+, clean police records and health checks are required.
Roadmap
The Application Lifecycle
A simplified step by step horizontal guide to your child's migration journey.
Documentation
Gather relationship records, identity proofs, and dependency evidence.
Lodgement
Submit the 101 or 802 application and pay the required fee.
Verifications
Complete medical exams and submit international police clearances.
Visa Grant
Receive PR and start your child's new life in Australia.
Critical Advice
Child visas require high attention to detail for older children:
- Study Continuity: If sponsoring a child over 18, they must have been studying continuously. Any gaps in their education history could lead to refusal.
- Dependency Evidence: You must provide deep proof of financial dependency (bank transfers, payment of tuition) for adult children.
- Multiple Children: You can include multiple siblings in a single application, making the process more efficient for larger families.
Application Costs
*Excludes medical exams, police clearances, and document translation fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to reunite with your child?
Your child's future in Australia starts with the right visa. Let our experts handle the paperwork so you can focus on your family.