CHILD VISA AUSTRALIA
Child Visa Australia: Complete Guide for Permanent Residency
The Child Visa Australia allows eligible children of Australian citizens and permanent residents to obtain permanent residency and live in Australia with their parents.
What Is a Child Visa in Australia?
The child visa Australia pathway allows a child to migrate permanently to Australia if their parent is:
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An Australian citizen
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An Australian permanent resident
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An eligible New Zealand citizen
This visa grants permanent residency (PR), meaning the child can:
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Live in Australia indefinitely
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Access Medicare (subject to eligibility)
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Study in Australia
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Apply for Australian citizenship later (if eligible)
This pathway is different from adding a dependent child to a skilled visa. It is specifically for situations where the parent already holds PR or citizenship and the child does not.
Types of Child Visa Australia
There are two main subclasses. The correct one depends on where the child is located at the time of application and decision.
Subclass 101 – Offshore Child Visa
The Subclass 101 Child Visa is for children who are outside Australia when they apply and when the visa is granted.
Key points:
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Application lodged from outside Australia
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Child must remain offshore at time of decision
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Permanent visa upon grant
This option is commonly used when:
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A parent becomes an Australian PR or citizen while their child remains overseas
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A child was not included in the parent’s original migration application
Subclass 802 – Onshore Child Visa
The Subclass 802 Child Visa is for children who are already in Australia at the time of application.
Key points:
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Child must be in Australia when applying
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Child must be in Australia at time of decision
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Permanent residency granted
This pathway is often used when:
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A child is in Australia on a visitor or student visa
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A parent gains PR after the child has already entered Australia
Child Visa Australia Requirements
To qualify, the child must meet specific eligibility criteria.
1. Relationship Requirement
The child must be:
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A biological child
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An adopted child (legal adoption recognised under Australian law)
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In limited cases, a step-child
The sponsoring parent must meet the citizenship or PR requirement.
2. Age Requirements
The child visa age limit Australia rules are strict.
The applicant must be:
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Under 18 years old, or
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Aged 18–25 and financially dependent on the parent while studying full-time, or
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Over 18 with a disability that prevents them from working and being financially independent
The child must not be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
3. Dependency Requirement (18–25)
If over 18, the applicant must:
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Be enrolled in full-time study
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Rely financially on the sponsoring parent
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Not be working full-time
Financial documents are typically required to prove dependency.
4. Health and Character
The child must meet:
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Australian health requirements
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Character requirements (if aged 16 or over)
Medical examinations are generally mandatory.
Sponsor Requirements
To sponsor a child visa Australia application, the parent must:
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Be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
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Accept sponsorship responsibilities
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Provide financial and accommodation support if required
In some cases, custody documentation may be required if one parent is not migrating.
Processing Time for Child Visa Australia
Processing times vary depending on:
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Application completeness
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Location (onshore vs offshore)
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Custody documentation complexity
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Health checks
Offshore applications may take longer due to verification of overseas documents.
Applicants should ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.
Child Visa Australia Cost
The visa application charge depends on:
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Subclass (101 or 802)
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Whether the child is under or over 18
Additional costs may include:
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Health examinations
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Police clearances
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Document translations
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Professional assistance (if used)
Visa fees are subject to change and should be confirmed at the time of application.
Common Scenarios
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying under the wrong subclass (101 vs 802)
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Failing to provide custody consent from the other parent
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Not proving financial dependency for adult children
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Assuming all children under 25 qualify automatically
Each case must meet strict legislative criteria.
Child Visa vs Dependent Child in Other Visas
The child visa Australia pathway is different from:
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Including a child in a skilled visa (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
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Adding a newborn to an existing PR visa
If the parent already holds permanent residency, a separate Child Visa application is usually required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my child to Australia permanently?
Yes, if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and your child meets eligibility requirements.
Is the child visa permanent?
Yes. Both Subclass 101 and Subclass 802 grant permanent residency.
What is the age limit for child visa Australia?
Under 18, or 18–25 if financially dependent and studying full-time.
Need help with a Child Visa?
RACC’s registered migration agents can assess your child’s eligibility, clarify whether Subclass 101 or 802 is appropriate, and assist with preparing an application that meets Australian Government requirements.
CONSULTATION
We give the best advice based on your needs
ASSESSMENT
We assess your points to
ensure you meet the
requirements
PREPARATION
We compile all of your
important documents
APPLICATION
We submit your application
and keep you informed