Child Visa Options in Australia

Australia’s Family Migration Program provides several pathways for children to join their parents and live permanently in the country. Whether you are a parent or a child seeking to move to Australia, different visa options are available to suit various needs. Below, we outline the main child visa options, each designed for a specific situation.

Child Visa (subclass 101)

The Child Visa (subclass 101) allows a child living outside Australia to move and live permanently with their parent(s) in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, the child must be a dependent of a parent who is either an Australian citizen, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or the holder of an Australian permanent visa.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

The child must be under 18 years old or a full-time student aged 18-25, financially dependent on the parent.
The child must be single and dependent on the parent.
The application must be made while the child is outside Australia.

This visa enables children to join their family in Australia, provided they meet the dependency criteria. Once granted, the child can live, study, and access Medicare, as well as apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.

Stay: Permanent
Cost: From AUD 3,140
Processing Times: Varies depending on the application.

For further details, read more here.

Adoption Visa (subclass 102)

The Adoption Visa (subclass 102) is designed for children who have been adopted outside of Australia. This visa allows them to live in Australia with their adoptive parent. It ensures that adopted children have the opportunity to grow up in Australia and live with their new family.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

The child must have been adopted or in the process of being adopted by their sponsor parent.
The child must be under 18 years of age at the time of adoption, application, and decision.
The application must be made while the child is outside Australia.

Once granted, the adopted child can migrate to Australia as a permanent resident, live with their adoptive parent, study, access Medicare, and apply for citizenship if eligible.

Stay: Permanent
Cost: From AUD 3,140
Processing Times: Varies.

For more information, read here.

Child Visa (subclass 802)

The Child Visa (subclass 802) is for children who are already in Australia and wish to stay with their parents permanently. This visa is typically used by children who are living temporarily in Australia and now want to make it their permanent home.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

The child must be a dependent of a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen, or permanent visa holder.
The child must be under 18 years old or a full-time student aged 18-25, financially dependent on the parent.

Once granted, the child can live, study, and access Medicare in Australia, as well as apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.

Stay: Permanent
Cost: From AUD 3,140
Processing Times: Varies.

For more information, read here.

Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445)

The Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445) is a temporary visa that allows a child to remain in Australia while their parent’s permanent Partner visa application is being processed. This visa provides a way for children to stay with their parent in Australia while waiting for the outcome of their parent’s partner visa application.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

The child must be a dependent child of the visa-holding parent.
The child must be sponsored by the nominator or sponsor of the visa-holding parent.

Once granted, the child can stay in Australia, travel to and from the country, and work or study while the permanent partner visa application is processed.

Stay: Temporary (until the parent’s permanent visa is decided)
Cost: From AUD 3,140
Processing Times: Varies.

Fore more information, read here.

Conclusion

Australia’s Family Migration Program offers various visa options to help children reunite with their parents. Whether through permanent visas (subclasses 101 and 802), adoption pathways (subclass 102), or temporary arrangements (subclass 445), each visa serves a unique purpose. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is essential for a smooth migration journey.

Navigating child visa applications can be complex. At Aurelia Legal, our immigration lawyers provide expert guidance from eligibility assessments to document preparation and visa lodgment. We ensure your application meets all legal requirements, making your migration process seamless and stress-free.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is for general information only. Legislation may change from time to time. Please refer to the latest legislation for current details.