Bring your child to Australia for good. The Child visa gives a dependent child of an Australian parent permanent residence — to live, study and grow up here as a family.
The Child visa lets a parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsor their dependent child for permanent residence. It is a thorough, document-heavy application that turns on proving the parent–child relationship and, for older children, ongoing dependency — so getting the evidence right matters.
Official information: see the subclass 101 and subclass 802 Child visa pages on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Book a consultation for an honest assessment of whether this visa suits your family's situation.
Permanent visa for a dependent child who is outside Australia, sponsored by their Australian parent.
The permanent onshore equivalent, for a dependent child who is already in Australia on a valid visa.
For a child adopted, or to be adopted, by an Australian parent — a separate permanent pathway depending on how the adoption occurred.
A temporary visa to add a dependent child to a parent's partner visa application that is still being processed.
| Subclass | Where you apply | Type | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child 101 | OffshoreOutside Australia | Permanent | A dependent child who is outside Australia |
| Child 802 | OnshoreIn Australia | Permanent | A dependent child already in Australia on a valid visa |
| Adoption 102 | Usually offshore | Permanent | A child adopted, or to be adopted, by an Australian parent |
| Dependent Child 445 | Onshore or offshore | Temporary | A child added to a parent's partner visa that is still being decided |
Related: Partner & Family visa · Permanent residency. See the FAQ below for 101 vs 802 and adoption.
Visa subclasses, criteria and processing times are set by the Australian Government and change regularly. The above is general information only — book a consultation for advice specific to your child.
The Child visa turns on the parent–child relationship and, for older children, dependency. The child generally needs to:
A clear, well-evidenced application avoids the delays and requests that come from missing documents.
We confirm whether the offshore 101 or onshore 802 fits, and check any dependency rules for an older child.
We confirm the parent's status and prepare the sponsorship and undertakings of support.
We assemble proof of the parent–child relationship, custody/consent where relevant, and dependency for older children.
Where another parent or guardian has rights, we address custody, consent and Australian family-law considerations.
We submit a complete, well-organised application that clearly establishes the relationship and dependency.
We coordinate medicals and police checks, respond to any requests, and guide you through to grant.
Clear proof of the relationship — and of dependency for older children — is the heart of a Child visa.
Visa criteria, evidence requirements and processing times are set by the Australian Government and change regularly. The above is general information only — book a consultation for advice specific to you.
Both are permanent. The subclass 101 is lodged from outside Australia (offshore) for a child who is overseas; the subclass 802 is lodged inside Australia (onshore) for a child already here on a valid visa. The right choice depends on where your child is when you apply.
The child's parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and is generally the child's biological, adoptive or step-parent. The parent undertakes to support the child.
A child under 18 can be included without dependency conditions. A child aged 18 to under 25 may qualify if they are financially dependent and studying full-time that began soon after secondary school. There is no upper age limit where the child cannot work due to a disability and is dependent on the parent.
Dependency rules for older children are strict, and a significant break from study can affect eligibility. We assess your child's exact study and dependency history before you commit to an application.
No. To qualify as a child the applicant must not be married, engaged to be married, or in a de facto relationship.
Yes. Both the 101 and 802 grant permanent residence — the child can live, study and work in Australia, access Medicare, and may later be eligible for citizenship if they meet the requirements.
An adopted child may apply through the Child visa or the Adoption visa (subclass 102), depending on the adoption. A baby born to a parent who holds a permanent visa may be eligible for citizenship by birth or a quick visa pathway. We advise on the right option for your family.
Book a confidential consultation with a registered migration agent and get clear, honest advice on the right pathway for your family.