child VISAS
Child Visas
Permanent visas for dependent children and adopted children of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Whether your child is in Australia or overseas, we help you identify the right visa stream and prepare a complete, well-supported application.
- Offshore
- Permanent Residence
- 12–24+ months (approx.)
- From ~$3,055
What Is the Subclass 101 Visa?
A permanent visa for dependent children living outside Australia who are joining their Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen parent in Australia.
The Subclass 101 is a permanent visa that allows a child living outside Australia to migrate and settle permanently with their parent who is already an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must be outside Australia at both the time of application and at the time the visa is granted.
At Amity Lawyers, our immigration lawyers help families navigate the documentation and consent requirements involved in child visa applications — ensuring nothing is overlooked and the process moves as smoothly as possible.
Who Can Apply?
- Children who are outside Australia at the time of application and at visa grant
- Children under 18 years of age
- Children aged 18 to 25 who are financially dependent on the sponsoring parent
- Children over 18 who are unable to work due to a total or permanent disability
- Must be single — not married or in a de facto relationship
- Meet health and character requirements
Key Requirements
Relationship Requirement The child must be the biological, adopted or stepchild of the eligible sponsoring parent in Australia.
Dependency Requirement Children aged 18 and over must demonstrate that they are genuinely financially dependent on the sponsoring parent in order to be eligible.
Parental Responsibility Where the child is under 18 years of age, consent from all persons who hold parental responsibility for the child is required before the visa can be granted. This can be a complex area — particularly in cases involving separated parents or custody arrangements — and our lawyers advise on how to navigate this correctly.
Assurance of Support A financial bond may be required in certain circumstances to confirm the child will not need to rely on Australian government welfare payments.
- Onshore
- Permanent Residence
- 12–24+ months (approx.)
- ~$3,055
What Is the Subclass 802 Visa?
A permanent visa for dependent children already living in Australia who are seeking to remain permanently with their Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen parent. The onshore equivalent of the Subclass 101.
The Subclass 802 is a permanent visa for children who are already in Australia and wish to remain permanently with their settled parent. It follows the same eligibility framework as the offshore Subclass 101 but is designed specifically for children who are already onshore at the time of application and at the time the visa is granted.
Our immigration lawyers assist families with the full application process — from assessing eligibility to preparing the supporting documentation required by the Department of Home Affairs.
Who Can Apply?
- Children who are in Australia at the time of application and at visa grant
- Must meet the relevant age and dependency requirements
- Must be single — not married or in a de facto relationship
- Must meet health and character requirements
Key Requirements
Age Requirement The child must be under 18 years of age, or aged between 18 and 25 and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent, or over 18 with a total and permanent disability that prevents them from working.
Sponsor Requirement The application must be sponsored by an eligible parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia.
Best Interests of the Child The Department of Home Affairs considers the welfare and best interests of the child as part of the assessment process. Where the child is under 18, all persons with parental responsibility must provide consent — our lawyers advise on how to handle this, particularly in cases involving separated parents or custody arrangements.