Australia offers several visa routes to help families to reunite and live together. Of these, the Australian Children Visa is an important option for Australian citizens, permanent residents or children of New Zealand citizens. Whether you are looking to bring your child to Australia or applicant seeking clarity on this process, this guide you need to know about Australian child visa subclass 101 and subclass 802.
What Is the Australian Child Visa?
A child visa allows children to live in Australia permanently with their parents. There are two main types:
Subclass 101 (offshore child visa) is for children Who is outside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted. Subclass 802 (onshore child visa): For children who are already in Australia at the time of application and grant. Both visas are part of the family migration stream and are permanent residency visas.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for subclass 101 or 802 child visas, the child must be:
An Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an Australian citizen. a character of New Zealand who should be sponsored. Be under 18 years old, or: Full-time student between 18 and 25 years of age., financially dependent on parents, or Over 18 and unable to work due to disability.. Be single (not married, engaged, or in a real relationship). Meet health and character requirements.
It is also essential that the child is dependent on the sponsoring parent. In most cases, biological parents, adoptive parents, or stepparents are eligible to be sponsors.
Major differences between subclass 101 and subclass 802
Feature: Subclass 101 (Offshore) Subclass 802 (Onshore)
Location of applicant Outside Australia Inside Australia
Visa status upon approval Permanent residency
Bridging visa provided? Yes (in most cases)
On a valid visa, applicants inside Australia can apply for 802 visas and usually live on a bridging visa while their application is processed. The offshore applicants should wait outside Australia until 101 visas are given.
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What Are the Benefits of a Child Visa?
Once granted, the child receives permanent residency in Australia, which includes:
The right to live, study, and work in Australia. Access to public healthcare through Medicare. Capacity to travel more from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant. If eligible, the opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship.
This visa creates a stable passage for family reunion and ensures that children can enjoy the same privileges similar to other Australian permanent residents.
Application Process: Step by Step
Applying for a Child Visa involves several important steps:
1. Check eligibility.
Ensure that both children and sponsors meet all eligibility requirements, including age, dependence status and citizenship/residence of the parents.
2. Prepare auxiliary documents.
Documents typically include:
Birth certificate (showing parental relationship) Passport copies Evidence of dependency (for children over 18) Parents’ consent (if only one parent is sponsored) Medical Examination and Police Approval (if necessary) 3. Lodge the application.
For Subclass 101, applications must be submitted from outside Australia.
For Subclass 802, applications are lodged within Australia, and the child will usually receive a bridging visa.
4. Processing and Waiting
Processing time varies, but can range From 12 to 24 months depending on the circumstances. complexity of the case.
During this time, applicants may be asked to submit further documents.
5. Visa Decision:
If approved, the child will be given permanent residence. If denied, the applicant may have the right to appeal on the basis of the situation.
General landscape and question.
What if the child was adopted?
If the child is adopted, they may still be eligible under adoption visa (subcontinent 102), which is specifically designed for adopted children. However, adopted children can sometimes apply under 101/802 visa if adoption is legally recognized under Australian law.
What will happen if parents separate?
In cases where parents are separated or divorced, sponsor parents should usually give proof of legal custody or written consent from another parent to bring the child to Australia.
Can the child attend school?
Yes. Once a visa is provided, the child has the right to go to school as any other permanent resident of Australia.
Cost of the Child Visa
By 2025, the base application charge for child visa (subclass 101 or 802) is approximately AUD 3,055. There may be additional charges for secondary applicants, health check -ups, police certificates and translations of documents.
Australian child visas (subclass 101 and 802) is a powerful and kind pathway that ensures that children can occur with their families in a safe and stable environment. Whether the child is in Australia or abroad, the process provides a permanent solution to the family reunion.
