Child Visa (Subclasses 101/802)

Overview

These visas allow your child to move to or stay in Australia, if you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Both are permanent visas. The subclass 101 visa is for children who are outside Australia, whilst the 802 visa is for children who are inside Australia.

These visas are suitable for both biological and step-children.

This may be the right visa for you if:

What You Can Do & How Long You Can Stay

Both these visas are permanent visas.
Your child can travel to and from Australia multiple times.
Your child can live, work and study in Australia whilst on this visa.
Your child can access Medicare whilst on this visa.
Your child can sponsor relatives to come to Australia.
Your child may be eligible for a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia while waiting for the subclass 802 visa to be processed.

Limitations and Important Things to Know

Your child may be refused this visa if a member of their family unit cannot meet health or character requirements, even if they are not accompanying your child to Australia. This is known as the “One Fail, All Fail” rule.
This visa may not be suitable for adopted children, depending on the citizenship and residency status of the parents at the time of adoption. An Adoption Visa (subclass 102) may be more suitable.
Usually, your child will not be eligible for a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia while waiting for the subclass 101 visa to be processed.

If you are worried about encountering issues or restrictions when applying for this visa, we may be able to help. Please contact us for more information.

As part of the specific visa requirements, you may have to:

Be sponsored by a parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
If under 18, obtain consent to migrate to Australia from all those who have legal responsibilities towards the child
If over 18, be financially dependent on the parent who holds the temporary Partner Visa
If over 18, be in full time education or training
If over 18, never to have had a partner, nor be engaged to marry