Child Visa Australia – Onshore (Subclass 802) & Offshore (Subclass 101) Guide
HOme > Child Visa Australia – Onshore (Subclass 802) & Offshore (Subclass 101) Guide
The Child Visa Australia allows eligible children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. Whether the child is applying from within Australia or overseas, the Child Visa (Subclass 802/101) provides a pathway to permanent residency.
This guide will help parents understand the eligibility criteria, required documents, and the step-by-step process to apply for a Child Visa in Australia.
What is the Child Visa?
The Child Visa allows dependent children to migrate to Australia to live with their parents permanently.
Types of Child Visas:
- Subclass 802 (Onshore) – For children applying from within Australia.
- Subclass 101 (Offshore) – For children applying from outside Australia.
Who Can Apply for a Child Visa?
To be eligible for the Child Visa, the child must:
- Be a biological, adopted, or stepchild of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Be under 18 years old, or
- Be between 18–25 years old and financially dependent on the parent, or
- Over 18 years old with a disability that prevents them from working.
The child must be single and not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
How to Apply for a Child Visa
1. Sponsorship by the Parent
The parent must be the sponsor and meet the sponsorship requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
2. Gather Supporting Documents
Required documents include:
- Child’s passport and birth certificate
- Proof of the parent-child relationship
- Medical examination reports
- Police clearance certificates (if applicable for children over 16)
- Consent documents from the other parent (if applicable)
3. Submit the Application
- Onshore Applications: Apply for Subclass 802 if the child is already in Australia.
- Offshore Applications: Apply for Subclass 101 if the child is outside Australia.
Applications can be submitted online or via paper forms, along with the required fees.
4. Health & Character Checks
The child must undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates if they are over 16 years old.
5. Wait for a Decision
Child Visa applications can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to process, depending on the individual case.
What Are the Benefits of the Child Visa?
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Access to healthcare via Medicare
- Ability to study and work in Australia
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not providing sufficient proof of parent-child relationship
- Failing to submit consent forms from the non-sponsoring parent
- Incomplete health and character checks
How LIVV Immigration Can Help
Navigating the Child Visa application process can be challenging. At LIVV Immigration Services, our MARA-registered migration agents in Melbourne assist with every step, from gathering documents to submitting the final application.
Contact us today to book a consultation and ensure your child’s visa application is processed smoothly.
Looking for the Best Visa Consulting?
LIVV Immigration provides a suite of services pertaining to immigration and visa issues.