Getting an Australian Visa for Your Child: What You Need to Know

ByAria Tyler
Australian Visa for Your Child

If you’re a parent planning on moving to Australia with your child, then you’re probably already aware of the challenges of getting a visa for them.

It’s also important to understand how to get the child visa that will allow them to come with you as soon as possible.

The best way to do this is by looking at a few of the most common visa options for children and their accompanying parents. 

You’ll want to make sure that your child is eligible for the visa that’s right for them, so we’ve taken some time to write this article to help answer any questions you might have about getting your child an Australian visa.

What is an Australian Child Visa?

The Australian government issues a child visa to kids whose parents or guardians already call Australia home. Sponsoring your kid for this visa requires you to be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand. 

If both parents meet the requirements, the child can enter and remain in Australia indefinitely with the help of a child visa (subclass 802 or subclass 101). A parent may apply on behalf of a child under 18 years old.

What Sets Apart the Subclass 101 and Subclass 802 Child Visas?

The primary distinction between the subclass 101 Child visa and the subclass 802 Child visa has to do with the visa applicant’s country of residence at the time of visa application submission and immigration department determination.

Both the visa application and approval for a subclass 101 Child Visa require the applicant to be physically located outside of Australia.

Subclass 802 Child visa applicants must be physically present in Australia at the time their application is received and when their visa is issued.

Another difference is the length of time required for processing the visas. As per the Department of Home Affairs’ advice, a Subclass 802 visa can take up to 14 months to process whereas a Subclass 101 child visa is typically processed within ten months. It is a well known fact that a professionally prepared complete and decision ready visa application can significantly reduce processing times. 

Australian Subclass 101 Visa for Children

If a child of yours currently lives outside of Australia but has an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parent, you may apply for a Subclass 101 Child visa for them. With this visa, your child can join you in Australia as a permanent resident and join you there for the rest of your life.

Criteria for Eligibility

The following conditions must be met for a kid to be granted a Subclass 101 child visa:

  • The child needs to be less than 18 when they apply.
  • The child must be located outside of Australia both during the application process and when a decision is being made about the application.
  • The child must either be born or be adopted by an Australian or permanent resident or be a New Zealand citizen who meets the residency requirements.
  • The child cannot be married, betrothed, or involved in a de facto relationship.

Australian Subclass 802 Visa for Children

The Subclass 802 Child visa is for children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are currently in Australia with their parents. This visa allows a kid to remain in Australia with his or her parents in permanent resident status.

This visa has hefty costs, starting at $2665 for the initial application.

Criteria for Eligibility

For a child to qualify for a Subclass 802 child visa, they must meet the following requirements.

  • All applications and decisions must be made while the kid is physically present in Australia.
  • The kid must either be the biological or adopted child of a permanent Australian and New Zealand resident.
  • The child must still be financially reliant on their parents and be under the age of 25.
  • The child cannot be legally married, engaged, or living with another person.

Visa Requirements for Children Traveling to Australia

A permanent resident of Australia or eligible New Zealand citizen may act as a sponsor for a child seeking a visa to enter Australia. The applicant and sponsor must provide identification documents, and the applicant must undergo a health assessment to show they will not burden the Australian healthcare system. 

The applicant must be either under 18, or  a full-time student aged 18-25 and dependent on their parents, or incapacitated and dependent on the sponsor, and they must pass a character test. 

In some cases, assurance of support is required to ensure the applicant is financially supported without relying on social welfare payments. 

Consulting an immigration agent in Cairns can help you understand the document requirements and increase your chances of a successful application.

Guidelines for Applying for an Australian Child Visa

These steps can help ensure a smooth application process:

  • Submit a fully completed and correct visa application form.
  • Provide all information and paperwork requested.
  • Submit your application for the visa in plenty of time before your planned departure.
  • Before applying, ensure the kid is healthy and has good character references.

The process of getting an Australian visa for your child is complex, but with the right information, you can make sure that everything goes smoothly. 

We recommend seeking the services of an expert immigration agent in Brisbane who can provide expert guidance throughout the application process and assist in mitigating any potential risks.