Overview
The Child Visa (subclass 101) is a permanent resident visa that allows a child who is outside Australia to move to the country to live with their parents. This visa must be sponsored by an eligible parent who is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the subclass 101 visa, the applicant must meet the following Department of Home Affairs requirements:
- Location: The child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is decided.
- Age: Generally, the child must be under 18 years old.
- Exceptions for Age: A child may be over 18 but under 25 if they are a full-time student and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent. Children over 18 with a disability that prevents them from working may also be eligible.
- Marital Status: The child must be single (not married, in a de facto relationship, or engaged).
- Dependency: The child must be dependent on their sponsoring parent.
Application Fees 2026
As of the latest 2026 updates from the Department of Home Affairs, the Base Application Charge for the Child Visa (subclass 101) is:
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Main Applicant (Child) | $3,235 |
| Additional Applicant (18 or over) | $1,615 |
| Additional Applicant (under 18) | $810 |
Note: These fees do not include costs for health examinations, police certificates, or biometrics, which may be required during the process.
Processing Times
Processing times for the subclass 101 visa are subject to the volume of applications and the quality of the documentation provided. According to 2026 benchmarks:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 18 months.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 27 months.
To avoid delays, ensure all identity documents and character clearances are uploaded via ImmiAccount or included with the paper application at the time of lodgement.
Key Benefits
Once the subclass 101 visa is granted, the child can:
- Stay in Australia permanently.
- Work and study in Australia.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare scheme.
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible).
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Confirm the child meets age, health, and character requirements.
- Gather Documents: Prepare identity documents, birth certificates, and evidence of the relationship with the sponsor.
- Lodge Application: Submit the application while the child is offshore. Applications can be managed online or via paper forms (Form 47CH and Form 40CH).
- Wait for Assessment: Provide any additional information, such as health exams, when requested via your mobile or email notifications.
- Visa Grant: If successful, the child will receive a visa grant notification and must enter Australia by the specified date.
FAQs
Can my child apply for this visa if they are already in Australia?
No. The subclass 101 is an offshore visa. If the child is already in Australia, you may need to look into the Child Visa (subclass 802).
Does the sponsoring parent have to be in Australia?
The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. They generally must be settled in Australia.
What happens if the child turns 18 after we apply?
If the child was under 18 at the time of application, they are generally still considered under the "under 18" criteria even if they turn 18 while the application is being processed.
Is a health exam required?
Yes. All applicants for permanent residency must meet the Australian health requirement. You will be notified when the child needs to undergo these exams.
