About the Adoption (Subclass 102) Visa
The Adoption (Subclass 102) visa is a permanent residency pathway that allows a child adopted (or in the process of being adopted) outside of Australia to live in Australia with their adoptive parents. This visa is essential for families who have completed an intercountry adoption or an expatriate adoption while living abroad.
Under the 2026 migration framework, the Department of Home Affairs maintains strict oversight to ensure that all adoptions comply with both Australian law and international conventions, prioritizing the best interests of the child.
Key Benefits
The Subclass 102 visa provides the child with immediate permanent residency upon entry to Australia. Benefits include:
- The right to stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Eligibility for Australian citizenship (subject to residency requirements).
- The ability to study and, upon reaching legal age, work in Australia.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure compliance with 2026 standards, applicants and sponsors must satisfy the following:
The Child:
- Age: Must be under 18 years of age at the time of adoption, at the time of application, and when the visa decision is made.
- Location: Must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the decision is finalized.
- Adoption Type: Must be adopted through an intercountry process involving an Australian State or Territory Central Authority (STCA), a Hague Convention adoption, or a valid expatriate adoption.
- Health and Character: Must meet mandatory health requirements. If the child is 16 or older, they must also meet character requirements.
The Sponsor:
- Status: Must be an Australian citizen, a holder of an Australian permanent visa, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Age: Must be 18 years or older.
- Expatriate Requirement: If an expatriate adoption, the sponsor must have lived outside Australia for at least 12 months immediately before the application.
2026 Application Fees
The Department of Home Affairs updated the visa application charges (VAC) for the 2025–26 financial year. The current base rates for the Subclass 102 visa are:
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Main Applicant (Child) | $3,235 |
| Additional Applicant (under 18) | $810 |
| Additional Applicant (18 and over) | $1,615 |
Note: These fees cover the visa application only. Sponsors should budget for additional costs including health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, and potential STCA administrative fees.
Current Processing Times
Processing times are subject to the complexity of the adoption papers and the responsiveness of external agencies. As of early 2026, the benchmarks for the Subclass 102 visa are:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 6 months.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 10 months.
To ensure the fastest possible processing, ensure all documents are scanned in high resolution and uploaded via a mobile device or computer to the applicant's ImmiAccount.
Steps to Apply
1. Confirm Adoption Legality: Ensure the adoption meets the legal requirements of both the child's home country and Australia.
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather identity documents, adoption papers (including Hague Convention certificates where applicable), and sponsor residency proof.
3. Lodge the Application: Submit the application online while the child is offshore. Ensure the correct 2026 fee is paid at the time of lodgement.
4. Health and Biometrics: Complete the required medical examinations and provide biometric data at a designated collection centre.
5. Visa Outcome: Once the Department is satisfied all criteria are met, the visa is granted, and the child can travel to Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for this visa if the child is already in Australia on a visitor visa?
No. The Subclass 102 visa is strictly an "offshore" visa. The child must be outside Australia to apply and must be outside Australia for the visa to be granted.
What is an expatriate adoption?
An expatriate adoption occurs when an Australian citizen or permanent resident adopts a child through the legal process of a foreign country while living there. To use this for a Subclass 102 visa, the sponsor must prove they resided outside Australia for more than 12 months prior to the application.
Does the child get a Medicare card immediately?
Yes. As a permanent resident visa holder, the child is eligible to enrol in Medicare. You should visit a Services Australia centre once the child has arrived in Australia to complete the enrolment.
Can we include the child’s siblings on the same application?
Generally, each child requires their own separate Subclass 102 application and fee. However, if a child has their own dependent child, that dependent can be included.
