The Child (subclass 802) visa is a permanent residency visa that allows a child who is already in Australia to stay indefinitely with their sponsoring parent. This visa is essential for families looking to secure the long-term future of their children within the Australian community.
Overview
This visa allows a child to live, study, and work in Australia permanently. Once the visa is granted, the child can:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely.
- 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.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the subclass 802 visa, the child must meet several strict criteria defined by the Department of Home Affairs:
- Location: The child must be in Australia when the application is lodged and when the decision is made.
- Age: The child must be under 18 years of age. If they are between 18 and 25, they must be a full-time student and financially dependent on the parent.
- Dependency: The child must be single and not in a de facto relationship.
- Sponsorship: The child must be sponsored by an eligible parent who is an Australian citizen, a holder of an Australian permanent visa, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Health and Character: The child must meet mandatory health and character requirements. For children aged 16 and over, police clearances are required.
Application Costs
As of the latest 2026 updates from the Department of Home Affairs, the Base Application Charge for a subclass 802 visa has been adjusted.
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Main Applicant (Child) | $3,235 |
| Additional Applicant (18 and over) | $1,615 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | $810 |
Note: Additional costs may apply for health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics. These fees are subject to change annually on 1 July.
Processing Times
Processing times can fluctuate based on the volume of applications and the completeness of the documentation provided. Current 2026 benchmarks for the subclass 802 visa are:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 20 months.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 26 months.
To ensure the fastest possible processing, all supporting documents—including identity proof, relationship evidence, and medical results—should be provided at the time of lodgement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the child work on this visa?
Yes, once the visa is granted, the child has full work rights in Australia, though this is typically more relevant for dependent children aged 18 to 25.
Does the child need a medical exam?
Yes. All applicants for permanent residency must undergo health assessments. The Department of Home Affairs will notify you via your registered Mobile number or email when it is time to arrange these.
What happens to the child’s legal status while waiting for the decision?
When a valid subclass 802 application is lodged onshore, the child is generally granted a Bridging Visa. This allows them to remain lawfully in Australia while the permanent visa is being processed.
