Overview of Child Visas (Subclass 101 and 802)
The Child visa program allows a child to live in Australia permanently with their parents. These visas are divided into two main subclasses based on the applicant's location at the time of lodgement:
- Subclass 101 (Offshore): For children who are outside Australia when the application is submitted and when the visa is decided.
- Subclass 802 (Onshore): For children who are already in Australia on a valid visa when the application is submitted and when the visa is decided.
Once granted, both visas provide permanent residency, allowing the child to work, study, and enrol in Medicare.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for either the Subclass 101 or 802 visa, the following requirements must be met:
- Sponsorship: The child must be sponsored by an eligible parent who is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Age Requirements: The child must generally be under 18 years of age. Applicants aged 18 to 25 may be eligible if they are full-time students and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent.
- Marital Status: The child cannot be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
- Health and Character: The applicant must meet the standard Australian health and character requirements.
Application Fees (2026 Standards)
The following fees represent the Base Application Charge as of April 2026. Please note that additional costs for health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics are not included in these figures.
| Visa Subclass | Base Application Charge (Main Applicant) |
| Child (Subclass 101) | AUD 3,235 |
| Child (Subclass 802) | AUD 3,235 |
Note: Surcharges apply for payments made via credit card or PayPal. Ensure you provide a valid Mobile number for payment notifications and application updates.
Processing Times
The Australian Department of Home Affairs assesses applications on a case-by-case basis. Current 2026 benchmarks for processing Child visa applications are as follows:
Subclass 101 (Offshore)
- 50% of applications: 6 Months
- 90% of applications: 11 Months
Subclass 802 (Onshore)
- 50% of applications: 8 Months
- 90% of applications: 14 Months
Processing times may be affected by the complexity of the case, the completeness of the application, and the time taken to respond to requests for additional information.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Confirm the child and sponsor meet all relationship and age requirements.
- Gather Documentation: Prepare identity documents, proof of relationship (birth certificates), and sponsor status.
- Lodge the Application: Submit the application via ImmiAccount or the required paper forms.
- Pay the Fee: Ensure the base charge is paid in full to avoid processing delays.
- Complete Health & Character Checks: Follow instructions for medical exams and police clearances.
- Visa Decision: Stay informed via your Mobile device or ImmiAccount for the final notification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my child travel while the visa is being processed?
For Subclass 802, the child must hold a valid Bridging visa with travel authority (BVB) to leave and re-enter Australia. For Subclass 101, the child remains outside Australia until the visa is granted.
Is there an age limit for a child with a disability?
Yes, a child aged 18 or over who has a disability that prevents them from working may be eligible, provided they are dependent on the sponsoring parent.
Does the parent need to be in Australia?
The sponsoring parent does not necessarily need to be in Australia at the time of application but must be an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen.
