Child Visa (Subclass 101)
Child Visas (Subclasses 101 and 802) are permanent family visa pathways for eligible dependent children of Australian citizens, eligible New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent visa holders.
Subclass 101 applies where the child is outside Australia, while subclass 802 is the related pathway for a child in Australia. Visa Route Migration provides professional assistance for families considering these pathways, with the appropriate subclass and requirements depending on the child’s circumstances.
Careful Family Visa Guidance
Why Choose Us for Child Visas (Subclasses 101 & 802)
Visa Route Migration is led by Registered Migration Agent Rose Khangura, MARN 2619247. Rose holds a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law & Practice from Victoria University, completed in 2024, and has two years of experience in migration and visa services, including visa files, documentation and application preparation.
Child Visa matters can involve more than confirming where the child is located. Dependency, age, relationship status, sponsorship, parental responsibility and the family’s individual circumstances can all matter. Visa Route Migration takes a personalised approach, with clear explanations of relevant requirements, practical considerations, opportunities and limitations rather than treating every family situation in the same way.
Professional assistance can be matched to the help required. Depending on the circumstances and agreed engagement, this may include professional migration advice, visa-options assessment, document or application review, assistance with a particular application stage, or broader application support.
Visa Route Migration can assist people throughout Australia and clients overseas where their matter concerns Australian migration. This can be particularly practical for Subclass 101 matters where a child is outside Australia and family members may be dealing with the application from different locations.
Child Visa Pathways
The key distinction between these closely related permanent Child Visa pathways is where the child is located when applying. Subclass 101 applies to a child outside Australia, while Subclass 802 is for a child in Australia.
Subclass 101
Subclass 802
Child Visa Subclass 101
The Child Visa (Subclass 101) is a permanent visa for an eligible dependent child who is outside Australia and wishes to move to Australia to live with their parent. The child must be outside Australia when the application is made. The relevant parent must be an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder.
Age and dependency are important. A child may fall within the pathway if they are under 18, aged over 18 but under 25 and meet the full-time study and financial-dependency requirements, or are over 18 with a disability that prevents full-time work. Relationship-status, sponsorship, health and character requirements can also apply. For children under 18, parental consent or other evidence concerning legal responsibility for where the child may live can be particularly important.
Families should also check whether citizenship by descent could be relevant where the child was born outside Australia and a parent was an Australian citizen at the time of birth. Where Subclass 101 is the appropriate pathway, Visa Route Migration may assist with professional advice, assessment, supporting documentation, application review or broader application assistance according to the circumstances and agreed scope of engagement.
Our child was living overseas, and we were unsure which family visa pathway applied. I found it helpful to have the Subclass 101 requirements explained in a way that related to our circumstances, rather than trying to interpret everything ourselves. The discussion helped us understand the importance of our child's dependency, sponsorship and supporting documents, as well as what required closer professional assessment before we proceeded.
Subclass 101 Requirements
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️We were looking into options for our child while they were already in Australia, so understanding the difference between Subclass 802 and the offshore Child Visa pathway was important. The guidance gave us a clearer picture of what needed to be checked before moving forward. I appreciated being able to discuss our family's circumstances and the documents that might be relevant, rather than relying only on general information online.
Child Visa Pathways
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Our situation involved an older dependent child who was still studying, and I had questions about how age, study and financial dependency could affect a Child Visa application. The information was explained clearly, including why the details of our child's circumstances mattered. It helped us identify the evidence we needed to consider and which parts of the situation required a more detailed professional assessment before making decisions about the application.
Dependent Child Evidence
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️One of my biggest concerns was the amount of documentation involved in our child's visa matter. I wanted to understand which records could be important and how the information in the application needed to fit together. The assistance helped me approach the documents more methodically and identify areas that needed attention. Having someone familiar with migration files review the situation made it easier to understand what still needed to be addressed.
Visa Application Documents
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Our child was under 18, and we knew there could be additional questions about parental responsibility and consent. I appreciated having those issues raised early, rather than discovering them after we had already prepared the application. The guidance helped us understand why the Department may require evidence about who can legally decide where a child lives and what documentation may be needed to support that part of the application.
Parental Responsibility Evidence
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️At first, I did not understand the difference between the permanent Child Visa pathways and the Dependent Child Visa connected with some Partner Visa situations. The explanation helped me see that these are different pathways and that choosing the right one depends on the parent's and child's circumstances. That distinction was useful because it gave us a clearer direction before we committed to an application or assumed that one particular subclass applied.
Dependent Child Visaocuments
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I was overseas while dealing with an Australian Child Visa matter and wanted professional assistance without needing to be in Victoria. Being able to discuss the circumstances remotely made the process more practical for our family. I found the explanations clear and easy to follow, particularly around the questions that needed to be considered before proceeding. It was useful to understand both the potential pathway and the areas that required closer assessment.
Remote Visa Assistance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I had already started looking into the Child Visa application myself but wanted professional input on particular parts, rather than assuming I needed the same level of assistance for everything. It was helpful to discuss what I had prepared, what still needed attention and what type of professional support might suit the matter. Being able to consider assistance for a particular stage made it easier to decide how I wanted to proceed.
Stage-Specific Visa Support
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Child Visa Questions Answered
What Is the Difference Between Subclasses 101 and 802?
Both are permanent Child Visa pathways. Subclass 101 is for an eligible child who is outside Australia when the application is made. Subclass 802 is the related pathway for a child applying in Australia. The correct subclass therefore depends partly on the child's location as well as their broader eligibility circumstances.
Who May Qualify for a Child Visa?
The child generally needs to be dependent on a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder. Age, dependency and relationship-status requirements also apply, and circumstances involving adopted children or stepchildren can have additional rules. Eligibility should be considered against the current requirements and the child's individual circumstances.
Who Can Sponsor the Child?
Home Affairs requires an eligible sponsor. For the Child Visa pathway, sponsorship may be provided by an eligible parent or, in relevant circumstances, the parent's spouse or de facto partner. The sponsorship must be approved before the visa can be granted, and additional child-protection requirements can affect sponsorship in some circumstances.
Can a Child Over 18 Apply?
Potentially. Current Child Visa requirements provide for certain applicants aged over 18 and under 25 who are full-time students and financially dependent on their parent. There is also provision for applicants over 18 whose disability prevents them from working full time. The evidence and exact circumstances need careful consideration.
Does the Child Need to Be Single?
Yes. Home Affairs states that a Child Visa applicant must meet relationship-status requirements. For Subclass 101, the child cannot be or previously have been married, engaged to be married or in a de facto relationship. Age and dependency requirements must also be satisfied.
What Consent Is Needed for Children Under 18?
Where another person has a legal right to decide where a child lives, Home Affairs may require their consent or other evidence establishing the legal basis for the child's migration. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a consent form, statutory declaration, court order or other parental-responsibility evidence.
Should We Check Citizenship by Descent First?
Yes, where relevant. Home Affairs notes that a child born outside Australia may be able to apply for Australian citizenship by descent instead of a visa if a parent was an Australian citizen when the child was born. Families in this situation should check the citizenship pathway before assuming a Child Visa is necessary.
Can Siblings Use the Same Child Visa Application?
Home Affairs' current sponsorship form states that siblings wishing to migrate together need separate applications and separate sponsorships. Families with more than one child should therefore consider the requirements and documentation for each child rather than assuming one Child Visa application will cover all siblings.
How Are Child Visa Applications Lodged?
Home Affairs currently requires Child Visa applications to be made using paper application forms. Since 23 July 2025, applicants for specified Child Visa subclasses, including 101 and 802, can import eligible paper applications into ImmiAccount for certain subsequent online services. The current lodgement instructions should always be checked before submitting an application.
What Documents May Be Required?
The documents depend on the child's circumstances. Relevant evidence can include identity and relationship documents, information supporting dependency, sponsorship documents, parental-responsibility or consent evidence for children under 18, and health or character information where required. Visa Route Migration can assist with documentation or application review where this forms part of the agreed professional engagement.
Is Subclass 445 the Same Pathway?
No. Subclass 445 is a temporary Dependent Child Visa used in a different situation, generally while a parent's permanent Partner Visa application is being processed. Subclasses 101 and 802 are permanent Child Visa pathways. The separate purpose of Subclass 445 means families should not assume it is interchangeable with 101 or 802.
How Long Does a Child Visa Take?
Processing times can change and depend on individual applications. Home Affairs directs applicants to its visa processing time guide for an indication based on recently decided applications and states that the figures are a guide rather than a timeframe for a particular case. Visa Route Migration does not guarantee processing times or visa outcomes.
Phone Number
0450 337 213
Business Location
4 Handsome Ave, Clyde North VIC 3978, Australia
E-Mail ID
[email protected]Discuss Your Child Visa
If you are considering a Child Visa for a son or daughter in or outside Australia, complete the enquiry form to arrange a free initial consultation with Visa Route Migration. The initial discussion can help clarify your circumstances, what you are seeking assistance with and possible next steps. Where detailed eligibility advice or a formal assessment is required, this may form part of a separate professional engagement.
Child Visa Subclass 802
The Child Visa (Subclass 802) is the related permanent pathway for an eligible child who is in Australia. Home Affairs’ Child Visa application form distinguishes Subclass 802 as the in-Australia Child Visa, while Subclass 101 applies to applicants outside Australia. The core family relationship, dependency and sponsorship requirements still need to be considered carefully for the individual child.
Because Subclass 802 is an onshore pathway, the child’s current circumstances in Australia should be reviewed before an application is prepared. Age, dependency, relationship status, sponsorship, health, character and any relevant parental-responsibility issues can affect the matter. A child’s immigration history may also require closer professional consideration rather than relying on the general requirements alone.
Visa Route Migration can discuss the family’s circumstances and, where formally engaged, provide an agreed level of assistance ranging from review of documents or an application stage to broader visa application support. The appropriate professional scope depends on the child’s situation, the family’s needs and what is agreed before the work proceeds.
Child Visa Pathway Guide
| Situation | What to Explore |
|---|---|
| Child is outside Australia | Child Visa Subclass 101 |
| Child is in Australia | Child Visa Subclass 802 |
| Permanent Child Visa needed | 101 or 802, depending on location |
| Child is over 18 | Age and dependency requirements need review |
| Child is under 18 | Parental responsibility or consent may be relevant |
| Parent is pursuing a permanent Partner Visa | Subclass 445 may be a different pathway |
| Application help is required | Assessment, review or broader assistance may be available |
Important Things to Prepare for a Child Visa Matter
These practical checks can help you identify information that may need attention before moving forward with a Child Visa Subclass 101 matter.
Have the Child’s Immigration History Ready
Be ready to explain where the child is currently located and any relevant immigration history. These circumstances may affect what needs closer consideration before proceeding.
Clarify the Family Relationship
Have clear information about the child’s relationship to the relevant parent and proposed sponsor. Adopted-child and stepchild circumstances can involve additional requirements that need individual consideration.
Older Children May Need Dependency Evidence
For applicants over 18, age alone does not determine the position. Full-time study, financial dependency or circumstances involving a disability may need to be considered depending on the child’s situation.
Address Parental Responsibility Early
For a child under 18, identify anyone else who has a legal right to decide where the child lives. Consent or other parental-responsibility evidence may need to be addressed before the application is finalised.
Keep Information Complete and Up to Date
Provide complete and accurate information, review documents carefully and supply requested evidence within relevant timeframes. Any important change in circumstances should also be raised promptly.
Understand What Happens at the First Consultation
The free initial consultation is used to understand the Child Visa enquiry, discuss the family’s circumstances and identify possible next steps. Detailed eligibility advice may require a formal professional engagement.
What Happens After You Enquire About a Child Visa Subclass 101
A Child Visa matter does not automatically follow the same path for every family. The first steps are used to understand the child’s circumstances, identify what needs closer consideration and determine the level of professional assistance that may be appropriate.
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Initial discussion
Start With the Child Visa Enquiry
The free initial consultation is used to understand the general nature of the Child Visa enquiry, your family’s circumstances and what you are seeking assistance with.
It is not automatically a complete eligibility assessment or detailed migration strategy.
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Circumstances review
Explain the Child’s Situation
Relevant circumstances can be discussed, including where the child is located, immigration history where relevant, the family’s goals and any concerns that may affect the matter.
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Next-step check
Identify What Needs Further Assessment
Supporting information or documents may be requested where appropriate. The discussion can then help determine whether further professional assessment or another form of assistance is needed before proceeding.
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Professional scope
Agree on the Assistance You Need
If you proceed, the professional scope is agreed according to the matter and your needs. Assistance may be limited to a particular review or stage, or may involve broader Child Visa application assistance where agreed.
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Agreed assistance
Move Forward With the Agreed Professional Work
Depending on the agreed engagement, professional assistance may include assessment, preparing or reviewing documentation, application preparation, organising supporting evidence, lodgement or assistance with relevant requests for further information.