Australian Child Visa Subclass 802 pathway for eligible children joining or remaining with family in Australia.
Australian Child Visa Subclass 802 pathway for eligible children joining or remaining with family in Australia.

Child Visa (Subclass 802)

Child Visas (Subclasses 101 and 802) are permanent family migration pathways for dependent children of eligible parents. Subclass 101 is generally for a child outside Australia, while Subclass 802 is for a child in Australia. 

These pathways may be relevant when a family wants an eligible child to live permanently in Australia with a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder.

Personal, Professional Visa Guidance

Why Choose Us for Child Visas 101 & 802

Your matter is handled through a professional Australian migration practice led by Registered Migration Agent Rose Khangura, MARN 2619247. Rose has two years of confirmed experience in migration and visa services, including work with visa files, documentation and application preparation.

Child Visa matters can involve the child’s location, age, dependency, sponsorship and supporting evidence. Visa Route Migration takes an individual approach, with an emphasis on clear explanations, transparency, practical guidance and realistic expectations rather than treating every family situation the same way.

Professional assistance can be limited to a particular need, such as document or application review, or extend to broader visa application assistance where agreed. The appropriate scope depends on the circumstances, the help required and the professional engagement established with the client.

For families with people in different locations, remote assistance can also be practical. Visa Route Migration can assist clients throughout Australia and overseas where the matter concerns Australian migration, with several communication methods available depending on the circumstances.

Two Child Visa Pathways

Subclasses 101 and 802 serve the same broad permanent family migration purpose but apply in different location circumstances. Identifying the appropriate pathway requires consideration of where the child is located and the relevant eligibility requirements.

Subclass 101

Subclass 802

Child Visa Subclass 101 for Children Outside Australia

Subclass 101 is the permanent Child Visa pathway for an eligible dependent child who is outside Australia. Home Affairs describes it as allowing a child outside Australia to move to Australia to live with their parent. The child must be dependent on a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder and must be outside Australia when the application is made.

Eligibility can depend on more than the child’s location. Age, dependency, the parent-child relationship, sponsorship and supporting evidence can all require consideration. Home Affairs recognises different age circumstances, including children under 18, certain full-time students aged 18 to 24 and some adult children unable to work due to disability. Individual assessment is particularly important where dependency or family relationships require additional evidence.

Visa Route Migration may assist with Child Visa matters through an agreed professional scope, which can range from document or application review to broader application assistance. For a family with a child overseas, this can provide a structured way to identify relevant information, organise supporting evidence and address application requirements without assuming that every case follows an identical process.

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Child Visa Questions Answered

What is the difference between 101 and 802?

Both are permanent Child Visa pathways. Subclass 101 generally applies where the child is outside Australia, while Subclass 802 is the onshore pathway for a child in Australia. The underlying family purpose is closely related, but the child's location is an important distinction when determining which subclass may apply.

Is Subclass 802 a permanent visa?

Yes. If granted, Subclass 802 allows the child to stay in Australia indefinitely. Home Affairs also lists rights including working and studying in Australia and access to Medicare, subject to the applicable rules and eligibility requirements.

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, relationship, sponsorship and other eligibility requirements also apply. Generic information cannot determine an individual child's eligibility, so the complete circumstances should be considered before proceeding.

Must the child be in Australia for Subclass 802?

Yes. Home Affairs states that a Subclass 802 applicant must be in Australia when the application is made and when the Department makes its decision. This location requirement is one of the main differences between Subclass 802 and the offshore Subclass 101 pathway.

Can an adult child apply?

Potentially. Home Affairs states that a Child Visa applicant may be under 18, over 18 but under 25 and studying full time, or over 18 with a disability. Additional dependency requirements apply, particularly for adult applicants, so age alone does not establish eligibility.

Who can sponsor a Subclass 802 application?

Home Affairs states that the child must have an eligible sponsor. For Subclass 802, this can include an eligible parent or the parent's spouse or de facto partner, subject to the sponsorship requirements and approval by the Department. The family and sponsorship circumstances should be checked carefully before an application is prepared.

What documents may be required?

The required evidence depends on the child's circumstances. Documents may need to establish matters such as identity, the parent-child relationship, the sponsor's status and dependency where applicable. Additional evidence can become relevant for adult children or families with more complex circumstances. Home Affairs requires supporting documents and accurate information with the visa application.

Does parental consent matter for children under 18?

It can. Home Affairs applies specific consent requirements to Subclass 802 applicants under 18. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve written consent from people legally able to decide where the child lives, relevant legal provisions or an applicable Australian child order. The child's best interests are also relevant to the visa decision.

Could citizenship by descent be relevant instead?

Possibly. 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. The appropriate option depends on the child's circumstances and should be checked before assuming a Child Visa application is required.

How is a Child Visa application lodged?

Home Affairs currently requires Child Visa applications to be made using a paper application process. Since 23 July 2025, applicants for several Child Visa subclasses, including 101 and 802, have also been able to import eligible paper applications into ImmiAccount for certain online services. Current lodgement instructions should always be checked before submitting an application.

Is Subclass 445 the same as 101 or 802?

No. Subclass 445 serves a different temporary purpose. It allows an eligible dependent child to stay in Australia temporarily while their parent's permanent Partner Visa application is being processed. Subclasses 101 and 802 are permanent Child Visa pathways, so families should not assume these subclasses are interchangeable.

How long does a Child Visa take?

Processing times can vary and should not be treated as guaranteed. Home Affairs directs applicants to its visa processing time guide for an indication based on recently decided applications and makes clear that the published information is only a guide, not a timeframe specific to an individual application.

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Discuss Your Child Visa

If you are considering a Child Visa, use the enquiry form to tell Visa Route Migration about your child’s circumstances, including whether they are currently in or outside Australia and what assistance you are seeking. A free initial consultation can help clarify the general nature of the enquiry, whether Visa Route Migration may be able to assist and possible next steps. Detailed eligibility advice may require formal professional engagement.

Child Visa Subclass 802 for Children in Australia

Subclass 802 is the permanent Child Visa pathway for a child who is already in Australia and seeks to remain permanently with an eligible parent. Home Affairs requires the child to be in Australia when the application is made and when the Department decides the application. If granted, the visa allows the child to stay in Australia indefinitely.

The child must satisfy the applicable dependency and family relationship requirements. Home Affairs identifies age categories covering children under 18, certain full-time students over 18 and under 25, and some adult children with a disability. An eligible sponsor is also required. For applicants under 18, parental consent or relevant legal arrangements may need to be addressed, and the child’s best interests remain an important consideration.

Because Subclass 802 is an onshore pathway, the child’s complete circumstances should be considered rather than relying only on their presence in Australia. Location is one requirement, not a guarantee of eligibility. Visa Route Migration can discuss the family’s situation, identify what professional assistance may be appropriate and provide agreed support with documents, application review or broader application work where required.

Subclass 101 vs 802 at a Glance

A quick comparison of key differences and common considerations.
Consideration Subclass 101 Subclass 802
Purpose Move to Australia permanently Stay in Australia permanently
Location Rule Outside Australia when applying In Australia when applying and at decision
Eligible Parent Australian citizen, eligible NZ citizen, permanent visa holder Australian citizen, eligible NZ citizen, permanent visa holder
Key Assessment Age, dependency, relationship, sponsorship and evidence Age, dependency, relationship, sponsorship and evidence
Application Method Paper application Paper application
Subclass 802 Planning Notes

Six Checks Before You Proceed With a Child Visa 802

These practical checks can help identify issues that may affect whether Subclass 802 is the right pathway or what information and evidence may need closer attention.

Check Whether Citizenship Is Relevant First

If the child was born outside Australia and a parent was an Australian citizen when the child was born, citizenship by descent may be worth checking before assuming a Child Visa application is required.

The Child’s Location Matters at Two Stages

For Subclass 802, the child must be in Australia when the application is made and when the Department makes its decision. This location requirement should be considered when planning an onshore application.

Confirm the Sponsorship Circumstances

An eligible sponsor is required. Depending on the circumstances, this may be an eligible parent or the parent’s spouse or de facto partner, subject to the applicable sponsorship requirements and Department approval.

Adult Children Need Closer Dependency Assessment

Being over 18 does not automatically rule out a Child Visa, but additional requirements can apply. Certain full-time students over 18 and under 25, and some adult children with a disability, may need particular dependency evidence.

Address Consent and Legal Responsibility Early

For a child under 18, the application may need to address who can legally decide where the child lives. Written consent, relevant legal arrangements or an applicable Australian child order may be important depending on the family circumstances.

Flag Visa Expiry or Other Deadlines Promptly

If the child’s current visa is approaching expiry or another time-sensitive issue applies, mention it when making your enquiry. Time-sensitive matters are considered individually, and urgent assistance cannot be assumed or guaranteed.

Check the Child Visa Pathway

What If Subclass 802 Does Not Match Your Child’s Circumstances?

Subclass 802 is the onshore permanent Child Visa pathway, but a different Child Visa page may be more relevant in some family circumstances. Use the options below to continue to the information that best matches your enquiry.

Child outside Australia

Child Visa (Subclass 101)

If the child is outside Australia, Subclass 101 is the related permanent Child Visa pathway to review. Its location requirements differ from the onshore Subclass 802 pathway.

View Child Visa Subclass 101 details
Parent Partner Visa circumstances

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

Subclass 445 has a different temporary purpose. It may be relevant for an eligible dependent child while their parent’s permanent Partner Visa application is being processed, so it should not be treated as interchangeable with Subclass 802.

View Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 details
Not sure which pathway to review?

Explore Child Visa Options

A child’s location is important, but the appropriate pathway can also depend on the family’s broader circumstances. The Child Visas overview can help you navigate the dedicated visa pages before deciding what to discuss next.

Explore Child Visa options

General website information cannot determine whether a particular Child Visa is suitable for an individual family. Circumstances should be considered before proceeding.

Before You Get in Touch

Preparing for a Child Visa 802 Enquiry

A useful first enquiry helps Visa Route Migration understand your child’s circumstances, what you are concerned about and the type of assistance you are seeking. The free initial consultation is designed to clarify the general enquiry and possible next steps, rather than automatically provide a complete professional assessment.

Your First Enquiry

Useful Information to Share

You do not need to determine the whole visa strategy yourself before making contact. Start by explaining the circumstances that are relevant to the Child Visa enquiry.

  • Your child’s current circumstances and where they are currently located.
  • Relevant immigration history where it applies to the enquiry.
  • What your family is trying to achieve and any concerns you want to discuss.
  • The type of professional assistance you are looking for.
  • Supporting information or documents when they are requested.

Free Initial Consultation

What the First Discussion Is For

The initial consultation provides an opportunity to understand the general nature of the enquiry and determine what may need to happen next.

  • Understand your circumstances and the nature of the migration enquiry.
  • Identify what you are seeking assistance with.
  • Consider whether Visa Route Migration may be able to assist.
  • Discuss general potential pathways where appropriate.
  • Identify possible next steps.