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.

Happy Customers
Read Reviews...

When my child was already in Australia, I was unsure whether Subclass 802 was the appropriate pathway or whether our circumstances required something different. I wanted professional guidance before making decisions about the application. Visa Route Migration helped me understand the main requirements that needed attention, the information I should gather, and the areas that required closer assessment. Having everything explained in straightforward language made it easier for me to understand what I needed to consider next.
Subclass 802 Guidance
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My child was living overseas, and I needed to understand how the permanent Child Visa pathway applied to our family. I had questions about Subclass 101, the parent-child relationship requirements, and the documents that might be relevant. Visa Route Migration helped me work through the information in an organised way and understand which parts of our circumstances required particular attention before proceeding. I appreciated having a clearer picture of the application rather than trying to interpret everything on my own.
Subclass 101 Application
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My child was over 18 and still studying, so I was particularly concerned about how the age and dependency requirements could affect a Child Visa application. Visa Route Migration helped me understand that an adult child's circumstances need to be considered carefully rather than assuming the same requirements apply as they would for a younger child. The discussion gave me a better understanding of the evidence and information that could be relevant when assessing our situation.
Adult Child Dependency
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One of my main concerns was the documentation relating to my child and the people who had legal responsibility for them. I did not want to overlook something important simply because our family circumstances were more complicated than a standard application. Visa Route Migration helped me understand which issues needed closer attention and what supporting information could be relevant. The explanations were clear and helped me approach the application with a better understanding of what needed to be addressed.
Legal Responsibility Documents
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I wanted to make sure the information about the sponsoring parent, my child's identity, and our family relationship was presented properly. Visa Route Migration helped me understand the types of issues that could be important in a Child Visa matter and how the supporting documents fitted into the application. I found it useful to have someone look at our circumstances as a whole rather than treating the application as a collection of forms with no context.
Family Relationship Evidence
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I had already done a lot of work on the application myself and was not necessarily looking for someone to take over every part of the process. I wanted professional input on the documents and application information before proceeding. Visa Route Migration was able to discuss the type of assistance that might suit what I had already prepared. That was helpful because I could focus on the areas where I wanted professional guidance instead of assuming every engagement had to be the same.
Application Document Review
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I wanted broader assistance because I was finding it difficult to keep track of the application requirements, supporting information, and the different issues that could affect a Child Visa matter. Visa Route Migration helped me understand the process in a more structured way and identify what required attention at each stage. I valued having the opportunity to ask questions about our circumstances and understand where further information or assessment might be needed as the matter progressed.
Child Visa Requirements
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My child's location in Australia was an important part of our enquiry, and I wanted to understand what that meant for Subclass 802 before taking the next step. Visa Route Migration helped me focus on the details that were relevant to our circumstances, including my child's situation and the information that would need to be considered for an onshore application. The guidance helped me understand why individual circumstances matter rather than relying only on general information about the visa.
Onshore Child Visa
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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.

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, 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
| 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 |
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 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 →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 →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.
