What is the Process for a Child Visa in Australia?

The biological child of an eligible parent

A child born with help of surrogacy and the parentage has been transferred under a court order

The stepchild or adopted child of an eligible parent under the Migration Act of 1958

The child was conceived through the artificial conception procedure described under the Family Law Act of 1975

Must be under 18 years

Can be full-time students, financially dependent on the parent and aged between 18 and 25 years

Cannot be engaged to be married, be in a de facto relationship, or be married while applying for a child visa

A disabled child over 18 years of age and unemployed

Child visa – subclass 101:

An eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, can sponsor their child’s migration to Australia with the help of the 101 visa. The applicant (child) must be living outside Australia when applying for this visa until the final decision has been made. The processing time for 101 child visas ranges from 9 to 24 months. They will be allowed to permanently live, study, and work in Australia while enrolling for healthcare upon a successful visa grant. Upon meeting the requirements, they can also apply for Australian citizenship.

Child visa – subclass 802:

The 802 visa permits the applicant to live in Australia while their application is being processed. Technically speaking, it is a bridging visa of sorts which can be converted to a permanent visa. The eligibility criteria remains the same i.e., you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or New Zealand citizen. The processing time for 802 dependent visas in Australia ranges from 7 to 13 months.  Upon a successful grant, your child will receive the same benefits of class 101 visa holders.

Dependant visa Australia – subclass 445

If you are a parent currently living in Australia with a temporary partner visa subclass 309 or subclass 820, you can sponsor your child’s move to Australia. They will live with you until a decision is made on your permanent visa application. A dependent visa also allows your child to be added on your permanent visa application. Once approved, your child can live, study, and work in Australia. They can also travel to and from Australia with you (the sponsoring parent).

Valid passport or any other travel documents of the child

High-resolution full-face view photographs for visa

Duly filled child visa application form

Valid proof of identification such as an ID card or any other name change certificate, if applicable

Duly filed child sponsorship form and the parents’ identity documents

Proof of enrollment to a full-time study program, if the applicant is a full-time student

Proof of valid explanation for any educational gaps of more than six months

Financial documents proving that the applicant is dependent on the parent for food, shelter, clothing and any other financial support

Proof of disability or a medical certificate issued by a certified practitioner stating the physical or mental capability of the applicant where necessary

Proof of relationship or evidence to prove that you are the legal guardian or parent of the applicant. This can be an official family book, a birth certificate, or a marriage certificate.

Applicants over the age of 16 must submit a duly filled form-80 with the required policy certificates as proof of character

Eligibility:

Thoroughly check the eligibility criteria and make sure you meet all the requirements related to age, character, health, income and support.

Documentation:

Once the applicant and the sponsor meet the eligibility criteria, it’s time to gather all the required supporting documents.

Application:

Attach all relevant documents, fill out the application form, and pay the application fee upon submission.

Visa outcome:

Upon completion, the Department of Home Affairs, Australia will assess it. It is only after receiving a positive evaluation that you will have to get a medical certification from a panel physician, biometric detail, and a police clearance certificate. You must then wait for a final decision to be made.