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What is the adoption visa (subclass 102)

Get expert advice from our registered migration agents

The adoption visa is a permanent visa designed to facilitate an overseas adopted child relocating to Australia to live with their adoptive parents. This permanent visa category is exclusively available for children who are residing outside of Australia. 

Applicants should be aware that the Department of Home Affairs does not help arrange intercountry adoption or engage in the expatriate adoption process.

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What is the adoption visa (subclass 102)?

This visa enables the reunion of a child living abroad with their adoptive parents who live in Australia. The child must be already adopted or in the process of being adopted by Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.

This article will provide a step-by-step guide to the process of applying for an Adoption visa. If you require support during this process or wish to have guidance when applying, an Australian Migration Agent is well-placed to assist you with an Adoption visa. 

Eligibility requirements for a subclass 102 adoption visa

For an applicant to qualify for an Adoption Visa, they must meet the following criteria

  • Be adopted or in the process of being adopted 
  • Be sponsored by an eligible adoptive parent or prospective adoptive parent (the eligible adoptive parent or prospective adoptive parent must be approved of by the Department who will consider if the sponsor or partner has been charged or convicted of offences involving children) 
  • Be under 18 years old at the time of adoption, when the application is submitted and when the decision is made
  • Meet the health and character requirements
  • Must have repaid all debts to the Australian Government (including any debts owed by family members to the Australian Government)
  • Must be in the best interests of the child.

The child’s adoptive parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen

Benefits of an adoption visa

An adoption visa primarily allows an adopted child to live in Australia permanently with their adoptive parents and seek out Australian citizenship if they wish.

Other benefits of an Adoption visa include

  • Enter Australia and remain in Australia indefinitely
  • Work and study in Australia
  • Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare scheme (Medicare)
  • Leave and enter Australia as many times as they like for up to five years (after five years a Resident Return visa is required)
  • Sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia
  • Apply to become an Australian citizen on meeting the residence requirements

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Subclass 102 adoption visa checklist

Various documents and supporting evidence are required when an application for an Adoption visa is made. The following documents should be submitted with the adoption visa application form:

  • Personal documents, including identity and financial information
  • Relationship documents, demonstrating family relationships
  • Financial documents, such as a copy of the Notice of Assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office for the most recent taxable income year
  • Character documents, including police and military documentation
  • Personal documents, including identity and financial information
  • Evidence demonstrating genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily, such as a Genuine Temporary Statement along with supporting documents
  • Character documents, including police and military documentation

How the sponsored parent visa works?

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent visa offers temporary residency in Australia, but navigating the application process can be complex. Seeking guidance from a migration lawyer can streamline and clarify the process.

Here are some steps to enhance your chances of success:

  • Step 1: Ensure you have an approved sponsor. Without an approved sponsor, you cannot proceed with the application. Once approved, you can lodge your application within 6 months.
  • Step 2: Seek professional assistance. Consulting with a migration lawyer can provide insights into your specific situation and what to expect in the application process.
  • Step 3: Gather necessary information. Your lawyer can advise on the essential information required for a robust application, including personal, financial, and health-related details.
  • Step 4: Lodge your application and await the outcome.

We encourage you to reach out to us for assistance at any stage of the process, as we're here to help navigate your journey smoothly.

Future visa pathways

The Subclass 870 visa offers temporary residency in Australia and does not lead to permanent residence. If your parents intend to stay permanently, alternative options such as the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa or Subclass 103 Parent visa should be considered. Australian Migration Agents can discuss long-term migration strategies and eligibility requirements for these visas.

While the Subclass 870 visa provides a valuable pathway for family reunification, it's important to explore permanent visa options while awaiting decisions on permanent visa applications.

Benefits of an adoption visa

Due to the popularity of parent visa applications, the number of places available in Australia for people to utilize the Subclass 870 visa is capped at 15,000 primary applications each financial year. Therefore, it’s vital to get the right support to increase your chances of obtaining a visa.

  • The team at Australian Migration Agents is made up of qualified professionals who draw on their knowledge of relevant legislation and case law in advising you on your visa application, and other migration options and strategies available to you.
  • As registered migration agents, we have an obligation to advise you on your eligibility for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa and alignment with all legislative requirements.
  • We assist you with preparing your primary application and are available to assist you with advice and support at any stage whilst you wait for your visa to be granted, including working with you to action any additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

Sponsored parent visa subclass 870 costs

There are two main costs associated with a Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa application.

1. Professional fees payable to Australian Migration Agents to prepare your primary applicationsome text

Our fees vary depending on the complexity of your application. We offer fixed-fee options to provide clarity on costs. Book a consultation to understand your eligibility and associated costs. {Book a consultation}

2. Department fees: As of 1 July 2023, Department of Home Affairs fees for the Subclass 870 visa include:some text

  • Sponsorship application fee: $420
  • Visa application fee:
    Up to 3 years: $5,735, up to 5 years: $11,470

These fees must be paid upfront at the time of lodgement and the Department does not accept split payments. Payment methods include debit/credit card, PayPal, UnionPay, and BPAY.

Australian visa application steps

The application process can be a complex and time-consuming journey, with strict eligibility criteria and a certain amount of evidence required to support your application. A registered migration agent can help you gather the correct documents and improve your chances of visa success. 

Book a consultation

Step 1

Initial consultation

Book a free consultation with one of our registered migration agents, where we’ll discuss your situation and see how we can help you move forward.

Step 2

Application preparation & submission

Your Australia visa agent will prepare a submission to support your application, tailored to your unique situation and backed by all the documents required. Once completed, we’ll submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.

Step 3

Visa outcome

We’ll be in touch once the Department has come to a decision. If the application isn’t granted, we can appeal on your behalf.

Sponsored parent visa subclass 103 processing times using Australian Migration Agents

The processing times for a Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa can vary depending on several factors. At Australian Migration Agents, we keep you updated throughout the process. Processing times for the sponsorship step by the Department of Home Affairs range from approximately 25 to 77 days, while visa application processing times can be between 35 days to 6 months. These times depend on case complexity, application completeness, and Department workload. Our aim is to submit high-quality applications to minimise delays.

Sponsored parent visa considerations: Timing & location

At Australian Migration Agents, our team consists of registered migration agents specialising in Australian migration law. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of your Parent visa application, we provide expert advice and support based on our expertise:

  • We aim to make our services accessible:
  • Initial consultations are usually free.
  • We offer fixed-fees for recurring services.
  • Our online consultations allow you to connect with us from anywhere in Australia.
  • We provide assistance at any stage of the Parent visa process.

Australia-wide services

Our skilled team offers in-person and virtual appointments, which means we can provide immigration assistance and advice regardless of where you live in Australia.  

Frequently asked questions

Read our most commonly asked questions about the subclass 103 visas

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