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Child visa Australia
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It is not unusual for visa holders in Australia to want their children to be able to join them onshore. This can compound the existing stress and time it may take for any applicant to undergo the visa process, especially when the child has not been included in their parents’ initial visa application. As a result, it can often be the case that parents will need to apply for a separate Child visa.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide to the process of applying for a Child visa (subclass 101 or subclass 802). If you require support, guidance or clarification, an Australian Migration Agent is well-placed to assist you during this process, being well versed in various visa types like Child visas or partner visas.
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What is the child visa (subclass 101 or subclass 802)?
These visas facilitate the reunion of a child living abroad with their parents in Australia (including both a biological child or adopted child). The child must be dependent on a parent who is either an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or qualifies as an eligible New Zealand citizen.
The Child visa (subclass 802) mandates that the applicant must be within Australia at the time of application submission and when a decision is made. In contrast, the Child visa (subclass 101) requires the applicant to be outside of Australia during these processes.
Applications must be submitted in hard copy format, with all relevant documents and application forms mailed to the relevant processing centre. This can at times lead to delays, especially where applications are incomplete, include mistakes or do not have all of the relevant information.
An Australian Migration Agent can assist applicants with this process, providing guidance and support during what can be an overwhelming process for families.
Eligibility requirements for a child visa
For a child to qualify for this visa, they must meet the following criteria
- The child must be a dependent child/dependent children of an eligible parent, their parent’s spouse, or de facto partner (or step-parent, including where they are no longer in a relationship with the child’s parent but have legal responsibility for them), who is a hold Australian citizen, permanent resident or qualifies as an eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be under 18 years old, or if aged between 18 and 25, be a full time student (studying a course that leads to a professional, trade or vocational qualification, attending classes) who is financially dependent on the eligible parent, or be over 18 years of age and unable to work due to disability or other bodily or mental functions
- Not be in any form of relationship
- Obtain written consent to migrate to Australia from all relevant parties who are deemed to have legal custody of the child.
Benefits of a child visa
A Child visa (subclass 101 or subclass 802) visa primarily helps avoid the possibility of separation between parents and their children when parents are residing within Australia.
Other benefits of a child 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, and the Child must apply for this visa)
- Sponsor relatives to come to Australia
- Apply to become an Australian citizen
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Child visa checklist
A substantial amount of supporting documents are required by applicants to apply for a Child visa (subclass 101 or subclass 802). All the documents must be submitted via post, not online. The Australian government also requires that the applicant must demonstrate their relationship to the sponsoring parent. The following documentation must be included with any application for a child visa.
These documents are important for any application, as providing all of the necessary information can increase an applicant’s chances of success. Moreover, incomplete applications are likely to lead to substantial delays in processing any application, and this is compounded as applications must be submitted through the post to the Parent, Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. An Australian Migration Agent can assist you with this process, and if you need any guidance please contact us.
Where there are multiple children, each child must submit separate applications.
- Child’s Passport
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Adoption papers for adopted children (if applicable)
- Health examination
Evidence of the child’s relationship to the parent:
- Birth certificate
- Adoption certificate (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of the de facto relationship and link to the de facto partner (if applicable)
- Australian parenting order or Australian child order (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificates from every country where the child has spent 12 or more months in in the last 10 years since attaining the age of 16 years old
Financial documents for a child under 18 years of age to evidence that are dependent child/dependent children are financially dependent and receive financial support:
- Bank statement
- Money transfers
- Proof that the dependent child/dependent children is a full time student
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How the child visa works?
The processing for a Child visa (subclass 101 or subclass 802) occurs in various stages. Firstly, upon confirming the child’s eligibility, applicants should complete the application form, provide the relevant documents and pay the processing fee. Since in-person and online applications are not accepted, the application form and documents must be posted to the Department’s processing centre. Once the Department has received these, they may request additional information to be provided. Once a decision has been made, the Department will notify the applicant. Approved applicants will receive their visa details, the starting date and any attached conditions (such as needing to obey Australian laws), and the visa will be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. Approved applicants will be a permanent visa holder. Rejected applicants will receive the reasons for their refusal and information on any available review options.
Where there are multiple children, each child must submit separate applications.
Future visa pathways
Upon being granted either visa, the child will be considered to be a permanent resident and can access the full range of benefits available to ordinary Australian permanent residents, as they are an Australian permanent visa holder. They can choose to remain an Australian permanent resident or can choose to become an Australian citizen once meeting the various requirements. Additionally, they may be eligible to sponsor other relatives’ applications to come to Australia.
Benefits of a child visa
Australian Migration Agents have extensive knowledge and relevant experience in assisting applicants with many types of visas including Child visas (subclass 101 or subclass 802) or partner visas. While applicants have the option to apply independently, there are clear advantages to enlisting an Australian Migration Agent’s help.
- Through our support, Australian Migration Agents can reduce any potential delays and ensure that applicants are provided with the greatest opportunity to obtain a visa.
- From the initial assessment of eligibility to the final submission of the child’s visa, entrusting an Australian Migration Agent can help reduce the stress and streamline the process of applying for either of these visas.
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Child visa costs
Applying for either Child visa (subclass 101 or subclass 802) incurs costs.
Our professional fees are tailored to the specific needs of your application. The complexity of applications can vary depending on differing circumstances, and this is reflected in the fees that we quote. We operate on a fixed-fee basis to ensure transparency regarding the total cost of your child visa application. Additionally, we offer payment plans tailored to differing financial needs, giving our clients flexibility.
As of the time of writing, the Department of Home Affairs charges $3055 in relation to either of the visa types. This amount is payable upfront when the application is made. The Department accepts payments using debit/credit card, PayPal, UnionPay and BPAY but does not accept split payments. Applicants should also budget for expenses like health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. For further details on visa application costs, applicants can consult the Department’s website.
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.
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.
Child visa processing times using Australian migration agents
Forecasting the processing time for either visas can be challenging due to the varying demand and availability of visa allocations. Delays often arise when applications are incomplete, lack essential information, require further verification, include mistakes or if the application fee is not paid for correctly. However, the involvement of an Australian Migration Agent can help to mitigate these delays as we can aid applicants in fulfilling these requirements and promptly addressing any of the Department’s requests. Applicants should be aware that the Department provides a provisional timeframe for processing for a Child visa (subclass 101 and subclass 802) on their official website.
Child visa considerations: Timing & location
Considering the various eligibility criteria, risk of delays stemming from incomplete applications and differences between these visa subclasses, it is imperative to consider whether these visas are the most appropriate choice for the applicant. It is critical to acknowledge that the visa is not assured, as the Department retains discretion in its decision-making process for each application. However, applicants in search of additional support and guidance throughout this process can depend on Australian Migration Agents, as we are committed to offering thorough assistance and continuous guidance to clients every step of the way.
Notably, if either parent of the child became an Australian citizen before the child’s birth, the child may be eligible for citizenship by descent. If this could reflect your circumstances, contact us to explore your child’s eligibility further.
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 Child visa (subclass 101 or subclass 802)
Who is eligible for a child visa in Australia?
A person’s eligibility can vary for a variety of reasons but generally if someone is a dependent child/dependent children of either an AustralianF citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen they will preliminarily meet the relevant criteria.
How do I get a child visa in Australia?
To get this visa, the applicant must fill out the relevant application form and gather other necessary documents before submitting through the post to the Department’s processing centre for these visas.
How long does it take to get a child visa in Australia?
Generally, it can be difficult to determine the exact amount of time it will take for either of these visas to be processed and approved. This can change for a multitude of reasons. The Department’s website provides the most up-to-date information on general processing times.
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