Reviewed by Robbie Toor, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170356) · Last reviewed
The child visa allows a parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to sponsor their dependent child to live in Australia.
Subclass 101 - child visa (offshore)
The 101 is for children who are outside Australia when the application is decided. The child must be dependent on the sponsoring parent, which generally means under 18, or between 18 and 25 and financially dependent, or over 18 and unable to work due to a disability.
Subclass 802 - child visa (onshore)
The 802 is for children who are in Australia when the application is decided. The same dependency requirements apply.
When child visas become complicated
Custody disputes and parental consent are the most common complication. If the child has another parent, that parent generally needs to consent. If consent cannot be obtained (for example, due to family violence, an absent parent, or a court order granting sole parental responsibility), you need to provide evidence of why.
Family law intersections make these cases more complex than they first appear. If there is any dispute about custody or consent, get advice before lodging.
Child visa guides
- Child visa Australia: eligibility and key requirements
- Child visa vs adoption visa: the difference
- Common reasons child visa applications are delayed or refused
- How to prove dependency for a child visa application
- Processing times for child visas
How Robbie Toor (MARN 1170356) helps
Robbie assists with child visa applications, including gathering evidence of the parent-child relationship, dependency and custody arrangements.
If you would rather talk it through first, here is what a Brisbane immigration agent actually does.