AUSTRALIAN CHILD VISAS
Subclass 101 and 802 both provide permanent residence, but they begin from different locations. Age is only one part of the assessment: dependency, study, disability, single status and parental responsibility can all decide the outcome.
Two permanent routes
For an eligible child outside Australia who is sponsored by an eligible parent. The child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when it is decided.
AUD 4,040Published starting charge for the main applicantFor an eligible child in Australia who is sponsored by an eligible parent. The child must be in Australia when the application is lodged and when it is decided.
AUD 4,040Current visa and onshore restrictions must be checkedAge and dependency
The application should be planned against the child’s likely age at the relevant decision point—not only their age when forms are prepared.
The child generally meets the age limb, but parental responsibility and consent remain central.
The child generally needs to be a full-time student, financially dependent on the sponsoring parent and not in full-time work.
A child aged 18 or over may qualify where disability prevents them from working to support themselves and they remain dependent.
The child generally must not be married, engaged or in a de facto relationship.
Evidence plan
Birth, adoption, name-change and identity records must consistently establish the legal relationship.
The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and meet sponsorship requirements.
Consent from every person with a legal right to decide where a child under 18 lives, or an appropriate court order, may be required.
For an older child, study, residence, financial support and—where relevant—medical evidence need to show continuing dependency.
Health requirements apply. Character documentation can apply to applicants aged 16 or over and other family members where requested.
Location, current visa, previous refusal/cancellation and any onshore application restriction must be checked before lodgement.
Application flow
Confirm the child’s location and ability to meet the relevant location rule.
Map study, finances, living arrangements, disability evidence and likely age during processing.
Obtain consent or court documentation and check the child’s best interests.
Submit the child application, sponsorship and supporting evidence in the required format.
Respond to health, character or further-information requests and update passports, address, study or family changes.
Official references
Fees and core requirements shown here were checked on 8 August 2026 and may change.
Start before the next age threshold
General information only. It is not migration or legal advice and does not predict a visa outcome.
