Australia Child Visa Subclass 101 & 802

A Permanent Future For Your Children In Australia

The Australian Child Visa program provides a permanent pathway for children to live indefinitely with their parents. In 2026, the program remains a priority, offering full residency rights, Medicare access, and domestic education rates from the day the visa is granted for biological, adopted, or eligible stepchildren.

Child Visa Streams & Processing

Compare the offshore and onshore pathways to determine the best application strategy for your family

Visa Subclass	Location At Lodgement	2026 Base Fee	Typical Processing
Child 101 (Offshore)	Outside Australia	AUD 3,235	18 – 27 Months
Child 802 (Onshore)	Inside Australia	AUD 3,235	20 – 26 Months

As of 2026, base fees start at AUD 3,235, with additional costs for dependents and health exams. Following the March 2026 overhaul, "decision-ready" files, those submitted with all consent forms and identity papers, receive significantly faster attention through the new digital verification system.

Child Visa Eligibility Essentials

To secure a permanent Child Visa in 2026, the applicant and sponsor must satisfy these core requirements.

1: Age & Dependency Rules

Requirement: Children must be under 18, or between 18 and 25 if they are full-time students. For those over 18, proof of continuous financial reliance is mandatory.
Advantage: Provides a pathway for adult children who remain part of the family unit.

2: Relationship & Sponsorship

Requirement: Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen. Proof includes birth certificates, adoption papers, or marriage evidence for step-parents.
Advantage: Ensures the child is moving into a stable and verified family environment.

3: Parental Responsibility & Consent

Requirement: Written consent (Form 1229) from anyone with a legal right to decide where the child lives.
Check: Must meet “best interests of the child” standards to satisfy 2026 legal frameworks.

4: Health & Character Standards

Requirement: Children must pass medical exams; those aged 16+ must provide police clearances for all countries lived in for 12+ months.
Advantage: Provides immediate access to the Australian healthcare system upon visa grant.

Child Migration Journey

Follow these three strategic steps to ensure a smooth transition to Australian permanent residency.

Step 1: Stream Selection & Document Audit

Select the subclass based on location and gather passports and birth certificates; ensure Form 1229 is correctly witnessed for all minors.

Step 2: Application Submission & Biometrics

Lodge via the digital portal and pay the 2026 fee; onshore (802) applicants typically receive a Bridging Visa to stay during processing.

Step 3: Assessment & Permanent Residency Grant

A case officer reviews dependency and legal responsibility; once granted, the child gains full PR rights and Medicare enrollment.

Documentation & Requirements Checklist

Submit “decision-ready” documentation from the first day to navigate the 2026 processing system efficiently.

1: Identity & Travel Documents

Valid passport for the child and sponsoring parent
Full birth certificate showing both parents’ names
Recent passport-sized photographs and biometric data

2: Relationship & Dependency Proof

Adoption papers or legal parenting orders (if applicable)
Evidence of full-time study for children aged 18–25
Financial records showing continuous reliance on the sponsor

3: Legal Consent & Welfare

Completed Form 1229 (Consent for minors)
Form 1257 (Undertaking declaration) if applicable
Court orders or statutory declarations regarding parental rights

4: Nomination & supporting documents

Medical examination results from approved panel physicians
Police clearances for applicants aged 16 and over
Proof of any disability-related dependency (if applicable)

The 2026 introduction of stricter dependency verification means even small clerical errors can lead to years of separation. Ensuring your evidence of relationship and legal guardianship is clear from the first day is the single most effective way to reunite your family. It is a good idea to chat with our experts to verify your child's eligibility and ensure your parental consent documents are legally compliant. By choosing professional guidance, you minimize the risk of refusal and secure a smooth, permanent path for your child.