Australia Child Visa (Subclass 101 & 802)
A Permanent Future For Your Children In Australia
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.
Service Highlights
Permanent Residency Pathway
Support children to live indefinitely with eligible parents in Australia.
Consent And Welfare Review
Prepare child consent and best-interest evidence carefully.
Dependency Evidence
Show dependency for eligible children aged 18 to 25.
Decision-Ready Documents
Provide identity, relationship, consent, health and character documents.
2026 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Child Migration Journey
Follow these three strategic steps to ensure a smooth transition to Australian permanent residency.
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.
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.
Assessment & Permanent Residency Grant
A case officer reviews dependency and legal responsibility; once granted, the child gains full PR rights and Medicare enrollment.
Essential Documents & Child Requirements
Submit "decision-ready" documentation from the first day to navigate the 2026 processing system efficiently.
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
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
Legal Consent & Welfare
- Completed Form 1229 (Consent for minors)
- Form 1257 (Undertaking declaration) if applicable
- Court orders or statutory declarations regarding parental rights
Health & Character Evidence
- Medical examination results from approved panel physicians
- Police clearances for applicants aged 16 and over
- Proof of any disability-related dependency (if applicable)
Success Strategy & 2026 Guidance
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.
Check Your Child's Eligibility
Complete the form and our team will contact you with the next steps.