Child Visa Subclass 101

The Child Visa (Subclass 101) allows eligible children to join their parents in Australia permanently, with full rights to live, study, and access healthcare.

Child Visa (Subclass 101): Bring Your Child to Live in Australia

The Child Visa (Subclass 101) allows a dependent child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. It is an offshore visa, meaning the child must be outside Australia at the time of application and decision.

The Child Visa (Subclass 101) is designed for children of eligible parents who wish to reunite and live permanently in Australia. This visa grants the child full rights to live, study, and access healthcare in Australia, as well as a pathway to citizenship in the future.

Benefits

Grants the child permanent residency in Australia.

Access to Medicare and educational opportunities.

Right to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.

Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship when requirements are met.

Option to sponsor relatives for visas in the future.

Eligibility Criteria

parent_requirements

The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia.

child_requirements

• The child must be under 18 years old, OR

• If over 18 and under 25, they must be a full-time student and financially dependent on the parent, OR

• If over 18, they must have a disability that prevents them from working and makes them dependent on the parent.

relationship_proof

Proof of biological, adopted, or stepchild relationship with the sponsoring parent is required.

location

The child must be outside Australia when the visa application is lodged and when a decision is made.

Evidence Checklist

Child’s passport and identity documents.

Birth certificate showing parent–child relationship.

Sponsor’s proof of Australian citizenship, PR, or eligible NZ citizenship.

Proof of dependency for children over 18 years (financial or medical).

Medical and police clearance certificates (if required).

Conditions & Rights

Permanent residency from the day the visa is granted.

Multiple travel rights for 5 years after grant.

Eligibility for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Access to healthcare and education benefits in Australia.

Application Process

The parent or eligible sponsor prepares and submits the visa application for the child.

Provide documents proving parent–child relationship, sponsor’s status, and child’s dependency.

Submit the application offshore (the child must be outside Australia).

Complete biometrics, medical examinations, and police checks (if applicable).

Await visa processing and decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

Processing Time

Processing times vary but are generally **up to 12–24 months**, depending on case complexity and documentation accuracy.

Fees & Notes

Visa application charge: approximately AUD 3,055 (subject to change).

Additional costs for medicals, police clearances, and translations.

Second installment charges may apply for dependent applicants.

FAQs

Who can sponsor a child for Subclass 101 visa?

The sponsor must be the child’s parent, stepparent, or adoptive parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Does the child need to be outside Australia?

Yes, Subclass 101 is an offshore visa. The child must be outside Australia both when applying and when a decision is made.

Can adopted children apply for this visa?

Yes, adopted children can apply, provided the adoption was finalized before the sponsoring parent became an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.

What happens after the visa is granted?

The child becomes a permanent resident with full rights to live, study, and access healthcare in Australia.

Is there an onshore alternative to this visa?

Yes, Subclass 802 (Child Visa) is the onshore equivalent, for children who are already in Australia.