Visa file / Partner and family visas
Child visa 101 / 802
For a dependent child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
In force
Who it is for
A dependent child (biological, adopted or step-child) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The 101 is applied for outside Australia and the 802 in Australia.
Published eligibility
- Under 18; or 18 to under 25, studying full time and financially dependent; or 18 or older with a disability that stops them working.
- Not married, engaged or in a de facto relationship.
- Consent from anyone with parental rights who is not migrating, or a court order.
- Health, character for 16 and over, and the best interests of the child.
Where you apply from
101 outside Australia; 802 in Australia (a bridging visa usually applies).
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Custody and consent
Check custody and consent from every person with parental rights.
Where a registered migration agent can helpAnalyses custody and consent, where most cases fail.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Evidence and lodgement
Evidence of parentage and dependency; lodge.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares the evidence.
- 05
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 06
Grant
Permanent residence; school enrolment.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains citizenship options for children.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$4,040 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$2,020 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,015 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| 101 outside Australia | 24 months | 33 months |
| 802 in Australia | 21 months | 31 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Missing consent or custody evidence.
- Dependency not shown for ages 18 to 25.
- Relationship not proven.
- Health.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Child
Sponsor
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.