An Australian child visa allows children to join their parents or legal guardians in Australia. To apply, the child needs a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Parents or guardians can sponsor their child even if the child is not currently in Australia, as long as the child has a valid permanent visa.

Eligibility Criteria for a Child Visa

To be eligible for the Child Visa, your child must:
● Be sponsored by you or your partner.
● Be your biological, adoptive, or step-child.
● Be single (not married or in a de facto relationship).
● Meet health and character requirements (for children over 16).

Be either:
● Under 18 years old, or
● Between 18 and 25 years old, studying full-time and financially dependent on you, or

● Over 18 years old with a disability that prevents full-time work.

Child Visa 101 Conditions

● 8502 – Not arrive before a person-specified visa
● 8515 – Must not marry or enter into a de facto relationship before entry

Adopted and Step-Children

Adopted Children

You must have been adopted before turning 18 and becoming an Australian citizen or permanent resident. If not, apply for an adoption visa (Subclass 102).

Step-Children

You can apply if they are under 18, your former partner’s child, and you have a parenting order or custody. Document Checklist for a Child Visa

Your child needs to provide:

● Copy of their passport or travel documents.
● Application Form 47CH
● ID card or name change certificate, if applicable.
● Four passport-sized photos.
● Your identity documents and completed form 40HC.
● Proof of full-time enrollment if between 18-25 and studying
● Medical certificate for children with disabilities.
● Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or family book.

● Proof of financial dependency on you.
● If the child has a child, include their identification and character documents.
● Form 80 and police certificates for applicants over

Application Process

● Prepare all the required documents.
● Complete the visa application form (47CH).
● Please send your Application for the Child Visa (Subclass 101) to the processing center in Perth by post or courier. The complete address is specified on the application form.
● Your child cannot apply online or in person for this visa.

Location at the time of Application

When applying for the Child Visa (Subclass 101), your child must be outside of Australia at the time of application submission and stay outside the country until a decision on the visa is reached. This means your child cannot be in Australia at any point during the application process or when the visa decision is finalized.

Child Visa 101 Fee Structure

The Child Visa (Subclass 101) application fee is AUD 3,055.00.

Child Visa 101 Document Checklist

When applying for the Child Visa (Subclass 101), your child must submit the following required documents:
● Copy of current passport or travel documents.
● Application Form (47CH)

● ID card or name change certificate, if applicable.
● Four passport-sized photos.
● Your identity documents and completed form 40HC.
● Enrollment proof if your child is a full-time student (for children aged 18-25).
● If your child has a disability, a certificate from a doctor is required.
● Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or family book showing your relationship to the child.
● Documents showing your child depends on you for financial support.
● If your child has a child, include their identification and proof of relationship.
● Form 80 and police certificates for children over 16.

FAQs

Who is eligible to seek a Child Visa (Subclass 101)?
Children outside Australia and sponsored by an eligible parent (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen) can apply for the Subclass 101 visa.

What are the age requirements for applicants?
Applicants must generally be under 18 years old. Exceptions include children between 18 and 25 who are full-time students financially dependent on their parents or those over 18 with a disability preventing them from working.

Can adopted and step-children apply for this visa?

Yes, adopted children must have been adopted before turning 18 and before their parents became Australian citizens or permanent residents. Step-children can apply if certain conditions, like having a parenting order, are met.

What documents are required for the application?
Documents include a passport copy, completed application form (47CH), identification, photos, sponsorship documents, proof of study (if applicable), medical certificate (if applicable), proof of relationship to the sponsor, financial dependency evidence, and character documents (for children over 16).

Can the applicant be in Australia during the visa application process?
No, the applicant must be outside Australia when the Application is submitted and when the visa decision is made.
How long does processing the Child Visa (Subclass 101) take?
Processing times vary but can generally be several months. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of planned travel to Australia.
Is there an age limit for children to be included in the visa application?
Yes, children must be under 25 years old when the visa is granted unless they have a disability that prevents them from working.
What rights does the Subclass 101 visa grant to the child?

The Subclass 101 visa grants children indefinite rights to reside, study, and work in Australia. They also have access to Medicare and can apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
Can family members be included in the visa application?
Yes, family members such as the child’s children can be included if they meet specific criteria and provide required documents.