Key Takeaways:
- Australian child visas have subclasses 101 (outside Australia) and 802 (inside Australia), requiring sponsorship by a citizen or resident.
- Eligibility includes being biological, adoptive, or stepchildren; age, health, and dependency criteria; and no partner for applicants.
- Adoption prerequisites include pre-18 adoption; step-children need under-18 status, former partner link, and legal custody or parenting order.
Welcoming a child to your new home in Australia is an exciting and significant step for many families. Navigating the journey of obtaining an Australia Child Visa can feel daunting, but with the right information, it becomes manageable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Subclass 101 and 802 visas, designed to reunite and bring families closer. Whether it’s understanding eligibility, sponsorship requirements, or the detailed application process, we’ve got you covered.
Imagine the joy and relief of having your child by your side in your new homeland. Whether your child is looking to join you from another country or they are already living with you under a different visa, this guide will provide all the essential details to ensure a smooth visa application process. Read on to discover the specific criteria and steps involved in securing an Australia Child Visa, and take one step closer to reuniting your family in the beautiful, diverse land of Australia.
What Are the Requirements for an Australia Child Visa?
An Australia child visa allows children to live with their parents or legal guardians in Australia. Here are the basic requirements:
- Sponsor Requirements: The person sponsoring the child must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Application Location: When applying, the sponsoring parent does not need to be in Australia if they have a valid permanent permit.
Can My Child Apply for a Visa from Outside of Australia?
Yes, there are two subclasses of the Australia child visa:
- Subclass 101: Designed for children who are outside Australia.
- Subclass 802: Suitable for children who are already in Australia on another substantive visa or a valid bridging visa.
How to Apply for a Subclass 101 Visa?
The subclass 101 visa is intended for children living outside Australia. Here are the steps to apply:
- Eligibility Check: Ensure your child meets the eligibility criteria.
- Sponsorship: Obtain a valid sponsorship from an eligible parent or guardian.
- Application: Submit the visa application from outside Australia.
How to Apply for a Subclass 802 Visa?
If your child is already in Australia, they can apply for a subclass 802 visa. The process involves:
- Current Visa Status: Your child should be on another substantive visa or a valid bridging visa.
- Sponsorship: Confirm valid sponsorship from an eligible parent or guardian.
- Application: File the application while your child is in Australia.
Important Notes for Parents
- Permanent Permit Requirement: As a sponsor, you need to have a valid permanent permit if you’re not currently in Australia.
- Substantive and Bridging Visas: Children in Australia must be on a valid substantive or bridging visa to apply for the 802 visa.
For more detailed information regarding these visas, visit the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Who Can Apply for a Child Visa?
Your child may be eligible for a child visa if they meet the following criteria and are sponsored by you or your partner:
- They are your biological, adopted, or step-child.
- They do not have a partner.
- They meet the health and character requirements.
- They are either under 18 years old, or full-time students between 18-25 who are financially dependent on you and unable to work.
- They are over 18 with a disability that affects their physical or mental capacity, preventing them from working full-time.
What Are the Requirements for Adopted and Step-Children?
Adopted Children
If you want to get a visa for an adopted child:
- The adoption must have occurred before the child turned 18.
- The adoption must have taken place before you became an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Otherwise, you must apply for an adoption visa (Subclass 102).
Step-Children
Your step-child can apply for this visa if:
- They are under 18 years old.
- They are the child of your former partner.
- You have a parenting order allowing your step-child to live with you.
- You have legal custody of your step-child.
For more details on eligibility and application procedures, please visit the official Australian immigration website.
How to Ensure Your Child Meets Health and Character Requirements?
- Health Requirements: Your child must undergo medical examinations to ensure they are in good health.
- Character Requirements: If your child is over 16, they must provide police certificates from each country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
By meeting these criteria and following the outlined steps, your child can strengthen their application for a child visa.
What Documents Are Needed for a Child Visa?
When applying for a child visa, ensure your child gathers these essential documents:
- Travel Document: Provide a copy of the child’s passport or any previous travel documents.
- Child Visa Application Form (47CH): Complete and submit alongside the other required documents.
- Additional Identification: If applicable, include the child’s ID card or a name change certificate.
- Visa Photographs: Submit four high-quality, full-face visa photographs.
What Sponsorship Documents Are Required?
As the child’s sponsor, the following documents are necessary:
- Identity Documents: Provide copies of your identity documents.
- Sponsorship Form (40HC): Complete and submit this form.
What Evidence of Study Is Needed?
If the child is a full-time student, the following needs to be provided:
- Proof of Enrollment: Submit documentation showing the child is enrolled in a full-time study program.
- Explanation of Gaps: If there are any study gaps longer than 6 months, explain these gaps.
How to Provide Disability Proof?
If applicable, include:
- Medical Certificate: Get a certificate from a qualified practitioner stating the child has a total or partial loss of bodily or mental capacity.
How to Show Proof of Relationship?
To demonstrate the child-parent relationship, provide one of the following:
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Official Family Book
What Financial Documents Are Necessary?
Show that the child relies on you for financial support, including:
- Proof of Dependency: Documents indicating support for food, shelter, clothing, etc.
What If the Child Has Their Own Child?
If the child applying includes their own dependent child, submit:
- Child’s Identification Documents: Proof of identity and relationship.
- Character Documents: Include these if relevant.
What Character Documents Are Required?
For applicants over 16 years of age:
- Form 80: Complete and submit this form.
- Police Certificates: May be required.
How to Apply for a Child Visa?
To apply for a child visa, follow these steps:
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents.
- Complete Visa Form: Fill in the required child visa form.
- Submit Application: Send the application either by post or courier.
The application must be sent to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. The exact address is available in the application form. Note that it’s not possible to apply online or in person.
For more detailed information on the child visa application process, visit the Department of Home Affairs official site.
Can I Apply for a Child Visa on Behalf of My Child?
Yes, you can apply on behalf of your child for a child visa. Generally, the child must be under 16 years old and unable to apply themselves. In some cases, your child may authorize you to help with the application.
To do this, they need to submit Form 956a along with their application, notifying the Department of Home Affairs that you will assist them. It’s always a good idea to contact the Department of Home Affairs directly to confirm you can apply for your child.
What Is the Cost of an Australia Child Visa?
- The cost of a child visa is approximately AUD 2,710.
- If your child is bringing a minor child (their own child), additional fees will apply.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Child Visa 101?
- Child visa subclass 101 typically takes between 19 to 26 months to process.
- Subclass 802, which is processed when the child is in Australia, generally takes between 13 to 16 months.
Can My Child Apply With Family Members for a Child Visa?
Your child can include their own minor children in the application. However, other siblings cannot be included. Each sibling must apply separately for their own child visa.
How Long Is a Child Visa Valid For?
A child visa grants permanent residency, enabling your child to:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study
- Apply for citizenship, if eligible
How Does Travelling Work With an Australia Child Visa?
Children can travel freely, but the travel facility on their child visa expires after five years. To continue traveling after this period, they must apply for a resident return visa to maintain their permanent residency status.
What Are the Covid Concessions for Subclass 101?
Due to the pandemic, the Department of Home Affairs has eased some requirements:
- If your child meets all eligibility requirements, they will be granted the visa even if they applied while outside Australia but are present in Australia during the concession period.
For the most detailed and up-to-date information on child visas, you can visit the Department of Home Affairs official website.
Certainly! Here are five official and useful external resources related to Australia Child Visas Subclasses 101 and 802, given in a well-structured format:
- Australian Department of Home Affairs – Child Visa (Subclass 101)
- URL: Child Visa (Subclass 101)
- Description: This page provides comprehensive information about the Child Visa Subclass 101, designed for children who are outside Australia. It covers eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, and sponsorship details.
- Australian Department of Home Affairs – Child Visa (Subclass 802)
- URL: Child Visa (Subclass 802)
- Description: This page details the Child Visa Subclass 802 for children who are already in Australia. It includes the eligibility requirements, documentation needed, and steps to apply while in Australia.
- Australian Department of Home Affairs – Sponsorship for Child Visa (Form 40CH)
- URL: Sponsorship for Child (Form 40CH)
- Description: Form 40CH is the official sponsorship form required for lodging an application for a child visa. This document must be completed by the sponsoring parent or guardian and submitted along with the visa application.
- Australian Department of Home Affairs – Application for Migration to Australia by a Child (Form 47CH)
- URL: Application for Child Visa (Form 47CH)
- Description: Form 47CH is the official application form for children applying for migration to Australia. This form must be filled out and submitted with the required supporting documents as part of the child visa application process.
- Australian Government – Immigration and Citizenship Health Requirements
- URL: Health Requirements for Visa Applicants
- Description: This page provides detailed information on the health requirements that visa applicants must meet. This is particularly relevant for child visa applicants who need to undergo medical examinations to ensure they meet Australia’s health standards.
These resources are authoritative and directly linked to official Australian immigration processes and forms, ensuring that applicants and sponsors are guided accurately in their visa applications.
