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Child Visa to Australia: Subclass 101, 802, 445, 117, 837 – Reunite with Your Family

Explore the different Child Visa options for children offshore and onshore, including Subclass 101, 802, 445, 117, and 837. Ensure family reunification in Australia with the right visa pathway

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

Snapshot

Visa Type: Permanent or Temporary| depending on subclass

PR Pathway: Available for eligible subclasses

Nomination: Required-Australian Citizen or PR

Processing Time: 6 months to 2 years |depending on subclass and application

Family Inclusion: Parents and dependent siblings may be included |depending on subclass

🧭 Child Visa Overview

The Child Visa category allows children to join their parents in Australia or stay with them on a permanent or temporary basis. Depending on the visa subclass, children may be required to be offshore or onshore. These visas provide pathways for family reunification, either by bringing children to Australia or by allowing them to remain with their Australian parent(s) or relative.

  • Subclass 101 – Child Visa (Offshore)
    For children outside Australia wishing to join their parent(s) as permanent residents.
  • Subclass 802 – Child Visa (Onshore)
    For children already in Australia wishing to stay with their parent(s) as permanent residents.
  • Subclass 445 – Dependent Child Visa (While Partner Visa Pending)
    For dependent children waiting for their parent's partner visa application to be processed.
  • Subclass 117 – Orphan Relative Visa (Offshore)
    Humanitarian visa for orphaned children outside Australia who have an Australian relative willing to care for them.
  • Subclass 837 – Orphan Relative Visa (Onshore)
    For orphaned children in Australia under the care of an Australian relative.

Eligibility Criteria for Child Visas

Age: The child must be under 18 years old or, in some cases, a dependent child over 18.

Dependence: The child must be financially dependent on their parent(s), especially if they are over 18.

Relationship: The child must be the biological, adoptive, or stepchild of the parent(s).

Health and Character: Health checks and character assessments may apply depending on the visa subclass.

Family Sponsorship: The child must be sponsored by an eligible parent or relative.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Child Visas Process

1
Check Eligibility: Ensure the child meets the necessary criteria.
2
Gather Documents: Prepare the required documents (e.g., passport, birth certificate, proof of relationship).
3
Submit Application: Lodge the application through the Department of Home Affairs.
4
Wait for Approval: Processing times vary, typically between 6 months to 2 years.
5
Visa Outcome: Once granted, your child can join you in Australia!
Ready to lodge your application with expert migration support? Apply with Visa Advisor

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Processing time for a Child Visa typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the subclass. 

Yes, children outside Australia can apply for the visa depending on the subclass.

Yes, the child’s parents and dependent siblings may be included depending on the subclass. 

No, a skills assessment is typically not required for the Child Visa, but other health and character checks may apply. 

You will need to provide relevant relationship documents, such as birth certificates, adoption papers, or proof of dependency, depending on the subclass. 

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.