The Australia Child Visa allows dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live with their parents in Australia. This visa provides a pathway for children to reunite with their families and live permanently in Australia.
Types of Child Visas
There are several types of child visas available depending on the child’s circumstances and age.
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Child Visa (Permanent - Subclass 101)
This visa allows a child who is outside of Australia to live in Australia permanently with their sponsoring parent.
- Eligibility: The child must be under 18 years of age, a full-time student aged 18-25, or over 18 and unable to work due to a disability.
- Parent Sponsorship: The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Permanent Residency: The child will receive permanent residency upon visa grant, allowing them to live, study, and work in Australia.
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Child Visa (Permanent - Subclass 802)
This visa is for children who are already in Australia and want to live permanently with their parent in Australia.
- Eligibility: The child must be under 18, a full-time student aged 18-25, or over 18 and unable to work due to a disability.
- Parent Sponsorship: The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Permanent Residency: The child will receive permanent residency and can stay in Australia permanently.
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Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
This visa allows an adopted child to live in Australia with their adoptive parent.
- Eligibility: The child must have been adopted or be in the process of being adopted by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Adoption Process: The adoption must be recognized under Australian law.
- Permanent Residency: This visa grants permanent residency to the child.
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Orphan Relative Visa (Permanent - Subclass 117/837)
This visa allows a child whose parents are deceased, unable to care for them, or missing, to live in Australia with a relative.
- Eligibility: The child must be under 18 years of age and sponsored by an eligible relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Permanent Residency: This visa grants the child permanent residency.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Child Visa, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Age Requirements:
- The child must be under 18 years old.
- Full-time students between 18-25 years of age may also be eligible if they are dependent on the sponsoring parent.
- Children over 18 who have a disability that prevents them from working may also qualify.
- Parent Sponsorship:
- The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- For adoption visas, the adoptive parent must also be the sponsor, and the adoption must be recognized by Australian law.
- Dependency:
- The child must be financially dependent on the sponsoring parent, especially if over 18 years of age.
- For orphan relative visas, the child must be orphaned and dependent on an eligible relative in Australia.
- Health and Character Requirements:
- The child must meet the health and character requirements, which may involve medical examinations and police clearance certificates.
Application Process
The Child Visa application process generally involves several steps:
- Sponsorship by Parent: The sponsoring parent needs to meet all sponsorship requirements and demonstrate their relationship with the child.
- Gather Required Documents: The child’s birth certificate, proof of dependency, financial information, and other supporting documents must be provided.
- Visa Application: The visa application can be lodged either from outside Australia (Subclass 101) or within Australia (Subclass 802).
- Health and Character Checks: The child will be required to undergo health checks, and depending on their age, a character assessment may also be required.
- Processing Time: Processing times vary depending on the type of child visa. On average, it can take between 10 months to 2 years to receive a visa decision.
Visa Costs
The visa application charge for a Child Visa varies depending on the subclass. The general costs include:
- Child Visa (Subclass 101 or 802): From AUD 3,140.
- Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117/837): From AUD 1,920.
- Adoption Visa (Subclass 102): From AUD 3,140.
Benefits of a Child Visa
- Permanent Residency: The child will be granted permanent residency, allowing them to live in Australia indefinitely.
- Work and Study: Once the child has permanent residency, they can work and study in Australia.
- Medicare Access: The child will have access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Permanent residency provides a pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency and other requirements.
How We Can Help
At A Square Migration Services, we specialize in helping families reunite through the Child Visa application process. We provide expert guidance at every step, ensuring that the process is smooth and efficient. Our services include:
- Assessing Eligibility: We evaluate the child’s circumstances and help determine the most suitable visa subclass.
- Document Preparation: We assist in gathering and organizing all necessary documents for the application.
- Lodging the Application: We manage the visa submission process and ensure that all paperwork is accurate and complete.
- Ongoing Support: We provide continuous support throughout the application process, from initial consultation to visa grant.
Reunite Your Family in Australia
If you're ready to bring your child to live with you in Australia, A Square Migration Services is here to assist. Our team of experts will guide you through the entire visa application process, ensuring a seamless experience for your family.
Contact us today to begin your child visa application.