Child Visa
Australian child visas allow eligible children to live with their parent(s) in Australia. Different subclasses cater for various circumstances including children living overseas, those already in Australia, and adopted children. This guide outlines the general eligibility requirements and key features of each child visa subclass.
General Eligibility Criteria for All Child Visa Subclasses
- The applicant must be a dependent child of a parent who is an Australian citizen, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or the holder of an Australian permanent visa.
- The applicant must meet one of the following age and dependency criteria:
- Be under 18 years of age; or
- Be a full-time student, aged over 18 and under 25; or
- Be over 18 and unable to work due to a disability.
The applicant must be single (never married or in a de facto relationship) and dependent on their parent.
The applicant must meet Australian health and character requirements.
Child Visa Subclasses
Applicant must be outside Australia both at the time of application and at the time of visa decision.
Applicant must be in Australia both at the time of application and at the time of visa decision.
- This visa can be lodged either onshore or offshore (inside or outside Australia).
- The child must be dependent on a parent who holds one of the following visas:
- Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309)
- Partner visa (subclass 820)
- Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
Once granted the 445 visa, the child must apply to be added to their parent’s permanent Partner visa application.
If the child is in Australia, they cannot hold another visa that has a ‘No further stay’ condition.
- The child must have been under 18 years of age both at the time of adoption and at the time of application and decision.
- The child must be outside Australia when the application is submitted.
- The child must be adopted, or in the process of being adopted, by a sponsor parent who is:
- An Australian citizen; or
- An Australian permanent resident; or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
and the sponsor parent must be at least 18 years of age.
The child must meet health and character requirements.
The sponsorship must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
Next Steps
If you are considering lodging a child visa application, it is important to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met and that you have gathered the appropriate documentation. Professional assistance, such as that offered by Aus Visa Solutions, can help you prepare and submit a comprehensive application, bringing families together in Australia.
Book your appointment with us today!