Keeping children and parents under one roof
Child visas turn on two things: a genuine parent–child relationship and, for older children, real dependency. We build decision-ready applications for subclasses 101, 802, 445 and 102 adoption — custody consent addressed, dependency evidenced, lodged complete.
Four child pathways, one dependency standard
Subclass 101
Permanent child visa for a dependent child outside Australia, sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen parent.
Subclass 802
The permanent onshore equivalent, for a dependent child already in Australia. Bridging arrangements typically apply while the application is assessed.
Subclass 445
A temporary visa for the dependent child of a parent who holds a provisional partner visa and has not yet reached the permanent stage.
Subclass 102
For a child adopted overseas by an Australian parent, where the adoption is recognised and the relevant state or territory processes are met.
What ‘dependent’ really means
A child under 18 is generally treated as dependent. For older children we must show they are wholly or substantially reliant on the parent for basic needs — food, shelter and everyday support.
- ✓ Financial support records
- ✓ Living & study arrangements
- ✓ Custody & consent evidence
- ✓ The parent–child relationship
Custody, consent and the other parent
Most child visa problems are not about the child — they are about permission. Where a child has two living parents, the Department needs to be satisfied that moving the child to Australia is lawful and that any non-migrating parent consents, or that a court or law says otherwise.
Consent evidence
Written consent from a non-migrating parent, or the court orders and legal reasons that stand in its place.
Custody & care
Who the child lives with, who makes decisions, and the parenting arrangements behind the application.
Health & character
The child’s health examinations and, where relevant, the sponsor’s checks — calendared so nothing expires mid-assessment.
Why hire a child visa lawyer?
A child visa is a permanent grant that shapes a family’s future. The sponsor’s obligations, the dependency evidence and the consent position all have to line up before lodgement — a gap in any one can end the application.
We assess the pathway, prepare the dependency and consent evidence, manage the file with the Department of Home Affairs, and — if a refusal happens — advise on review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
Government fees
Child visa charges depend on the subclass and are set at the date of lodgement; health examinations, translations and any professional fees are additional. We quote the exact government charge for your child’s pathway before you lodge.
Fees current as at 3 July 2026 (FY2026-27); the charge at your lodgement date applies — confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
The full family practice
Partner visas
The decision-ready evidence standard for onshore, offshore and prospective marriage partner applications.
Partner pathway → 143 / 103 / 804 / 864Parent visas
Contributory and non-contributory streams, the balance-of-family test and assurance of support.
Explore options → Conferral & descentAustralian citizenship
Residence requirements, the citizenship test and review of refusals at the ART — including children born overseas.
Explore options → ConfidentialFamily violence provisions
A pathway to permanent residence where a relationship ends because of family violence.
Your legal rights → PIC 4007Health waivers
Strategy for a child or family member who does not meet the health requirement at first instance.
Legal strategy → Next stepBook a consultation
Talk through your child’s pathway, dependency and consent position with an Australian migration lawyer.
Book now →Child visa FAQs
Who counts as a dependent child?
A child under 18 is generally treated as a dependent child. A child aged 18 or over can still qualify if they are wholly or substantially dependent on the parent — for example, a full-time student who relies on the parent for basic needs, or a child who cannot work because of a disability. The older the child, the more evidence of real dependency is needed.
Do we need the other parent’s consent?
Usually, yes. Where a child has another living parent who is not migrating, the Department needs to be satisfied that taking the child to Australia is lawful — typically through written consent, or through court orders or a legal basis that stands in its place. Consent is one of the most common sticking points, so it is worth resolving before lodgement.
What is the difference between subclass 101 and 802?
They are the offshore and onshore versions of the same permanent child visa. Subclass 101 is for a child outside Australia; subclass 802 is for a child already in Australia, who is typically able to remain on a bridging arrangement while the application is assessed. Subclass 445 is a separate temporary visa for children of provisional partner visa holders.
Can an adopted child get a visa?
Yes — the subclass 102 adoption visa covers a child adopted overseas by an Australian parent, where the adoption is recognised and the relevant Australian state or territory adoption processes have been followed. These matters are document-heavy and the requirements vary by country, so early advice is important.
What happens if a child visa is refused?
Many child visa refusals can be reviewed at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), subject to strict lodgement deadlines. Because a review takes time, the better course is to lodge a complete, decision-ready application in the first place — with dependency and consent evidence in order before the Department assesses the file.
Bring your child home. Get the evidence right first
Book a consultation with an Australian migration lawyer and have your child’s dependency and consent evidence audited before the Department sees it.
Book a consultationor call +61 411 807 172