How to Apply for a Child Visa in Australia: Age Rules, Sponsorship Criteria & Processing Explained

Bringing your child to Australia to live with you permanently is an important milestone for many families. Whether you are planning to reunite with loved ones, support your child’s education, or secure their future, understanding the Child Visa Australia application process is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know including age rules, sponsorship criteria, visa requirements, processing times, associated costs, and offer practical tips for a successful application.

There are two key pathways for children under Australian family migration rules. They are Child Visa Subclass 101 (offshore applications) and Child Visa Subclass 802 (onshore applications). Each has its own benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process, and this guide walks you through each step. 

What Is the Australian Child Visa?

The Australian child visa is a permanent residence visa that allows eligible children to live in Australia with their parents or legal sponsors. This visa provides full residency rights, including access to education, healthcare via Medicare, and the ability to eventually apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met. 

There are two main subclasses under this category:-

• Child Visa Subclass 101- For children applying from overseas (offshore child visa Australia).

• Child Visa Subclass 802- For children applying from within Australia (onshore child visa Australia). 

Unlike temporary visas, both Subclass 101 and 802 are permanent visas, meaning your child can remain in Australia indefinitely once granted. 

Child Visa Eligibility in Australia

Age Rules

The child visa Australia age limit is crucial to understand before applying. Generally, a child is eligible if they are:-

• Under 18 years old, OR

• 18 to 25 years old and a full-time student who is financially dependent on the sponsoring parent, OR

• 18 years or older and unable to work due to disability. 

These conditions are part of the Australian child visa age rules explained by migration advisers and reflect how the Department of Home Affairs defines a dependent child. 

Dependent Child Visa Australia

To be considered a dependent child:-

• The child must be single, not in a de facto relationship, and not married.

• They must be genuinely dependent on the sponsoring parent for financial and emotional support.

• In cases of older children (18–25), they must be fully enrolled in a full-time course when they apply and when the visa is decided. 

Who Can Sponsor a Child Visa in Australia?

An essential part of the child visa sponsorship Australia process is identifying who is eligible to act as a sponsor.

Child Visa Sponsorship Criteria Australia

To sponsor a child for either subclass 101 or 802, you must be:-

• An Australian citizen,

• An Australian permanent resident, OR

• An eligible New Zealand citizen. 

Sponsors must also:-

• Be 18 years or older.

• Meet health and character requirements.

• Provide a written undertaking to support the child’s accommodation and financial needs in Australia for at least the first two years. 

In some cases, adoptive parents or step-parents may also sponsor a child, provided legal documentation (such as adoption or custody orders) supports the relationship. 

Documents for Child Visa Australia

Before you apply, you need to gather key documentation to satisfy the child visa requirements in Australia and strengthen your case. Typical documents include:-

Identity & Personal Documents

• Child’s passport

• Birth certificate or adoption papers

• School enrollment (if applicable)

• Evidence of dependency and family relationship

Sponsorship & Support Evidence

• Sponsor’s proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible NZ citizenship

• Sponsorship application forms

• Evidence of the sponsor’s ability to support the child financially and provide accommodation

• Consent from both parents or legal guardians (if required)

Health and Character Checks

• Medical examination results

• Police clearance certificates (for children 16 and over or as required)

• Additional background checks or character documents

Collecting all the necessary evidence required for a child visa application helps avoid processing delays and boosts eligibility. 

Step-by-Step Child Visa Application Australia

Here’s a clear breakdown of how to lodge your application:

1. Confirm Visa Subclass

Decide whether to apply under Child Visa Subclass 101 (offshore) or Subclass 802 (onshore), depending on where your child is located. 

2. Prepare and Gather Documents

Collect all forms and evidence, including identity documents, sponsorship forms, proof of relationship, dependency, and health checks. 

3. Lodge Your Application

• Subclass 101 applications are generally submitted through paper processes overseas.

• Subclass 802 may also require paper applications if your child is in Australia. 

4. Pay Visa Fees

The cost of a child visa for Australia is approximately AUD 3,235 for the main applicant, with additional fees of around AUD 810 for each dependent child under 18. 

5. Submit Supporting Evidence

Upload or attach all documents, ensuring forms like the sponsorship form (Form 40CH) and visa application (Form 47CH) are accurately completed. 

6. Attend Health Checks and Biometrics

Schedule medical examinations and provide biometrics as required. 

7. Wait for Visa Outcome

Processing may take time but correctly completing all steps speeds the process. We cover expected times below.

Australian Child Visa Processing Time

Understanding the Australian child visa processing time helps you plan better:-

Subclass 101 (Offshore Child Visa)

• About 22–31 months for most applications to be processed. 

Subclass 802 (Onshore Child Visa)

• Around 20–27 months on average, depending on application completeness. 

Processing times may vary according to departmental workload, accuracy of documentation, and sponsor compliance. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest estimates. 

Cost of Child Visa Australia

As of July 2025, the visa application fees for child visas include:-

• Child Visa Subclass 101/802 (Main Applicant): ~AUD 3,235

• Dependent Child Under 18: ~AUD 810 per child 

Additional costs you may need to budget for include medical examinations, police checks, translations, and migration agent fees if you choose professional assistance. 

PR Sponsorship for a Child in Australia

Once your child’s visa is granted, they become a permanent resident of Australia. This allows them to:-

• Live in Australia indefinitely

• Study and work without restrictions

• Access Medicare

• Potentially apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements 

This long-term security is a key advantage of both Subclass 101 and Subclass 802 visas.

Common Challenges and Tips

To avoid common pitfalls when applying for a child visa:-

• Ensure all documents are correct, complete, and translated if necessary

• Provide clear evidence of financial dependency and relationship

• Submit sponsor evidence carefully

• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the Department

Applications often get delayed due to missing documents or incomplete evidence. Being thorough from the start protects your visa timeline.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the Australian immigration child visa process for your child can be complex, but with the right preparation and understanding of age rules, sponsorship criteria, and application steps, you can make the journey smoother and more predictable. Whether you’re applying via Child Visa Subclass 101 or Child Visa Subclass 802, proper documentation and compliance with requirements are key to success.

If you want help at any stage of the process (especially gathering documents, confirming eligibility, or managing formalities) Visa Empire is here to support you. As the best migration agents in Brisbane, our expert team can guide you through every step of your child visa application with confidence and care.

Contact Visa Empire today and get personalised assistance to bring your child to Australia seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does my child need a visa for Australia?

Yes. Any child who is not an Australian citizen and wishes to live permanently in Australia must hold an appropriate visa. The most common pathways are the Child Visa Subclass 101 (offshore) and Child Visa Subclass 802 (onshore). These visas allow eligible children to migrate and stay in Australia as permanent residents.

2. What is the age limit for a child visa in Australia?

The general child visa Australia age limit is:

• Under 18 years old, OR

• 18 to 25 years old if the child is a full-time student and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent, OR

• Over 18 if the child has a disability that prevents them from working.

• The child must also be single, not married, and not in a de facto relationship.

3. Can I sponsor a child to Australia?

Yes. You can sponsor a child to Australia if you are:-

• An Australian citizen,

• An Australian permanent resident, or

• An eligible New Zealand citizen.

You must also meet the child visa sponsorship Australia requirements, including proving your relationship with the child, providing accommodation and financial support, and completing all required sponsorship forms.

4. How much is the child visa fee in Australia?

The cost of child visa Australia is approximately:-

• AUD 3,235 for the main applicant

• Around AUD 810 for each additional dependent child under 18

Extra costs may apply for medical examinations, police checks, translations, and biometrics.

5. Can I apply for a visa for my child?

Yes. Parents or legal guardians can apply for a child visa in Australia either from inside the country (Subclass 802) or outside (Subclass 101). You will need to provide identity documents, proof of relationship, dependency evidence, sponsorship forms, and meet all requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.