Child relationship
Biological, adopted, or stepchild of the sponsor (Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen). Evidence of relationship.
Offshore 101 · Onshore 802 · Direct PR
The 101 and 802 give children of Australians direct PR.
The Subclass 101 (offshore) and 802 (onshore) Child visas let biological, adopted, or stepchildren under 25 join their Australian parent with permanent residency. Our partner and family specialists Pragya Gautam and Neha Sharma handle these matters.
Who qualifies
Four eligibility tests.
Each child visa application is assessed against these four.
Under 18 OR 18-25 with dependency
Children under 18 automatically eligible. 18-25 only if fully or substantially dependent on the sponsor and full-time student.
Single and no dependents of their own
The child must be single and not have a partner or children of their own. If married or partnered, use partner visa.
Sponsor meets requirements
Parent (sponsor) must be Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen. Character and capacity to support child.
Offshore 101 vs onshore 802
Where the child is.
Location determines which subclass applies.
Subclass 101 (offshore)Child is outside Australia at time of application. Must remain offshore until grant. Cannot enter Australia before grant on this visa.
Subclass 802 (onshore)Child is inside Australia at time of application. Must be in Australia at time of application and time of decision. Bridging visa covers processing.
Same PR outcomeBoth subclasses grant permanent residency. Visa rights identical once granted.
Common situations
Three typical scenarios.
Most child visa applications arise in these contexts.
Child born overseas to Australian parent
Biological or adopted child born in a home country where the parent has since migrated to Australia. Common 101 scenario.
Child of Australian step-parent
Child of one parent whose new partner is Australian. Stepchild relationship acceptable with evidence.
Adopted child
Adoption must be legally recognised in Australia. Some overseas adoptions require additional processes.
Newborn Australian children can have their overseas siblings sponsored.
When a child is born in Australia to an Australian citizen parent, that child gains citizenship. The child's overseas siblings can then potentially be sponsored through the child visa pathway if criteria are met. Family reunion planning is part of what we advise on.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For child visa applications, book with Pragya Gautam or Neha Sharma.
Can I sponsor my 22-year-old child?
Only if they are fully or substantially dependent on you and a full-time student. Age 18-25 dependents face tighter scrutiny.
Can my child come on another visa while 101 is processed?
Yes with separate visa (visitor, student). Must maintain 101 offshore status.
Does the child get Medicare after grant?
Yes. PR grant activates Medicare access for the child.
What if my child has a disability?
Health requirement applies. Waivers possible in some cases. Specialist advice essential.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.