Child Visa Pathways: Reuniting Families

If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to sponsor your dependent child to live with you permanently in Australia. We are here to guide you through the process of bringing your child home.

The Core Requirement: Parental Responsibility

The primary requirement across all Child Visa pathways is that the sponsoring parent must have parental responsibility for the child. In addition, the child must be:

  • under 18 years old; or

  • a full-time student aged 18 to 25 and financially dependent on the parent; or

  • over 18 and unable to work due to a disability.

In all cases, the child must be single (not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship).

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Permanent Child Visas (SC 101 & SC 802)

These visas allow a child to obtain permanent residency in Australia. The main difference relates to the location of the child at the time of lodgement and decision.

Child Visa (Subclass 101) — Offshore

  • Location: The child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted.

  • Purpose: For children living overseas to migrate permanently.

  • Processing Time: Generally around 11–18 months (subject to change).

Child Visa (Subclass 802) — Onshore

  • Location: The child must be in Australia when the application is lodged and granted.

  • Benefit: The child can usually be granted a Bridging Visa, allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia while the application is processed.

Visas for Specific Circumstance

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) - Temporary

  • Purpose: This visa is for children whose parent is currently on a temporary Partner Visa (SC 820 or SC 309).

  • Pathway: It allows the child to stay in Australia until the parent is granted their permanent Partner Visa (SC 801 or SC 100). The child is then simply included in the parent's permanent application.

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Next Steps: Always in the Best Interests of the Child

Every Child Visa application must demonstrate that the visa is in the best interests of the child, which often requires complex documentation, proof of relationship, and evidence of full parental consent where required.

We handle these sensitive requirements carefully to ensure your child’s application is complete, compliant, and as strong as possible.

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