Apply for
CHILD VISAS
Reunite Children with Their Family Permanently
Child visas allow eligible children of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently with their family. Depending on your situation, this can include biological children, stepchildren, adopted children or children who have lost the care of their parents.
At Knowbal Migration, we support families through the child visa process with care and precision. We help you choose the correct visa option for your child’s location and circumstances, prepare strong relationship and dependency evidence, and lodge a complete application that avoids common delays—so your family can reunite sooner and settle with confidence.
TYPES OF
CHILD VISAS
| Feature | Child visa (Offshore) – Subclass 101 | Child visa (Onshore) – Subclass 802 | Adoption visa – Subclass 102 | Dependent Child visa – Subclass 445 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | For dependent children outside Australia to live permanently with an eligible parent in Australia. | For dependent children already in Australia to remain here permanently with an eligible parent. | For children adopted or being adopted overseas by an eligible Australian parent to live with them in Australia. | Temporary visa for a dependent child of a parent who holds (or is linked to) a Partner provisional/temporary visa, so the child can travel to / enter / remain in Australia while the parent’s permanent Partner stage is decided. |
| Typical situation | Parent is settled in Australia; child is still overseas and needs a direct PR pathway. | Child is in Australia on a temporary visa (visitor, student, dependant etc.) and family want long-term stability. | Adoption has been arranged or is in process under Australian / overseas law and child is currently outside Australia. | Parent is on subclass 309 or 820 (Partner temporary/provisional) and needs their dependent child to be with them during the wait for subclass 100/801. |
| Child’s location at application / grant | Must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and usually when the visa is decided. | Must be in Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is decided. | Child must be outside Australia at application and at decision. | Can be used to support the child being in Australia or travelling to Australia during processing; practical location requirements depend on whether the parent is on the 309/100 (offshore stream) or 820/801 (onshore stream) pathway. |
| Who can sponsor? | A parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen. | Same as 101 – eligible parent (citizen, PR, or eligible NZ). | Adoptive (or prospective adoptive) parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen. | Usually linked to the parent’s Partner pathway — commonly the same sponsor who sponsored the parent for the Partner visa (with limited exceptions depending on the case). |
| Age & dependency | Generally, under 18, or 18–24 and financially dependent full-time student, or over 18 with disability and dependent; must be single and dependent. | Same age and dependency rules as 101 – child must be single and dependent on the sponsoring parent. | Child must be under 18 at adoption, application and decision. | Generally, under 18, or 18–25 and financially dependent (often a full-time student), or over 18 with a disability and dependent; must be single and dependent. |
| Permanent or temporary | Permanent visa – child becomes permanent resident on grant. | Permanent visa – onshore pathway to PR. | Permanent visa – adopted child becomes permanent resident. | Temporary visa (bridges the period before the parent’s permanent Partner stage is decided). |
| Stay period | Stay in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident. | Stay in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident. | Stay in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident. | Stays until a decision is made on the parent’s permanent Partner stage (or if that permanent stage is withdrawn/doesn’t proceed). |
| Work & study rights | He has full permanent resident rights, allowing him to study in Australia now and work there later without restriction. | Can study and work in Australia; full PR benefits. | Can study and work in Australia as a permanent resident. | Can live and study in Australia; work rights may apply depending on age and visa conditions. |
| Medicare access | Can enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme. | Can enrol in Medicare once visa/bridging arrangements allow. | Permanent residents can access Medicare. | Medicare access depends on the family’s eligibility and status during processing (often available where the linked Partner pathway allows it). |
| Family members | Visa is generally for one child; siblings usually lodge separate applications (sometimes processed together). | Same – each child usually has their own application, though they can be linked. | One adopted child per application; other children may need separate visas depending on adoption arrangements. | Generally, one child per application; siblings usually lodge separately (can be linked). In limited situations, the 445 child may have their own dependants (assessed case-by-case). |
| When is this used / best for? | Best when a settled parent in Australia wants their child overseas to migrate permanently. | Best when a child is already in Australia and family want a secure PR pathway without sending the child offshore. | Best where a child has been formally adopted overseas and needs a direct PR route to join adoptive parents. | Best when the parent is already on 309/820 and wants the child together with them during processing, instead of waiting for the parent to get PR and then lodging a separate permanent child visa. |
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Child Visas can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
It usually comes down to where your child is right now and what other visas they hold.
If your child is outside Australia, the main pathway is usually Child visa 101.
If your child is already in Australia on a temporary visa, the Child visa 802 may be more suitable.
We look at their current status, any overstay risk, and your wider family plan before recommending one or the other.
You generally use an Adoption visa 102 when the child has been (or will be) legally adopted overseas, and that adoption is recognised under Australian law or an approved adoption program.
If the child is your biological child, stepchild, or the adoption is not yet formalised, a Child visa (101/802) is often more appropriate. We normally review your adoption papers and any court orders before locking in the visa type.
For most child and adoption visas, you must show you have the legal right to remove the child from their country of residence – this can be through court orders, written consent from the other parent, or sole parental responsibility documents.
If consent is difficult or unsafe to obtain, we look at whether there are existing family law orders or whether you may need to resolve custody before lodging a visa.
The Orphan Relative visa 117 is for children who no longer have parents able to care for them – for example, where both parents have died, can’t be found, or are permanently incapacitated.
If at least one parent is still legally and practically caring for the child (even from overseas), a standard Child visa is usually more appropriate. We assess who holds legal and day-to-day responsibility before deciding.
Sometimes, yes – for example, children are often included in partner or skilled visa applications as dependants instead of using a separate Child visa. But where your own visa is already granted or you’re a permanent resident/citizen, a stand-alone Child visa (101/802) or Adoption/Orphan visa is often required.
We look at the timing of your visa, your status (PR/citizen/temporary), and whether including the child on another application is still possible.
Processing times for Child, Adoption and Orphan Relative visas can be lengthy and variable, and most offshore visas require the child to be outside Australia at grant. (Visa processing times)
For families who can’t tolerate long separations, we sometimes explore temporary visa options (like visitor or dependant student visas) alongside the Child visa strategy—always checking for genuine-temporary-entrant risks.
Common issues include:
choosing the wrong visa type (Child vs Adoption vs Orphan)
lodging without full custody/consent evidence
under-documenting the child’s dependency and living arrangements
assuming all siblings can be covered under one visa when they actually need separate applications
We usually start with a document and family-law check so your application reflects the real structure of your family from day one.
Blogs
How to Claim 5 Extra Points for Regional Study: The Ultimate GSM Guide
Introduction If you are navigating the General Skilled Migration (GSM) system in Australia—chasing a Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa—you...
How Partner Points Work for Australian GSM Visas (189, 190, 491): A Simple Guide
Introduction When you are applying for a General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa—like the 189, 190, or 491—you know that every...
Form 888 vs Section 48 Statutory Declarations
Introduction Applying for an Australian Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) is already one of the most document-heavy, emotionally draining, and expensive...
