Child visa (subclasses 101 and 102)
Who is eligible?
The child must:
- be a dependent child of a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or holder of an Australian permanent visa
- be under 18, or aged 18 to 24 as a full-time student who depends financially on the parent, or over 18 and unable to work due to a disability
- be single and dependent on the parent
- be outside Australia when the application is made
The child also needs to meet health and character requirements, and have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
What does the visa give?
Permanent residence: the child can stay indefinitely, work and study, enrol in Medicare, sponsor relatives, attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program if eligible and apply for citizenship if eligible.
Cost
From A$4,040 for the main applicant, A$2,020 for each additional adult and A$1,015 for each additional child under 18. A lower charge applies from 1 July 2026 to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. See family visa costs and fee changes. Since 23 July 2025, paper applications for several child visa subclasses can be imported into ImmiAccount.
How long does it take?
See processing times for the official figures.
FAQ
Can my child work or study?
Yes, once they hold the permanent visa.
Is there an age limit?
Under 18, or up to 24 if studying full time and financially dependent.
What about the 102?
The 102 is the adoption visa and applies where the 101 criteria are not met.
What if a past visa was refused?
Disclose it. See visa refused.