Reunite Your Child with You in Australia Permanently
The Subclass 101 Child Visa allows the dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. This visa ensures families can stay together while providing children with access to Australia’s education and healthcare systems.
Key Benefits of the 101 Visa
✅ Permanent residency for your child
✅ Live, study, and work in Australia without restrictions
✅ Access to Medicare and schooling
✅ Pathway to citizenship (after residency requirements)
✅ No sponsorship limits (unlike partner visas)
Eligibility Requirements
For the Child (Applicant)
✔ Must be under 18 years old, OR
✔ 18-25 years old and a full-time student (financially dependent on parent), OR
✔ Over 18 with a disability (dependent on parent for care)
✔ Must be outside Australia when applying (offshore visa)
✔ Must meet health and character requirements (if 16+ years)
For the Parent (Sponsor)
✔ Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
✔ Must provide financial support and accommodation
✔ Must pass character checks
Required Documents
📌 Proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers)
📌 Evidence of dependency (for children over 18)
📌 Sponsor’s proof of residency/citizenship
📌 Health examinations (if required)
📌 Police clearance (for children aged 16+)
Application Process & Timeline
- Sponsor lodges application (while child is outside Australia)
- Processing times vary – check the Home Affairs processing time guide
- Visa grant – Child can enter Australia as a permanent resident
Why Choose the 101 Visa?
🔹 No “Balance of Family Test” (unlike parent visas)
🔹 A dedicated permanent pathway for dependent children
🔹 Full residency rights from day one
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Eligibility assessment – Confirm your child qualifies
✅ Document preparation – Avoid delays or rejections
✅ Application lodgement – Handle all paperwork
✅ Post-visa support – School enrollment, Medicare access
Begin Your Child’s Visa Application
Book a Free Consultation
Official Resources
Home Affairs – Child Visa (101)
Document Checklist
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Subclass 101 — key questions answered
How much does the subclass 101 Child visa cost?
The Department of Home Affairs lists the subclass 101 Child visa application charge from AUD4,040.00, with concessions in limited circumstances. From 1 July 2026 a lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Expect further costs for health examinations, police certificates and translations. Confirm the current charge with Home Affairs before lodging. Figure verified 14 September 2026.
What age can a child be for a subclass 101 visa?
The child must be under 18, or aged 18 to 24 and studying full time while financially dependent on the parent, or 18 or over with a disability that prevents them working. A child aged 18 to 24 should have started study within about six months of finishing school, and longer gaps need explaining.
Who can sponsor a subclass 101 Child visa?
The child must be sponsored by an eligible parent, or that parent’s spouse or de facto partner, and the Department must approve the sponsorship before the visa is granted. The parent must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent visa holder or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Sponsorship is refused where a sponsor has a pending registrable offence charge.
What is the difference between the subclass 101 and subclass 802 Child visas?
Location is the difference. The subclass 101 is the offshore Child visa: the child applies from outside Australia. The subclass 802 is the onshore equivalent, where the child must be in Australia when the application is made and when it is decided. Both are permanent visas with the same application charge from AUD4,040.00.
Can adopted children and stepchildren apply for a subclass 101 visa?
Sometimes. An adopted child must have been adopted before turning 18 by a parent who was not an Australian citizen, permanent visa holder or eligible New Zealand citizen at the time. Where the parent already held that status, the subclass 102 Adoption visa may apply instead. A stepchild must be under 18 and the child of a former partner.
Could the child claim Australian citizenship instead of a visa?
Possibly. A child born outside Australia to a parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of the birth may be able to apply for Australian citizenship by descent rather than a Child visa. That route is separate from the visa system and worth checking first, because it can be simpler and less costly where it applies.
Related Immigrad pages
Subclass 802 Child visa (onshore) · Child and relative visas · Partner visas · Speak with Immigrad
General information only, current as at 14 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice and does not take your circumstances into account. Charges and requirements change; always confirm current figures with the Department of Home Affairs. Complex cases should be discussed with a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd. Gaurav Duggal, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1805710.