The Subclass 802 Child Visa (Onshore) allows dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia while already in the country. This visa ensures families can stay together while providing children with full access to Australia’s education, healthcare, and social benefits.
Key Benefits of the 802 Visa
✅ Permanent residency for your child (no expiration)
✅ Live, study, and work in Australia without restrictions
✅ Access to Medicare and public schooling
✅ Pathway to citizenship (after residency requirements)
✅ No sponsorship limits (unlike partner visas)
Eligibility Requirements
For the Child (Applicant)
✔ Must be in Australia when applying (onshore visa)
✔ 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 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
- Lodge application while child is in Australia
- Processing times vary – check the Home Affairs processing time guide
- Bridging visa granted (if needed, allows stay during processing)
- Visa grant – Child receives permanent residency
Why Choose the 802 Visa?
🔹 No “Balance of Family Test” (unlike parent visas)
🔹 Child can stay in Australia during processing
🔹 Full residency rights from approval
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Eligibility verification – 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 Onshore Visa Application
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Official Resources
Home Affairs – Child Visa (802)
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.
FAQs
Q: Can my child work while waiting for the visa?
A: Yes, if granted a Bridging Visa with work rights.
Q: What if my child turns 18 during processing?
A: They’ll still qualify if the application was lodged before their 18th birthday.
Q: Is there an English requirement?
A: No, this visa has no language test.
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Subclass 802 — more questions answered
How much does the subclass 802 Child visa cost?
The Department of Home Affairs lists the subclass 802 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. Health examinations, police certificates and translations add to the total. Confirm the current charge with Home Affairs before lodging. Figure verified 14 September 2026.
Does the child need to be in Australia for a subclass 802 visa?
Yes. The subclass 802 is the onshore Child visa, so the child must be in Australia when the application is made and when the Department makes its decision. A child who is outside Australia applies for the subclass 101 Child visa instead. Both are permanent visas carrying the same application charge.
What age can a child be for a subclass 802 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 normally have begun study within about six months of finishing school, and longer gaps must be explained to the Department.
Who can sponsor a subclass 802 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 granting the visa. The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent visa holder or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Sponsorship is refused where the sponsor has a pending registrable offence charge.
What does the subclass 802 visa allow once granted?
It is a permanent visa. The child can stay in Australia indefinitely, work and study here, enrol in Medicare, and apply for Australian citizenship if they later meet the citizenship requirements. Permanent residence also allows the child to sponsor eligible relatives in future, subject to the rules for the relevant visa.
Can a paper subclass 802 application be moved into ImmiAccount?
Yes. Since 23 July 2025 applicants for Child visa subclasses 101, 102, 802, 445, 117 and 837 have been able to import a paper application into ImmiAccount. Some applications made outside Australia before 1 April 2020 cannot be imported. The Department sets out the process and exceptions on its website.
Related Immigrad pages
Subclass 101 Child visa (offshore) · 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.