Child visa (subclass 101 offshore / 802 onshore)
Permanent residence for a dependent child of an Australian parent - 101 if the child is overseas, 802 if onshore.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
Dependent children (biological, adopted, or step-children) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Eligibility requirements
- Be the dependent child of an eligible Australian sponsor (parent).
- Be single - not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
- Be under 18, OR aged 18-24 and a full-time student financially dependent on the parent, OR have a disability preventing self-support (age/study rules waived).
- 101: child outside Australia at lodgement and grant; 802: child onshore.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Related family visas include Adoption (102), Orphan Relative (117/837), and Dependent Child (445). Child visas are demand-driven rather than queued like parent visas.
Other Australia routes
Partner visa - onshore (subclass 820/801)
PathwayTwo-stage onshore route for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian, leading to permanent residence.
Partner visa - offshore (subclass 309/100)
PathwayThe offshore equivalent of the partner route: a provisional 309 first, then the permanent 100.
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
TemporaryThe 'fiance(e)' visa: enter Australia to marry your intended Australian partner, then apply for a partner visa.
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
PermanentThe faster (but very expensive) permanent parent visa for parents of Australians willing to pay a large contribution.