Child Visa

Child Visa – A Family Reunion Pathway for Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents

“Discover the essential information about the Australian Child Visa – a compassionate immigration solution that enables Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their children in Australia. Learn about the eligibility requirements, visa types, benefits, application process, costs, and processing times.”

What is a Child Visa?

The Child Visa allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their biological, adopted, or stepchildren (meeting certain legal criteria) to live permanently in Australia. This visa aims to strengthen family unity and provide children with long-term opportunities for education, work, and settlement in Australia.

Types of Child Visas

Eligibility criteria

For the Child (Visa applicant):

• Under 18 years of age, single and not engaged or married
• Aged 18–25 and a full-time student financially dependent on the sponsoring parent
• Over 18 with a serious disability that makes them wholly dependent on the sponsor

For the Parent (Sponsor):

• Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen
• Must provide evidence of biological, adoptive, or legal parental relationship
• Must not have breached prior sponsorship obligations
• Must demonstrate financial capacity and willingness to support the child during initial settlement

Key benefits of the Child Visa

A successful Child Visa application grants the child:

• Permanent residency and the right to live with their parent(s) in Australia
• Access to free public education and student benefits
• Eligibility to work (if 15 years or older) in accordance with Australian labour laws
• Access to Medicare, Australia’s national healthcare system
• Ability to sponsor eligible relatives in the future
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met

These benefits are designed to support the child’s integration into Australian society and foster their educational, professional, and personal development.

Required documents

For the Child applicant:

• Birth certificate or adoption certificate
• Passport
• Passport-sized photographs and identity card (if applicable)
• Evidence of full-time education (if aged 18–25)
• Medical examination results
• Police clearance (if applicable)

For the Parent Sponsor:

• Australian passport, citizenship certificate or proof of permanent residency
• Proof of relationship to the child (e.g., birth/adoption/legal custody documents)
• Guardianship or legal custody documentation (if applicable)

Application fees (as of 2025)

• Subclass 101 / 802 / 102 / 445: AUD 3,140
• Subclass 117 / 837: AUD 1,920
  (Additional charges may apply for health checks, police certificates, and document translations)

Processing time

Visa processing can vary depending on the type of visa and the complexity of the case:

• Average processing time: 12–24 months
• More complex cases (e.g., orphans or international adoptions) may take longer due to in-depth assessments

Ready to reunite with your Child in Australia?

The Child Visa offers a compassionate and strategic pathway to reunite families and provide a secure, supportive environment for children in Australia.
Proper planning, accurate documentation, and expert guidance can significantly increase your chances of success while saving time and costs.

>> Let Nextgem guide you every step of the way. Our experienced consultants will:

• Assess your eligibility
• Develop a tailored application strategy
• Ensure efficient, lawful, and timely submission

Contact us today for a free consultation and start your family reunion journey with confidence.