Child Visa Subclass 802 (Onshore)
Permanent residency for children already in Australia to live with their Australian parent
Key Benefits
Permanent Residency
Live in Australia indefinitely from the day visa is granted
Stay in Australia
Child remains in Australia on Bridging Visa during processing
Medicare Access
Full access to Australia’s public healthcare system
Study Rights
Attend Australian schools as domestic student
Work Rights
Unrestricted work rights when of working age
Path to Citizenship
Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship
Subclass 802 vs Subclass 101
Understanding onshore vs offshore child visas
| Feature | Subclass 802 (Onshore) | Subclass 101 (Offshore) |
|---|---|---|
| Child’s Location | Must be IN Australia | Must be OUTSIDE Australia |
| When to Use | Child already in Australia on temporary visa | Child living overseas |
| Application Type | Paper-based (mailed to Perth) | Paper-based (mailed to Perth) |
| During Processing | Bridging Visa issued – child stays in Australia | Child remains overseas until granted |
| Processing Time | 10-12 months typically | 21-34 months typically |
| Government Fee | AUD $3,140 | AUD $3,140 |
| Travel During Processing | Cannot travel (or need Bridging Visa B) | Not applicable – child overseas |
| Outcome | Permanent residency | Permanent residency |
Who Can Apply & Sponsor?
Understanding eligibility for child and parent
👶 The Child (Applicant)
- Currently in Australia (not in immigration clearance)
- Holds valid temporary visa (or Bridging Visa)
- No “No Further Stay” condition (or waiver obtained)
- Biological, adopted, or step-child of sponsor
- Typically under 18 years old
- Single (not married or in de facto relationship)
👨👩👧 The Parent (Sponsor)
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
- Settled in Australia
- 18 years or older
- Biological or adoptive parent
- Or step-parent with legal parental responsibility
- Good character (police checks required)
📋 Age & Dependency Rules
- Under 18: No dependency proof needed
- 18-25: Must be dependent full-time student
- Over 25: Only if disabled and dependent
- All ages: Must remain single (unmarried)
- Financial dependency required for 18+ applicants
Eligibility Requirements
Key criteria that must be met
Must be in Australia when applying and when visa is granted
Hold substantive visa without “No Further Stay” condition (or condition waived)
Not married, engaged, or in de facto relationship
Biological, adopted, or step-child of eligible sponsor
Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen parent
If 18+, must be financially dependent on parent
Meet Australian health standards through medical examination
Police clearances if 16+ years old, sponsor character checks
If under 18, need consent from non-migrating parent or sole custody
Visa grant must be in child’s best interests (under 18)
Required Documents
Comprehensive documentation checklist
Application Forms
- Form 47CH (Visa application)
- Form 40CH (Sponsorship)
- Form 1229 (Consent if under 18)
- Australian Values Statement (if 18+)
- Payment receipt
Identity Documents
- Child’s passport (valid)
- Child’s birth certificate
- Passport-sized photographs
- Name change documents (if applicable)
Relationship Evidence
- Birth certificate showing parents
- Adoption papers (if adopted)
- Marriage/divorce docs (step-children)
- Legal responsibility orders (step-children)
Sponsor Documents
- Sponsor’s passport or citizenship certificate
- PR evidence or NZ citizen proof
- Australian police clearance
- Financial capacity evidence
- Employment letter and pay slips
Parental Consent
- Form 1229 from non-migrating parent
- Notarized consent letter
- Non-migrating parent’s photo ID
- Court orders (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if parent deceased)
Dependency Evidence (18+)
- University enrollment letter
- Study transcripts (full-time status)
- Bank transfer receipts from parent
- Parent pays expenses proof
- Medical reports (if disabled)
Current Visa Evidence
- Current visa grant notice
- Entry stamp in passport
- Bridging Visa notice (if applicable)
- VEVO printout
- No Further Stay waiver (if obtained)
Health & Character
- Medical examination (as requested)
- Police clearances (if 16+)
- Australian police check
- Overseas police certificates
- Military discharge papers (if applicable)
Application Process
Step-by-step guide for onshore child visa
Eligibility Assessment
Confirm child is in Australia on valid visa without “No Further Stay” condition. Verify all eligibility criteria including age, dependency, and sponsor qualifications.
Document Preparation
Gather all required documents including identity papers, relationship evidence, parental consent (if needed), dependency proof (if 18+). Complete Forms 47CH and 40CH.
Fee Payment
Pay visa application charge of AUD $3,140 online via ImmiAccount or credit card authorization. Obtain payment receipt for application package.
Application Lodgement
Mail complete paper application to Perth processing centre. Include all forms, documents, and payment proof. Use tracked courier service. Child must be in Australia at lodgement.
Bridging Visa Issued
Department issues acknowledgment and Bridging Visa A. Child can remain in Australia lawfully during processing. Bridging Visa does not allow travel (need BVB for that).
Health & Character Checks
Complete medical examination at approved clinic. Provide police clearances for child (if 16+) and sponsor. Respond promptly to any additional document requests.
Processing Period
Application processed (typically 10-12 months). Keep Department informed of any changes in circumstances, address, or contact details. Child remains in Australia on Bridging Visa.
Visa Grant
Permanent residency granted! Child becomes PR from grant date. Receive visa grant notice with details. Enroll in Medicare and enjoy full PR benefits.
Why Choose VisaTasker?
Expert onshore child visa services with proven results
100% Success Rate
Perfect track record for Subclass 802 Child Visa applications
MARA Registered
Qualified migration agents bound by professional standards (MARN 2318017)
Decision-Ready Applications
Meticulous preparation to avoid delays and refusals
Faster Processing
Complete applications processed within 10-12 months typically
Fixed Fee Pricing
Transparent $2,500 service fee with no hidden charges
Family-Focused
Personalized service for your unique family situation
Transparent Pricing
Clear costs for your onshore child visa application
Government Fee
Paid to Department of Home Affairs
- Base visa application charge
- Covers main applicant (child)
- Additional fees for dependent children
- Medical exam fees separate ($200-$400)
- Police clearances separate
Our Professional Service
Fixed flat fee – complete service
- Comprehensive eligibility assessment
- Tailored document checklist
- Complete form preparation
- Document review and organization
- Application lodgement to Perth
- Bridging Visa guidance
- DHA communication management
- Follow-up until visa grant
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Subclass 802 take to process?
Processing times are approximately 10 months for 75% of applications and 12 months for 90% of applications. This is significantly faster than the offshore Subclass 101 (which takes 21-34 months).
2. What is a Bridging Visa and can my child travel?
When you lodge the Subclass 802 application, your child is granted a Bridging Visa A, which allows them to remain in Australia lawfully while the application is processed.
Important travel restrictions:
- Bridging Visa A does NOT allow travel outside Australia
- If your child leaves Australia on BVA, the application is deemed withdrawn
- If travel is essential, you must apply for Bridging Visa B before departure
- BVB allows temporary travel and return to Australia
3. What if my child’s visa has a “No Further Stay” condition?
If your child’s current visa has Condition 8503 (“No Further Stay”), they cannot apply for any visa while in Australia unless this condition is waived.
4. Can my 19-year-old son apply if he’s at university?
Yes, if he meets all these criteria:
- Enrolled full-time in a recognized educational institution
- Financially dependent on you (you provide financial support)
- Not married or in a de facto relationship
- Not employed full-time
- Has been studying continuously since turning 18 (or reasonable gap explanation)
Provide enrollment letters, transcripts showing full-time study, and evidence of your financial support (bank transfers, paid tuition, etc.).
5. Can a step-parent sponsor their step-child for Subclass 802?
Yes, in certain circumstances. A step-parent can sponsor if:
- The step-child is under 18 years old
- The step-parent is married to or in de facto relationship with the child’s biological parent
- The step-parent has legal parental responsibility for the child (custody or guardianship orders)
- The step-parent is an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
Documentation of the relationship to the biological parent and legal responsibility documents (court orders) are required.
6. What happens if the other parent won’t give consent?
If one parent refuses consent for a child under 18 to migrate:
- Sole custody: If you have sole legal custody (court order), consent from other parent not required
- Court order: Apply to family court for permission for child to remain in Australia
- Cannot locate parent: Provide evidence of reasonable attempts to contact them
- Parent deceased: Provide death certificate
This is a complex situation requiring proper legal documentation. VisaTasker can guide you through the options.
7. Is the Subclass 802 a permanent visa immediately?
Yes! The Subclass 802 grants permanent residency from the moment it’s granted. There’s no temporary phase. Your child becomes a permanent resident immediately with full rights including:
- Live in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study without restrictions
- Access Medicare healthcare
- 5-year travel facility (with valid RRV after that)
- Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements
Keep Your Child With You in Australia
If your child is already in Australia, the Subclass 802 onshore visa offers the fastest pathway to permanent residency. Let VisaTasker’s experienced agents ensure a smooth, successful application with our proven 100% success rate.
Book Your Free Consultation
Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This page is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.