Child Visa (Subclass 101)
Permanent residency for children outside Australia to join their Australian parent
Key Benefits
Permanent Residency
Live in Australia indefinitely with no time restrictions
Medicare Access
Full access to Australia’s public healthcare system
Education Rights
Attend Australian schools as domestic student
Work Rights
Unrestricted work rights when of working age
5-Year Travel Facility
Travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years
Path to Citizenship
Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship
Who Can Apply & Sponsor?
Understanding eligibility for child and parent
👶 The Child (Applicant)
- Outside Australia when applying and when visa granted
- Biological, adopted, or step-child of sponsor
- Typically under 18 years old
- Single (not married or in de facto relationship)
- If 18-25: dependent, full-time student, and single
- Over 25: only if disabled and dependent
👨👩👧 The Parent (Sponsor)
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
- 18 years or older
- Biological or adoptive parent of child
- Step-parent (if has legal parental responsibility)
- Or parent’s Australian spouse/partner can sponsor
- Agrees to support child for first 2 years
📋 Child Types Eligible
- Biological children of sponsor
- Legally adopted children
- Step-children (under 18 with legal responsibility)
- Dependent children (if over 18)
- Children with disabilities (any age if dependent)
Eligibility Requirements
Key criteria that must be met
Under 18, or 18-25 if dependent full-time student, or any age if disabled and dependent
Not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship
Must be biological, adopted, or step-child of eligible sponsor
Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen willing to sponsor
If 18+, must be financially dependent on parent
Must be outside Australia when applying and when visa is granted
Meet Australian health standards through medical examination
Police clearances required if 16 years or older
If under 18, need consent from non-migrating parent or sole custody
Visa grant must be in child’s best interests (under 18)
Age & Dependency Requirements
Understanding the age criteria and dependency rules
Under 18 Years
- Most common category
- Must be single (unmarried)
- Need parental consent if one parent not migrating
- No dependency proof required
- Visa must be in child’s best interests
18-25 Years (Student)
- Must be financially dependent on parent
- Enrolled full-time in school/university
- Not employed full-time
- Single (not married or de facto)
- Provide enrollment and financial support proof
Over 18 (Disability)
- No age limit if disabled
- Disability must prevent working
- Financially dependent on parent
- Medical reports required
- Proof of dependency for substantial period
Dependency Evidence
- Bank transfers from parent
- Parent pays living expenses
- Full-time study enrollment
- Not employed full-time
- Dependent for 12+ months typically
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+)
Identity Documents
- Child’s passport (biographical page)
- Child’s birth certificate
- Passport-sized photographs (4)
- Name change documents (if applicable)
Sponsor Documents
- Sponsor’s passport or ID
- Citizenship certificate or PR proof
- Proof of residence in Australia
- Financial capacity evidence
Relationship Evidence
- Birth certificate showing parents
- Adoption papers (if adopted)
- Marriage/divorce docs (step-children)
- Custody orders (if applicable)
Parental Consent
- Form 1229 from non-migrating parent
- Notarized consent letter
- Non-migrating parent’s photo ID
- Sole custody court orders (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if parent deceased)
Dependency Evidence (18+)
- University enrollment letter
- Bank transfer receipts
- Parent pays expenses proof
- Employment status statement
- Medical reports (if disabled)
Health & Character
- Medical examination (as requested)
- Police clearances (if 16+)
- Sponsor police checks
- Vaccination records
Additional Documents
- Military discharge papers (if applicable)
- Translation of non-English documents
- Certified copies of all documents
- Any other supporting evidence
Application Process
Step-by-step journey to bringing your child home
Eligibility Assessment
Confirm child meets all criteria (age, dependency, single status). Verify sponsor eligibility and relationship. VisaTasker provides comprehensive assessment of your situation.
Document Preparation
Gather all required documents including identity papers, relationship evidence, parental consent (if needed), dependency proof (if 18+). Complete Forms 47CH and 40CH.
Application Lodgement
Submit paper application by mail to Perth processing office. Include all documents, completed forms, and payment of AUD $3,140 visa fee. Child must be outside Australia.
Health Examinations
Department requests medical examination at approved clinic. Child (and any dependents) undergoes health check, chest x-ray, and tests as required.
Biometrics & Police Checks
Provide biometrics if requested. Submit police clearances for child (if 16+) and sponsor. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Processing Period
Application in queue for processing (typically 21-34 months). Keep Department informed of any changes in circumstances, address, or passport details.
Visa Decision
Department makes decision and issues grant notice with visa details and initial entry date. Child becomes permanent resident upon grant!
Arrival in Australia
Child must enter Australia by initial entry date (typically within 12 months). Upon arrival, permanent residency begins. Enroll in Medicare and settle into new life.
Why Choose VisaTasker?
Expert child visa services with 100% success rate
100% Success Rate
Perfect track record for Subclass 101 Child Visa applications
MARA Registered
Qualified migration agents bound by professional standards (MARN 2318017)
Meticulous Preparation
Comprehensive document review and form completion to avoid delays
Family-Focused
Personalized service tailored to your unique family situation
Fixed Fee Pricing
Transparent $2,500 service fee with no hidden charges
Full Service Support
From eligibility to arrival – we handle everything
Transparent Pricing
Clear costs for your 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
- DHA communication management
- Follow-up until visa grant
- Post-grant settlement guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the Subclass 101 Child Visa take to process?
Processing times are approximately 21 months for 75% of applications and 34 months for 90% of applications. This means most families wait 1.5 to 3 years.
2. 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 dependent for at least 12 months
You’ll need to provide proof of enrollment, evidence of financial support (bank transfers, paid expenses), and employment status declaration.
3. What if the other parent won’t give consent?
If one parent refuses to consent to the child migrating to Australia, you have several options:
- Sole custody: If you have sole legal custody or parental responsibility (court order), consent from other parent not required
- Court order: Apply to family court for permission to relocate the child internationally
- Cannot locate parent: Provide evidence of reasonable attempts to contact them
- Parent deceased: Provide death certificate
This is a complex situation requiring legal documentation. VisaTasker can guide you through the options.
4. My child is already in Australia on a tourist visa. Can they apply for Subclass 101?
No. Subclass 101 requires the child to be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
5. Can a step-parent sponsor their step-child?
Yes, in certain circumstances. A step-parent can sponsor if:
- The step-child is under 18 years old
- The step-parent has (or had) a spouse/de facto relationship with the child’s parent
- The step-parent has legal parental responsibility for the child (custody or guardianship)
The step-parent can sponsor even if they’re no longer with the child’s biological parent, as long as they have legal responsibility. Documentation of the marriage/relationship and custody/guardianship orders are required.
6. What happens if my child turns 18 before the visa is granted?
If your child turns 18 during processing:
- They can still be granted the visa if they were under 18 when you applied
- They must remain single (not marry or enter de facto relationship)
- Department may request updated dependency evidence
- If they become engaged or married before grant, visa will be refused
7. Does my child get PR immediately or is it temporary first?
Immediate permanent residency! The Subclass 101 is a permanent visa 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
- Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements
Avoid Common Delays
Factors that can slow your application
Missing documents, uncertified copies, or incorrect forms
No Form 1229 or consent letter from non-migrating parent
Inadequate evidence for 18+ children claiming dependency
Unresolved custody issues or court orders
Delayed responses to Department requests for information
Delays obtaining police clearances from various countries
Reunite Your Family in Australia
Bring your child home to Australia with confidence. VisaTasker’s 100% success rate and expert MARA-registered agents ensure a smooth journey from application to permanent residency.
Book Your Free Consultation📋 Free Document Checklist
Get the complete list of documents you need for your application — updated for 2026.
View Child Visa 101 Document Checklist →
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.