Apply for
Child Visas
Allow eligible children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia with their family, including biological, stepchildren, adopted children, or those who have lost parental care.
CHILD VISAS
For dependent children outside Australia to live permanently with an eligible parent in Australia.
For dependent children already in Australia to remain here permanently with an eligible parent.
For children adopted or being adopted overseas by an eligible Australian parent to live with them in Australia.
Temporary visa for a dependent child of a parent who holds (or is linked to) a Partner provisional/temporary visa, so the child can travel to / enter / remain in Australia while the parent’s permanent Partner stage is decided.
Parent is settled in Australia; child is still overseas and needs a direct PR pathway.
Child is in Australia on a temporary visa (visitor, student, dependant etc.) and family want long-term stability.
Adoption has been arranged or is in process under Australian / overseas law and child is currently outside Australia.
Parent is on subclass 309 or 820 (Partner temporary/provisional) and needs their dependent child to be with them during the wait for subclass 100/801.
Must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and usually when the visa is decided.
Must be in Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is decided.
Child must be outside Australia at application and at decision.
Can be used to support the child being in Australia or travelling to Australia during processing; practical location requirements depend on whether the parent is on the 309/100 (offshore stream) or 820/801 (onshore stream) pathway.
A parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen.
Same as 101 – eligible parent (citizen, PR, or eligible NZ).
Adoptive (or prospective adoptive) parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen.
Usually linked to the parent’s Partner pathway — commonly the same sponsor who sponsored the parent for the Partner visa (with limited exceptions depending on the case).
Generally, under 18, or 18–24 and financially dependent full-time student, or over 18 with disability and dependent; must be single and dependent.
Same age and dependency rules as 101 – child must be single and dependent on the sponsoring parent.
Child must be under 18 at adoption, application and decision.
Generally, under 18, or 18–25 and financially dependent (often a full-time student), or over 18 with a disability and dependent; must be single and dependent.
Permanent visa – child becomes permanent resident on grant.
Permanent visa – onshore pathway to PR.
Permanent visa – adopted child becomes permanent resident.
Temporary visa (bridges the period before the parent’s permanent Partner stage is decided).
Stay in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
Stay in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
Stay in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
Stays until a decision is made on the parent’s permanent Partner stage (or if that permanent stage is withdrawn/doesn’t proceed).
He has full permanent resident rights, allowing him to study in Australia now and work there later without restriction.
Can study and work in Australia; full PR benefits.
Can study and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
Can live and study in Australia; work rights may apply depending on age and visa conditions.
Can enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme.
Can enrol in Medicare once visa/bridging arrangements allow.
Permanent residents can access Medicare.
Medicare access depends on the family’s eligibility and status during processing (often available where the linked Partner pathway allows it).
Visa is generally for one child; siblings usually lodge separate applications (sometimes processed together).
Same – each child usually has their own application, though they can be linked.
One adopted child per application; other children may need separate visas depending on adoption arrangements.
Generally, one child per application; siblings usually lodge separately (can be linked). In limited situations, the 445 child may have their own dependants (assessed case-by-case).
Best when a settled parent in Australia wants their child overseas to migrate permanently.
Best when a child is already in Australia and family want a secure PR pathway without sending the child offshore.
Best where a child has been formally adopted overseas and needs a direct PR route to join adoptive parents.
Best when the parent is already on 309/820 and wants the child together with them during processing, instead of waiting for the parent to get PR and then lodging a separate permanent child visa.
Can I apply for an Child Visas?
We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts
Excellence speaks for itself—our clients’ emotions tell the story.
Aleeha and Nirav at Knowbal Migration demonstrated outstanding guidance, persistence, and professionalism in securing a Visitor Visa Family Stream for a sister, successfully navigating earlier difficulties to achieve the outcome. Their dedication and genuine care throughout the process were truly appreciated.
Very good experience with Knowbal Migration. Nirav and Aleeha provided great support throughout my visa process and helped achieve a positive outcome. Thank you to the team for their assistance.
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It usually comes down to where your child is right now and what other visas they hold.
If your child is outside Australia, the main pathway is usually Child visa 101.
If your child is already in Australia on a temporary visa, the Child visa 802 may be more suitable.
We look at their current status, any overstay risk, and your wider family plan before recommending one or the other.
You generally use an Adoption visa 102 when the child has been (or will be) legally adopted overseas, and that adoption is recognised under Australian law or an approved adoption program. If the child is your biological child, stepchild, or the adoption is not yet formalised, a Child visa (101/802) is often more appropriate. We normally review your adoption papers and any court orders before locking in the visa type.
For most child and adoption visas, you must show you have the legal right to remove the child from their country of residence – this can be through court orders, written consent from the other parent, or sole parental responsibility documents. If consent is difficult or unsafe to obtain, we look at whether there are existing family law orders or whether you may need to resolve custody before lodging a visa.
The Orphan Relative visa 117 is for children who no longer have parents able to care for them – for example, where both parents have died, can’t be found, or are permanently incapacitated. If at least one parent is still legally and practically caring for the child (even from overseas), a standard Child visa is usually more appropriate. We assess who holds legal and day-to-day responsibility before deciding.
Sometimes, yes – for example, children are often included in partner or skilled visa applications as dependants instead of using a separate Child visa. But where your own visa is already granted or you’re a permanent resident/citizen, a stand-alone Child visa (101/802) or Adoption/Orphan visa is often required. We look at the timing of your visa, your status (PR/citizen/temporary), and whether including the child on another application is still possible.
Processing times for Child, Adoption and Orphan Relative visas can be lengthy and variable, and most offshore visas require the child to be outside Australia at grant. (Visa processing times)For families who can’t tolerate long separations, we sometimes explore temporary visa options (like visitor or dependant student visas) alongside the Child visa strategy—always checking for genuine-temporary-entrant risks.
Common issues include:
choosing the wrong visa type (Child vs Adoption vs Orphan)
lodging without full custody/consent evidence
under-documenting the child’s dependency and living arrangements
assuming all siblings can be covered under one visa when they actually need separate applications
We usually start with a document and family-law check so your application reflects the real structure of your family from day one.
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