Child visa planning depends on the child’s location, relationship and dependency evidence
The menu refers to subclasses 101, 102, 445 and 802. Those are different pathways and should not be grouped as though they all do the same job.
AIA helps families identify the correct child pathway, organise parental responsibility and relationship evidence, and address timing risks before lodgement.
Child visa checks
- Whether the child is in Australia or outside Australia.
- Whether the matter is a dependent child, adoption or partner-visa-linked child pathway.
- Age, study, dependency, disability-related dependency and single-status requirements.
- Parental responsibility, consent, court orders, sponsorship, health and character evidence.
Child visa options
What each child visa subclass is for
Child Visa subclass 101
A permanent offshore child visa for a dependent child outside Australia to live with an eligible parent in Australia.
Adoption Visa subclass 102
A permanent offshore pathway for a child adopted, or being adopted, outside Australia by an eligible adoptive parent.
Dependent Child Visa subclass 445
A temporary visa for a dependent child while the parent has a relevant temporary or provisional partner visa and a permanent partner visa process underway.
Child Visa subclass 802
A permanent onshore child visa for a dependent child in Australia to live with an eligible parent in Australia.
Evidence for dependent child pathways
For subclasses 101 and 802, the application should address the parent-child relationship, sponsor eligibility, the child’s age or dependency position, single status, health, character and any custody or consent issue.
Evidence for adoption or 445 matters
Subclass 102 needs adoption-specific evidence. Subclass 445 needs to be connected to the parent’s partner visa position and should be planned so the child can be added to the permanent partner visa process where required.
Child visa questions
Issues to settle before lodging
The right child visa pathway depends on the child’s location, family relationship, dependency and parental responsibility evidence.
What is the difference between subclass 101 and 802?
Subclass 101 is the offshore dependent child pathway. Subclass 802 is the onshore dependent child pathway. Location at application and decision stage should be checked carefully.
When is subclass 102 relevant?
Subclass 102 is the adoption visa pathway. It should be considered for eligible adoption situations, not as the standard dependent child visa.
What is subclass 445 used for?
Subclass 445 is a temporary dependent child visa linked to a parent with a relevant temporary or provisional partner visa and an ongoing permanent partner visa process.
What age and dependency evidence can matter?
For child visa pathways, age, full-time study, financial dependency, disability-related dependency and whether the child is single can all matter.
Why does parental responsibility evidence matter?
For children under 18, Home Affairs may need consent, court orders or other parental responsibility evidence showing the child can migrate to Australia.