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Child Visas

✦ Child Visas — Reuniting Families in Australia

Australia's Child Visa program allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor eligible children to live permanently in Australia.

The appropriate visa pathway depends on the child's circumstances, their age, dependency, and whether they are in or outside Australia when the application is lodged.

At Yantra Legal, we assist families in understanding the available visa options and preparing applications that meet the legal requirements.

Subclass 101 — Child Visa (Offshore)

The Child Visa (Subclass 101) is available to eligible dependent children who are outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted. The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Generally, the child must: ✦ be under 18 years of age; or ✦ be between 18 and 25 years of age and a full-time student who is financially dependent on the sponsoring parent; or ✦ be unable to work due to a disability.

Subclass 802 — Child Visa (Onshore)

The Child Visa (Subclass 802) is available to eligible dependent children who are already in Australia when the application is lodged. The eligibility requirements are generally the same as those for the Subclass 101 visa.

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

The Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) is available to dependent children of certain temporary partner visa holders, including holders of Subclasses 309, 820, and 461. This visa enables eligible children to remain lawfully in Australia while their parent's partner visa application is being processed.

Adoption-Related Visas

Children being adopted by Australian citizens or permanent residents through an approved inter-country adoption process may be eligible for a visa. The appropriate visa pathway depends on the stage of the adoption process and whether the child has already been legally adopted overseas or will be adopted in Australia.

Key Eligibility Requirements

✦The sponsor must be the child's parent, step-parent, or adoptive parent
✦The child must be unmarried and have no de facto partner
✦The child must satisfy the relevant health and character requirements (character requirements generally apply to applicants aged 16 years and over).
✦Applicants aged between 18 and 25 years must generally be full-time students and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent.

How Yantra Legal Can Help

We assist families to understand which child visa subclass applies to their circumstances and to prepare the required documentation, including evidence of the parent-child relationship and dependency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for a Child Visa?

Child Visas are generally available to eligible dependent children sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Eligibility depends on the child's age, dependency, and individual circumstances.

What is considered a dependent child?

Generally, a dependent child is a child who is under 18 years of age, or between 18 and 25 years of age if they are a full-time student and financially dependent on their sponsoring parent. Different requirements may apply where the child has a disability.

Can adopted children apply for a Child Visa?

Yes. Children adopted through an approved inter-country adoption process may be eligible for a visa. The available visa pathway will depend on the circumstances of the adoption.

Can I include my child in my visa application?

In some circumstances, dependent children may be included in a parent's visa application. The available options will depend on the type of visa and the child's individual circumstances.

How long does a Child Visa application take?

Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass, the complexity of the application, and the Department of Home Affairs' processing times.

Why Choose Yantra Legal?

Choosing a lawyer is about more than legal knowledge. You want someone who will listen, understand your situation, and guide you with honesty and care. That's how we work at Yantra Legal.

Lived Migration Experience

Having lived in Nepal, Germany and Australia, we understand what it feels like to build a new life in a different country. We know that migration matters often involve family, work, uncertainty and important life decisions—not just paperwork.

Direct Access to Your Solicitor

When you choose Yantra Legal, you work directly with our solicitor, Krishna Giri from your first consultation until your matter is finalised. Your case is not passed between different staff members, so you always know who is handling your matter.

Clear & Honest Advice

Legal advice should be clear, not confusing. We explain your options in plain English and, where helpful, in Nepali or Hindi, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Truly Personalised Representation

No two legal matters are the same. We take the time to understand your circumstances, your goals and what matters most to you. Our advice is tailored to your situation rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Fixed-Fee Transparency

We believe you should know what to expect before you proceed. We offer fixed-fee initial consultations and provide clear information about legal costs, so there are no unexpected surprises.

Choosing a lawyer is about more than legal knowledge. You want someone who will listen, understand your situation, and guide you with honesty and care. That's how we work at Yantra Legal.

Lived ExperienceDirect Solicitor AccessClear & Honest AdvicePersonalised RepresentationFixed-Fee Transparency

Help Your Child Join Family in Australia

Keeping families together is at the heart of Australia's Child Visa program. We provide practical legal advice and personalised guidance to help families navigate the application process with confidence.