Subclass 101 Child Visa

Overview

The Subclass 101 Child visa is a permanent visa designed for children who are outside Australia and wish to join their parent(s) living in Australia. It allows children to live, study, and work in Australia indefinitely. This visa is generally applied for by parents who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens wishing to bring their dependent children to Australia.

This visa is part of the Family Migration program and is the primary pathway for children to migrate permanently to Australia through their parents.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant (Child)

Must be outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant
Must be under 18 years old or, if older, be financially dependent on the parent due to a disability or exceptional circumstances
Be unmarried and not in a de facto relationship
Be the biological, adopted, or stepchild of the sponsor
Meet health and character requirements
Not hold a permanent visa for Australia already

Sponsor (Parent)

Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Must be the parent, step-parent, or legal guardian of the child
Must be able to provide adequate support and accommodation for the child

Common Use Cases

✅ Biological Child Joining Parents

Parents living in Australia sponsor their biological child who currently resides overseas to join them permanently.

✅ Adopted Child Migration

Parents who have legally adopted a child overseas apply to bring the child to Australia to live permanently.

✅ Stepchild Inclusion

A parent applies to bring a stepchild to Australia, provided the relationship is genuine and meets legal requirements.

✅ Child with Disability

A child over 18 but financially dependent on the parent due to a disability applies under special conditions.

Who Typically Applies?

Parents working in professional fields such as healthcare, education, engineering, and business who want their children to live and study in Australia
Families seeking to reunite after migration of the parent(s)
Adoptive parents who want to bring children legally adopted overseas
Guardians and foster parents acting in special circumstances

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Proof of identity and relationship (birth certificates, adoption papers, stepchild evidence)
Sponsor’s proof of citizenship or residency
Evidence of the child's dependency status (for children over 18)
Health and character clearances for the child and any dependents
Police certificates if required (usually for applicants over 16 years old)

Step 2: Lodge Application

Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal
Pay the application fees
Provide biometrics if requested
Include any additional supporting documents

Step 3: Wait for Processing

The Department reviews eligibility, health, and character assessments
May request additional information or interviews
Visa grant or refusal decision

Processing Time

Processing times vary, but as of current estimates:

Stage	Timeframe
Initial assessment	12–24 months
Further checks or interviews	Can add several months
Visa grant	Permanent residence granted

Delays may occur due to health checks, verification of relationships, or backlog in family visa processing.

Costs Associated

Fee Type	Amount (AUD)
Base application charge	$2,890
Additional applicant (18 and over)	$1,445
Additional applicant (under 18)	$720
Medical examinations	$300–600 per person
Police checks	~$100 per country
Migration agent fees (optional)	$2,000–6,000

Common Hurdles

Proving genuine relationship: Especially for stepchildren and adopted children, clear and legal evidence is essential.
Health and character requirements: Children with certain medical conditions or criminal records may face delays or refusals.
Financial dependency: Children over 18 must demonstrate dependency due to disability or exceptional circumstances.
Processing delays: The family visa stream often faces long processing times due to high demand.
Incomplete documentation: Missing or insufficient evidence leads to delays or refusal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can the child work or study on this visa?

Yes, the Subclass 101 visa grants permanent residency, allowing the child to work and study freely in Australia.

Can parents include multiple children in one application?

Each child requires a separate application. However, applications can be lodged concurrently.

What happens if the child is over 18?

Children over 18 must prove financial dependency due to a disability or exceptional circumstances to qualify.

Can this visa be applied for while the child is in Australia?

No. The Subclass 101 visa is for offshore applicants. Children in Australia may apply under Subclass 802 (Onshore Child visa).

Is there a limit to the number of visas granted annually?

Yes. The Other Family category has annual caps, which may result in waiting periods.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: An Australian citizen mother working as a nurse wants to bring her 12-year-old biological son from India to join her in Australia.
Scenario 2: A couple legally adopts a child in the Philippines and applies for the child’s permanent visa to live in Australia.
Scenario 3: A stepfather who is an Australian permanent resident sponsors his stepchild from Vietnam.
Scenario 4: A child with a physical disability over 18 years old applies as financially dependent to join their parent in Australia.

Official Resources

Need Help With the Subclass 101 Child Visa?

Navigating the application process for the Subclass 101 Child visa can be complex and time-consuming. For expert advice, detailed guidance, and the latest updates, explore ausvisalibrary.com.

💬 Reach out to us via our contact page for tailored support or to connect with trusted migration professionals. Your child’s future in Australia starts here ✅