For many families, moving to Australia isn’t complete until every member is together. Whether you’re a permanent resident, citizen, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may want your child to join you in Australia. The Dependent Child Visa Australia offers a dedicated pathway for this purpose — but understanding how it works is essential to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
In this article, we’ll explain the Dependent Child Visa pathway, highlight the requirements, and guide you on how to start your child visa application Australia journey.
What is the Dependent Child Visa Australia?
The Dependent Child Visa Australia allows the child of an eligible sponsor to live in Australia permanently. This visa helps reunite families, giving children access to Australia’s healthcare, education, and, eventually, a pathway to citizenship.
There are two key visa subclasses under this pathway:
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Subclass 101 (Offshore) — For children applying from outside Australia.
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Subclass 802 (Onshore) — For children already in Australia on a valid visa.
Both subclasses offer permanent residency rights.
Who Can Apply for the Dependent Child Visa?
Eligible Sponsors Must Be:
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Australian citizens
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Australian permanent residents
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Eligible New Zealand citizens
The Child Must Be:
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Under 18 years old, OR
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18–25 years old and financially dependent on the sponsor due to full-time study, OR
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Over 18 and unable to work due to disability.
Other Key Requirements:
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The child must be single — not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
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The sponsor must have legal custody or written consent from other parents or guardians.
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The child must meet Australian health and character requirements.
Types of Dependent Child Visas
| Visa Type | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 101 | Outside Australia | Must remain offshore when applying and when the visa is granted. |
| Subclass 802 | Inside Australia | Must hold a valid visa when applying; allows the child to stay in Australia while the application is processed. |
Child Visa Application Australia — The Process
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Assess if you and your child meet the child visa requirements Australia based on relationship, age, and dependency.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
You’ll need documents like:
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Child’s passport and birth certificate
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Proof of relationship with the sponsor
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Custody documents or parental consent
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Evidence of dependency (for children over 18)
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Health and police clearance certificates
Step 3: Lodge the Application via ImmiAccount
Applications for both subclasses must be submitted online through ImmiAccount along with the appropriate visa fee.
Step 4: Complete Health Examinations and Biometrics
The Department of Home Affairs will inform you when these are required.
Step 5: Await Processing
As of 2025, the average processing times are:
| Visa Subclass | 75% of Applications | 90% of Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 101 | 15 months | 22 months |
| Subclass 802 | 13 months | 20 months |
These times are subject to change depending on demand and individual case complexity.
Why Work with a Registered Australian Migration Agent?
Applying for a Dependent Child Visa Australia may seem straightforward, but legal complexities often arise — especially with custody arrangements, stepchildren, or dependency proof.
A registered migration agent can:
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Assess your eligibility and advise on the correct subclass
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Help prepare and verify your documents
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Manage communication with the Department of Home Affairs
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Address complex issues like custody disputes or adoption cases
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Ensure compliance with the latest visa regulations
💡 Tip: Always check if your migration agent is registered with OMARA for professional advice you can trust.
Common Challenges in the Dependent Child Visa Pathway
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Incorrect subclass selection
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Incomplete or incorrect documentation
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Failure to meet health or character requirements
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Delays due to missing parental consent
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Dependency issues for children over 18
💡 Advice: Engage a professional migration agent early in the process to avoid these common pitfalls.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your child to Australia is a life-changing event that deserves careful planning. The Dependent Child Visa Australia pathway ensures families can be reunited permanently, but the process requires a thorough understanding of eligibility, documentation, and legal obligations.
By following the correct steps — and seeking guidance from a registered Australian migration agent — you can navigate the child visa application Australia process confidently and avoid unnecessary delays.
