*Last updated on: 25 Nov 2024
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Subclass 101 - Child Visa

Offshore Visa - A Pathway for Dependent Children to Join Their Parents in Australia

Overview of the Subclass 101 Visa

The Subclass 101 Child Visa is a permanent visa designed for children who are dependent on an eligible parent, such as an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa facilitates family reunification, enabling children to live in Australia with their sponsoring parent.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 101 Visa Applicants

Age Requirements

Children under 18: No specific conditions beyond dependency on the sponsor.
Children aged 18-25: Eligible if they are financially dependent on the sponsoring parent due to full-time study.
Children over 18: Eligible if they are financially dependent on the sponsoring parent due to a recognised disability.

Relationship to the Sponsor

Biological Child: The applicant is the biological child of the sponsor.
Adopted Child: The child must have been legally adopted before turning 18, and at the time of adoption, the sponsor must not have been an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Applicants who do not meet these criteria may need to consider the Subclass 102 Adoption Visa.
Stepchild: Eligible if the child is under 18 and the step-parent has legal guardianship or a parenting order for the child from a previous relationship.

Marital Status

The child must be unmarried and not in a de facto relationship.

Location

Applicants must be outside Australia when submitting the application.

No Debts

The applicant must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.

Health and Character Requirements

The applicant must meet the relevant health and character criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Eligibility Criteria for Parent Sponsors

Age Requirement: Sponsors must be 18 years of age or older.

Residency Status: Must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Character Standards: The sponsor must satisfy character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Application Process

Confirm Eligibility and Gather Documentation

Ensure the child meets age, relationship, and dependency criteria, and that the sponsor is eligible. Collect all necessary documents, including proof of identity, relationship evidence, financial dependency (if applicable), and health and character assessments.

Submit the Application

Lodge the visa application online while the child is outside Australia, including all supporting documents. The sponsor must also submit a sponsorship application, demonstrating their eligibility and providing required evidence of their relationship to the child.

Health Checks, Character Assessments, and Await Decision

The child must complete health and character checks as required. Monitor the application status and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the Department of Home Affairs. The applicant will be notified once a decision is made.

Stay Duration

This is a permanent visa, granting the child the right to live in Australia indefinitely. The visa includes a travel component valid for five years from the date of grant. After this period, residents may need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain travel rights.

Visa Costs and Fees

Primary Applicant:
AUD $3,140

Secondary Applicant (18 and over):
AUD $1,570

Dependent Child (under 18):
AUD $790

Note: Fees are subject to updates as per the Department of Home Affairs, they should be verified before application. Additional costs may apply for health checks, police checks, and biometrics.

Processing Times

50% of applications are processed within 18 months.
90% of applications are processed within 25 months.

Note: Processing times vary based on the completeness of documentation, volume of applications and other factors. They are obtained from The Australian Department of Home Affairs website and only serve as guidance.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 101 Visa

Permanent Residency: Live in Australia indefinitely.

Employment Opportunities: Visa holders can work in Australia.

Education: Access educational opportunities and courses to enhance qualifications.

Family Sponsorship: The ability to include eligible family members in the visa application.

Healthcare: Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

Travel Flexibility: Unlimited entries and exits from Australia within a specified period.

Your Questions Answered

What is the Subclass 101 Child Visa?

This visa allows a child residing outside Australia to join their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parent(s) permanently in Australia.

Who can sponsor a child for this visa?

The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen aged 18 years or older and meet character requirements.

Can a child over 18 apply for this visa?

Yes, if the child is aged 18-25 and financially dependent on their parent due to full-time study, or if they have a recognised disability.

Is there a requirement for the child to be outside Australia when applying?

Yes, the child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted.

What documents are needed for this visa application?

Key documents include proof of identity, evidence of the parent-child relationship, financial dependency documents (if applicable), and health and character assessments.

Can adopted or stepchildren apply for this visa?

Yes. Adopted children may apply if their adoption occurred before turning 18, subject to specific conditions. Stepchildren may apply if they are under 18 and the step-parent has legal guardianship or an Australian parenting order.

Can the child include family members in their application?

Dependent children may be included in the primary application. All dependents must meet eligibility criteria and provide necessary documentation.

Will the child have access to healthcare and other benefits in Australia?

Yes, visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, and enjoy permanent residency benefits, including the ability to work and study.

Can the child travel to Australia before the visa is granted?

No, the child must remain outside Australia until the visa is granted.

What if the child's circumstances change during the application process?

Any significant changes, such as marital status or dependency status, must be reported to the Department of Home Affairs immediately, as this could impact the application.

Ready to Take the First Step?

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