*Last updated on: 25 Nov 2024
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Subclass 802 - Child Visa

Onshore Visa - Permanent Residency for Children in Australia

Overview of the Subclass 802 Visa

The Subclass 802 Child Visa offers children already in Australia the opportunity to live permanently with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parent(s). This visa enables family reunification and grants permanent residency, providing the child with stability and access to Australian benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 802 Visa Applicants

Age Requirements

Children under 18: No special criteria beyond dependency on the sponsoring parent.
Children aged 18-25: Must be financially dependent on their parent(s) due to full-time study.
Children over 18 with Disabilities: Eligible if they are financially reliant on their parent(s) due to a recognised disability.

Relationship to the Sponsor

Biological Child: The child must be biologically related to the sponsoring parent.
Adopted Child: The adoption must have been finalised before the child turned 18. Adoptions are recognised regardless of the sponsor’s citizenship status at the time, but specific criteria apply to adoptions that occur after the parent gains Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand citizenship, including intercountry adoptions or adoptions abroad without an Australian authority’s involvement. In addition, legal advice is recommended for complex or expatriate adoption cases.
Stepchild: The child must be under 18, and the step-parent must have an Australian parenting order or legal guardianship from a previous relationship.

Marital Status

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

Location

The child must be in Australia when applying for and receiving this visa.

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

Verify Eligibility and Prepare Documents

Confirm that the child and sponsor meet all eligibility criteria. Gather required documents such as identity verification, proof of the parent-child relationship, evidence of dependency (if applicable), and health and character clearances.

Submit the Application

Lodge the Subclass 802 Visa application while the child is in Australia. Ensure that all supporting documents are included. The sponsoring parent must also complete a sponsorship application.

Health and Character Checks

The child must complete health and character assessments as required by Australian immigration authorities. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information during the processing period.

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 11 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 802 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 802 Child Visa?

The Subclass 802 Child Visa is a permanent visa that allows children already in Australia to live with their parent(s) who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It offers a pathway to secure residency and enjoy the benefits of living in Australia.

Who can apply for the Subclass 802 Visa?

Children under 18, dependent children aged 18 to 25 engaged in full-time studies, or children of any age with a recognised disability who are financially reliant on their parent(s) can apply. The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Are adopted children eligible?

Yes, adopted children can apply as long as their adoption is legally recognised and meets Australian criteria, including rules on the timing of the adoption and the sponsor’s citizenship or residency status at the time.

Is it necessary for the child to be in Australia when applying?

Yes, the child must be physically present in Australia when applying for and receiving the visa.

What kind of documents are required for this application?

Essential documents include proof of identity, evidence of the relationship with the sponsor, documents proving financial dependency (if relevant), and health and character certificates.

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

Any changes, such as marital status or dependency status, should be immediately reported to the Department of Home Affairs as they may impact the application outcome.

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