Reunite Your Family with the Subclass 802 Child Visa

To qualify for the Subclass 802 Child Visa, the following criteria must be met:

• Dependency: The child must be dependent on a parent who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Relationship: The child can be a biological child, legally adopted child, or stepchild (from a former relationship only)
• Location: The child must be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
• Age: The child must be: 
• Under 18 years of age, or
• Between 18 and 25 years old and studying full-time, or
• Over 18 years old with a disability that prevents them from working
• Marital Status: The child must not be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship
• Sponsorship: The child must be sponsored by an eligible parent or their partner
• Character and Health: The child must meet character requirements (if 16 years or older) and health requirements

The key difference is location:

Subclass 802 Child Visa (Onshore):

• The child must be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
• For children already residing in Australia
• Paper-based or online application

Subclass 101 Child Visa (Offshore):

• The child must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
• For children currently living overseas
• Allows the child to enter Australia for the first time or return after being overseas

Both visas grant permanent residency with the same rights and benefits. If your child is outside Australia, you should apply for the Subclass 101 Child Visa instead.

The Subclass 802 Child Visa involves government charges:

Government Lodgement Fees: The main applicant's fee is currently AUD $4,040, with additional fees for dependent children included in the application (check the official website for the latest figures).

Professional Fees: Our firm generally requires payment of professional fees upon signing the service agreement. This ensures we can dedicate the necessary resources to your case.

Payment Methods: We accept credit cards for both government and professional fees.

The Subclass 802 Child Visa timeline has two parts:

Preparation Time: Gathering birth certificates, custody and consent documents, dependency evidence and health and character checks typically takes 2 to 4 weeks for straightforward cases. Our firm can expedite preparation where a child’s circumstances are urgent.

Department of Home Affairs Processing Time: As of August 2026, the Department reports that 50% of Subclass 802 applications are finalised in 20 months and 90% in 29 months. Applications involving a sole parent, a non-consenting parent, adoption or complex custody arrangements generally sit at the longer end of that range.

While you wait: because the child must be in Australia to apply, they are normally granted a Bridging Visa A, which keeps them lawful and allows them to remain in Australia until a decision is made.

Check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for current processing times.

The Subclass 802 Child Visa involves substantial costs:

Government Lodgement Fees: The main applicant's fee is currently AUD $4,040, with additional fees for dependent children (check the official website for the latest figures).

Professional Fees: Our professional fees depend on the complexity of your matter and the work involved. We set out a fixed written fee proposal after the initial discussion, so you know the cost before you commit.

The child must be sponsored by:

• Parent: An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is the child's parent
• Parent's Partner: The current spouse or de facto partner of the child's parent (in certain circumstances)
• Step-parent: Only if they are the step-parent from a former relationship (not the current partner of the biological or adoptive parent)

The sponsor must meet character requirements and have the financial capacity to support the child. The sponsor assumes legal responsibility for the child's accommodation, financial support, and general welfare for the first two years or until the child turns 18 (whichever comes first).

Once granted, the Subclass 802 Child Visa provides permanent residency with significant benefits:

• Indefinite Stay: The child can live in Australia permanently
• Work and Study Rights: Full rights to work and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions
• Medicare Access: Enrollment in Australia's public healthcare system
• Travel Facility: Travel in and out of Australia freely for 5 years from the visa grant date
• Sponsorship Rights: After meeting requirements, the child may sponsor eligible family members for certain visas
• Pathway to Citizenship: The child can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
• Family Members: If the child has their own dependent children, they can be included in the application

After the initial 5-year travel facility expires, the child will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa to travel and return to Australia, or apply for Australian citizenship.

The Subclass 802 Child Visa involves complex family visa requirements, making professional assistance valuable:

• Dependency Evidence: Demonstrating the child's dependency on the sponsor, particularly for children aged 18-25
• Relationship Proof: Establishing the parent-child relationship, especially in adoption or step-child situations
• Separated Parents: Navigating custody arrangements and obtaining consent from all parents with parental responsibility
• Character and Health: Ensuring all character and health requirements are properly satisfied
• Processing Times: Understanding the lengthy processing period (20-27 months) and maintaining lawful status with bridging visas
• Documentation: Compiling comprehensive evidence including birth certificates, custody orders, financial dependency proof, and education records

An immigration lawyer experienced with family migration ensures your application is complete, properly documented, and presents the strongest case for your child's permanent residency.