Subclass 101 · Permanent
Child Visa (Subclass 101) Australia
A permanent visa for a child outside Australia to come and live with their Australian parent. From AUD4,040.
About the Child Visa (Subclass 101)
The Child visa (subclass 101) lets a child outside Australia move to Australia to live with their parent, who must be an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder.
With this visa the child can
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public health scheme
- Sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
The child must
- Be a dependent child of a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or permanent visa holder
- Be under 18, or 18 to 24 and a full-time student financially dependent on their parent, or over 18 and dependent due to a disability
- Be outside Australia when the application is made
- Meet health and character requirements
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant; other costs and concessions may apply. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Child Visa (Subclass 101): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About the Child visa (subclass 101)
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare
- Apply for citizenship when eligible
An adopted child must have been adopted before turning 18, by a parent who was an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen at the time.
AUD4,040 for the main applicant, plus a charge for each of the child's own dependent children. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
Each brother or sister must lodge their own separate application.
The child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged.
If the child is outside Australia when the visa is granted, they must enter Australia before the date on their grant letter.
Eligibility
What the child needs.
The child must be dependent on a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident.
The child must be sponsored by their eligible parent, or the parent's spouse or de facto partner.
Under 18, or 18 to 24 and studying full time while financially dependent on the parent, or 18 or over and dependent because of a disability.
The child cannot be married, engaged or in a de facto relationship.
For a child under 18, everyone with legal rights to decide where the child lives must consent, or Australian law must allow the move.
Children aged 18 or over must read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement.
The child and any dependants applying with them must meet the health requirement. Children aged 16 or over must meet the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Any debts owed to the Australian Government by the child or their family must be repaid or arranged.
The visa may be refused if it is not in the child's best interests.
Step by step
How the application works.
Before you apply
Check the child's eligibility and that the sponsor is eligible.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Prepare the child's identity documents, proof of the relationship, consent from other parents where needed, and the sponsor's documents.
Apply
Lodge the application with the sponsorship and pay the visa cost.
After you apply
Respond to requests for health checks or more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Visa outcome
Home Affairs tells you the decision in writing.
When the child has this visa
What happens next.
The child and family members must meet all visa conditions, obey Australian laws and tell Home Affairs about changes such as a new passport.
After a certain time, the child may be eligible for Australian citizenship.
About sponsoring a child
Your role and obligations.
There is no fee to sponsor, but you take on financial obligations.
You must agree to help the child with accommodation and financial support for their first 2 years in Australia.
You do not need to be in Australia when the visa application is lodged.
Sponsor eligibility
Who can sponsor this child.
An eligible parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident, or that parent's spouse or de facto partner. If the parent is under 18, a relative or guardian may sponsor instead.
Sponsors may need to provide police checks, and sponsorship is limited for people convicted of certain offences involving children.
Step by step for sponsors
How to sponsor the child.
Before you apply
Make sure the child is eligible for the visa and that you can meet your sponsor obligations.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Provide accurate information and prove your identity, ideally with your application or as soon as possible after.
Apply to sponsor
Lodge your sponsorship online in ImmiAccount, linked to the child's visa application.
After you apply
Home Affairs confirms receipt in ImmiAccount and may ask for more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Outcome
Home Affairs tells the visa applicant about the decision in writing.
After the visa is granted
Your support continues.
You must agree to help the child with accommodation and financial support for their first 2 years in Australia.
Child Visa (Subclass 101) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
From AUD4,040, with concessions in limited circumstances.
Yes, if they are 18 to 24 and a full-time student financially dependent on their parent, or over 18 and dependent due to a disability.
Outside Australia. Children in Australia may apply for the Child visa (subclass 802).
Yes. The child can live, study and work in Australia permanently.
Reunite Your Family in Australia
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your family visa.
