The Child Onshore (Subclass 802) visa allows a child who is already in Australia to live permanently with their parent or sponsoring parent.
- Stay: Permanent
- Cost: From AUD 3,140
- Processing times:
- 75% of applications: 10 months
- 90% of applications: 12 months
What this visa allows the child to do
With this visa, the child can:
- Migrate to Australia as a permanent resident
- Study and access Medicare
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Sponsor relatives to come to Australia
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the visa grant date
After the initial 5-year travel facility, the child will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter as a permanent resident, or consider Australian citizenship. Travel validity can be checked via VEVO.
Eligibility Criteria
Relationship with sponsor
The child must be a dependent child of a parent who is:
- An Australian citizen
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- Holder of an Australian permanent visa
The child can be:
- Biological child
- Adopted child
- Stepchild
Stepchildren must be under 18 and either live with the step-parent under an Australian parenting order or have custody/guardianship under Australian or foreign law.
Age requirements
- Under 18 years old, or
- 18–25 years old and a full-time student, or
- Over 18 years with a disability
If the child is over 18, they must:
- Not be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship
- If studying full-time (18–25), they must be financially dependent on the parent
- If over 18 with a disability, they must be financially dependent and unable to work full-time
Full-time study must lead to a professional, trade, or vocational qualification. Gaps longer than six months after school must be explained.
Location
- The child must be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) at the time of application and decision
- Cannot hold a visa with a no further stay condition
Health and Character
- The child and dependent children must meet health requirements
- Children aged 16+ must meet character requirements, including police certificates if requested
Financial obligations
- Any outstanding debts to the Australian Government must be repaid or arrangements made
Sponsorship
- The child must be sponsored by an eligible parent, or their spouse or de facto partner
- Sponsorship approval is required, and the sponsor must have a clean record regarding offences involving children
Consent to migrate (for children under 18)
- Written consent from all persons who can legally decide where the child lives
- Must comply with the laws of the child’s home country regarding leaving the country
- Must be consistent with any Australian child order
Best interests of the child
- The visa may not be granted if it is not in the best interests of a child under 18
Other obligations
- Children 18+ must read or have explained the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement
- Must comply with all Australian laws
- Must not have had a previous visa cancelled or refused, or must demonstrate eligibility as a dependent child of an Australian sponsor if prior issues exist
Including other children
- Each sibling must submit a separate application
- Dependent children of the child can be included before a decision is made
- All dependents must meet health requirements
Costs
- Main applicant: AUD 3,140
- Additional charges for dependent children
- Possible additional costs for health checks, police certificates, or biometrics
- Use the Visa Pricing Estimator for a more detailed cost estimate
