Child, Orphan Relative and Adoption Visas
These visas let children live in Australia with their parent or an eligible relative. They involve sensitive family and legal documents, and choosing the wrong subclass can cause refusal or delay. We help you select the right visa and prepare the evidence carefully.
Child visas cover a child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, as well as dependent, orphan and adopted children. Which visa applies depends on where the child is and the child’s circumstances. We help you choose the correct subclass and prepare the evidence of the parent-child relationship.
- SponsorParent or relative in Australia
- Onshore802 and 445
- Offshore101
- Other117, 837 and 102
Which visa applies
| Situation | Visa | Where the child is | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent child of an Australian parent | Child (101) | Outside Australia | Permanent |
| Dependent child of an Australian parent | Child (802) | In Australia | Permanent |
| Child of a temporary partner visa holder | Dependent Child (445) | Linked to the partner visa | Temporary |
| Orphaned child cared for by an Australian relative | Orphan Relative (117) | Outside Australia | Permanent |
| Orphaned child cared for by an Australian relative | Orphan Relative (837) | In Australia | Permanent |
| Child adopted outside Australia | Adoption (102) | Outside Australia | Permanent |
Overview
These visas allow a child to live in Australia with a parent or eligible relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The right visa depends on the child’s situation: whether they are in or outside Australia, dependent on a parent, orphaned or adopted.
- The Child visas (101 and 802) are permanent, and the Dependent Child (445) is a temporary visa linked to a temporary partner visa.
- Each child is assessed individually, so the choice of subclass is important.
Who this suits
Parents who are Australian citizens or permanent residents and want to bring a dependent child to Australia
Parents holding a temporary partner visa (309 or 820) whose child needs to be included during processing
Australian relatives caring for an orphaned child
Adoptive parents with an adoption completed outside Australia
Key facts
- The Child visa is 101 for a child outside Australia and 802 for a child in Australia.
- The 445 covers a child of a temporary partner visa holder while the permanent partner visa is processed.
- The Orphan Relative visa is 117 for a child outside Australia and 837 for a child in Australia.
- The Adoption visa (102) requires the adoption to be legally recognised and the adoptive parent to hold full parental rights.
Government application fees
Child (101 and 802), Dependent Child (445) and Adoption (102)
Main applicant$4,040
Additional applicant 18+$2,020
Additional applicant under 18$1,015
Orphan Relative (117 and 837)
Main applicant$2,475
Additional applicant 18+$1,235
Additional applicant under 18$625
These are the Department of Home Affairs charges only. They are indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount with the Department before you lodge. Other costs may apply, such as health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Our professional fees are separate.
What you need to qualify
- The child is dependent and unmarried, and generally under 18 or otherwise meets the dependency rules.
- The sponsoring parent or relative is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and is approved as sponsor.
- There is evidence of parental responsibility, custody arrangements or the legality of the adoption.
- Where another person has parental rights, their consent to the child’s migration is generally needed.
- The child meets health and character requirements, and the sponsor can show they can provide adequate care and support.
How the process works
- 01Identify the correct subclass based on the child’s location, circumstances and your visa status
- 02Gather identity, custody, consent, guardianship or adoption documents
- 03Lodge the application with the sponsor’s details and supporting evidence
- 04Complete health and character checks and respond to any department requests
- 05Receive the decision, then plan the child’s travel or settlement
Documents you will need
- Identity: the child’s passport and birth certificate, showing the parent relationship
- Parental responsibility: court orders, custody agreements or written consent from any other parent or guardian
- Adoption or guardianship: legal adoption documents, or evidence of the child’s orphan status and carer arrangements
- Sponsor: evidence of the sponsor’s Australian status and ability to provide care
- Health and character: examinations and police certificates where they apply to the child
What to expect after you apply
- Processing times vary by subclass and by the child’s circumstances, and are not guaranteed.
- The department may ask for more evidence on custody, consent or care, so keep your documents organised.
- Each child is decided separately, even where several children are in the same family.
- Rules for sponsors, dependency and visa conditions can change, and Southern Stone confirms the current position for your family.
How we help
- Choose the correct subclass for your family
- Prepare custody, consent and guardianship documents
- Lodge the application and respond to department requests
- Advise on timing, including when a child is part of a partner visa application
Common pitfalls
- Selecting the wrong visa subclass
- Missing custody or parental consent documents
- Unclear adoption or guardianship evidence
- Assuming every child is automatically included; each child is assessed individually
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 101 and the 802?
The 101 is for a dependent child outside Australia, and the 802 is the onshore equivalent for a child already in Australia. Both are permanent visas. Applying under the wrong subclass can cause delay or refusal, so we confirm the correct one first.
Can children be added to a partner visa?
Eligible children can be included. The 445 visa covers a child of a temporary partner visa holder while the permanent visa is processed. Each child is assessed individually, so we check who qualifies and what evidence is needed.
What evidence of custody or parental responsibility do I need?
This depends on your family situation. It may include birth certificates, court orders, parenting arrangements or written consent from the other parent. Missing custody or consent documents are a common cause of delay. We help you work out what applies and prepare it carefully.
Does my stepchild or adopted child qualify?
Often yes. Biological, adopted and stepchildren can be eligible, depending on the visa and the sponsor’s circumstances. Adoption must be legally valid and well documented. We assess your family’s facts and advise which subclass, if any, is suitable.
What is the difference between the 837 and the 117?
Both are for orphaned children who will live with an Australian relative. The 837 is for a child already in Australia, and the 117 is the offshore equivalent. The sponsor must show they can provide long-term care. We guide you through the evidence required.
Is there an age limit for a child visa?
Generally the child must be dependent and unmarried, and usually under 18, or otherwise meet the dependency rules. These details vary between visas and can change. Southern Stone checks the current requirements for your child’s age and circumstances.