Child Visa
Permanent migration for a dependent child living overseas to join their parent in Australia.
Overview
For a child living overseas to join a parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. If your child is already in Australia on a temporary visa, the onshore Subclass 802 is the relevant pathway instead.
Who it's for
- Dependent children — biological, step, or adopted — of a settled Australian parent
- Children currently living outside Australia
Key requirements
- The child must be outside Australia at the time of application
- Generally under 18, or 18–25 and studying full-time and financially dependent, or over 18 and unable to work due to disability
- Single and dependent on the sponsoring parent
- Health and character requirements
Processing commonly runs well over a year and can extend further for complex cases, including custody matters. A complete, well-documented application from the outset is the biggest factor in avoiding delays.
Not sure if this is the right visa for you?
Tell us your situation and we'll confirm whether the Child Visa fits, or point you to the one that does.
Book a free visa assessmentVisa subclasses, eligibility criteria, streams, queues and fees are set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and change periodically, often each July. The information above reflects publicly available guidance as of mid-2026 — your Rigpa House adviser will confirm current figures and eligibility before you apply.