Child Visa (Subclass 101)
Child Visa (Subclass 101) is a permanent residency visa for eligible children who are outside Australia at the time of application and decision.
What Is the Child Visa (Subclass 101)?
Child Visa (Subclass 101) is a permanent residency visa for eligible children who are outside Australia at the time of application and decision. It allows a child to live and study in Australia permanently under the sponsorship of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parent.
If the child is already in Australia, see the Child Visa (Subclass 802). For the full family visa landscape, visit our Family Visas hub.
Key Benefits of the Child Visa (Subclass 101)
- Permanent residency in Australia from the date of visa grant
- Live, study, and access Medicare in Australia
- Enrol in school and education pathways without visa restrictions
- Travel to and from Australia freely as a permanent resident
- Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship in the future (subject to eligibility)
- Be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Provides long-term family stability and reunification
Eligibility Requirements
- Be outside Australia at the time of application and decision
- Be the biological, adopted, or step-child of an eligible sponsoring parent
- Be under 18 years of age, or
- Be a full-time student aged 18–25 and financially dependent on the parent, or
- Be over 18 and unable to work due to a disability
- Be dependent on the sponsoring parent
- Meet health and character requirements
Our Child Visa 101 Application Process
Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility
Confirm that the child meets the dependency, age, and relationship requirements, and that the sponsoring parent is eligible to sponsor under Australian migration law.
Step 2 – Prepare Documentation
Gather supporting documents, including proof of relationship, identity documents, dependency evidence, and custody arrangements (where applicable).
Step 3 – Lodge the Application
Lodge the Child Visa (Subclass 101) application while the child is outside Australia, ensuring all required information is provided accurately.
Step 4 – Health, Character & Decision
The child will complete health and character checks. Once assessed, the Department of Home Affairs will make a decision on the application.
Related Child Visa Options
Not sure which child visa applies to your situation? Your options depend mainly on where the child is located when you apply. Explore the most relevant child visa pathways below.
Child Visa (Subclass 802)
(For children in Australia at time of application/decision.)
Family & Partner Visas
Explore family visa pathways for partners, parents and children, and understand which option best suits your circumstances.
Navigating child visa applications can be complex, particularly where dependency, custody, or documentation issues exist.
Our registered migration agent can assess your circumstances and guide you through the Child Visa (Subclass 101) process with clarity and care.
Child Visa (Subclass 101) – FAQs
Is the Child Visa 101 a permanent visa?
Yes. The Child Visa (Subclass 101) grants permanent residency, allowing the child to live in Australia indefinitely.
Can the child include family members?
No. Each child must have their own visa application. Family members cannot be included in a single Child Visa (Subclass 101) application.
Does the child need to be outside Australia?
Yes. The child must be outside Australia at the time of application and when the visa decision is made.
How long does processing take?
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and application completeness. Current timeframes are published by the Department of Home Affairs.
Information is general in nature and not legal advice. Always check current requirements before applying. Services are provided by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518775) and conducted in accordance with the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.
Need Help With Your Student Visa Application?
Every student’s situation is different. We provide migration assistance through a Registered Migration Agent in accordance with Australian migration law.