The Subclass 802 Child Visa allows a child to stay in Australia permanently and live with their parent(s). It is designed for children who are the dependent offspring of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Stay:
- This visa provides the child with the right to stay in Australia permanently.
Cost:
- The application cost starts from AUD 3,140.00 for the main applicant.
- Additional charges may apply for dependent children or other associated costs, such as health exams, police certificates, and biometrics.
Processing Times:
- For an indication of processing times, use the Visa Processing Time Guide Tool. Please note that processing times may vary and depend on the complexity and completeness of the application.
What this visa allows:
- Permanent Residence: The child will be granted permanent residency upon visa approval.
- Work and Study: The child can work and study in Australia.
- Medicare Access: The child can access Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
- Citizenship: If eligible, the child may apply for Australian citizenship.
- Travel: The child can travel to and from Australia within the first 5 years of visa grant. After the 5-year period, they may apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or consider Australian citizenship for unrestricted travel.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the Subclass 802 visa, the child must meet the following criteria:
Relationship to Parent:
The child must be the dependent child of an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent visa holder.
A child can be a biological child, adopted child, or stepchild of the parent.
Age Criteria:
The child must be under 18 years old, OR
Over 18 and under 25, and enrolled in full-time study, OR
Over 18, with a disability preventing full-time work.
Single and Dependent: The child must be single, financially dependent on their parent, and living with them.
In Australia: The child must be in Australia when the application is made and when the decision is made.
Adopted Children: For adopted children, the adoption must be finalised before the child turns 18. The adoption can occur either before or after the parent became an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Stepchildren: Stepchildren must be the child of their step-parent’s former partner and must meet the age and custody requirements.
Obligations and Conditions:
Obey Australian Laws: The child must comply with Australian laws during their stay.
Health and Character Requirements: The child and any dependents applying must meet health and character requirements.
Visa Label: A digital visa will be linked to the child’s passport, and a physical visa label will not be issued.
How to Apply:
Application: The child must be in Australia but not in immigration clearance when submitting the application.
Sponsor: The child must be sponsored by their parent (who is either an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen, or holder of an Australian permanent visa).
Independent Legal Advice: It is recommended to seek independent legal advice for any complex adoption or immigration matters.
Travel Facilities:
The child can travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years after the visa grant.
After 5 years, the child will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or consider applying for Australian citizenship if they wish to travel again.
For more details, including how to check eligibility and find further instructions on the visa process, please visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
How Widen Migration Experts Can Help You with the Child Visa (Subclass 802)
The Child Visa (Subclass 802) allows parents to bring their children to Australia permanently. Our migration experts can help you navigate this visa process:
- Eligibility Assistance: We assess whether your child meets the requirements, including age and relationship criteria.
- Complete Visa Application: We ensure your application is complete and accurate, including gathering all the required documentation.
- Visa Support: From initial application to final approval, our team is here to support you and ensure a smooth process.
- Post-Visa Guidance: After the visa is granted, we offer advice on settling your child in Australia.
Widen Migration Experts can assist with every step of your visa journey, ensuring you are reunited with your loved ones in Australia.