Frequently Asked Questions
Can adopted or step-children apply?
Yes. Adopted children are eligible if the adoption occurred before the sponsor became an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Stepchildren can be included if the sponsor is in a continuing relationship with the child’s parent and/or has ongoing legal responsibility for them.
What health and character checks are required?
All applicants must meet Australia’s health requirements, which may include medical examinations. Children aged 16 years or older must also satisfy character requirements, generally by providing police certificates for each country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Can multiple children be included in one application?
No. Each child must lodge a separate application. However, a dependent child of an applicant (such as a minor child of the main child applicant) can be included in that application.
Can a parent apply on behalf of their child?
Yes. Parents or legal guardians are able to lodge the visa application on behalf of their child, especially where the child is under 16 or otherwise unable to complete the application themselves.
What are the current processing times?
The Department of Home Affairs provides estimated processing times through the Global Visa Processing Times tool. This page is updated regularly to reflect how long it has taken to process recently finalised applications.
Can the child work or study once in Australia?
Yes. Both the subclass 101 and subclass 802 visas grant full work and study rights once the visa is approved.
What happens if the sponsor’s circumstances change?
Sponsors must notify the Department of Home Affairs if there are any significant changes, such as a change in relationship status, address, or financial ability. The Department will assess whether the child’s best interests continue to be met.
Can sponsorship be withdrawn after the visa is granted?
No. Once the visa is granted, sponsorship cannot be withdrawn. Sponsoring parents must continue to meet their obligations, including providing financial and settlement support for the first two years.
What if the child has debts to the Australian Government?
If the child has outstanding debts to the Australian Government, these must be repaid or arrangements must be made before the visa is granted. Failure to do so may result in refusal of the visa.
Can my child travel to Australia during the visa processing period?
A child applying under subclass 101 must remain outside Australia at the time of lodgement and decision. While it may be possible to visit on a temporary visa while the visa is processing, it may present issues. These decisions are made on a case by case basis, and should be consulted with our team first.
Does the sponsoring parent need to be in Australia?
No. The sponsoring parent does not need to be physically present in Australia when submitting an offshore (subclass 101) visa. The Sponsorship is valid regardless of their location.
Is written consent required when the child lives with only one parent?
Yes. If a child under 18 is being brought to Australia, written consent from all persons who have legal responsibility (e.g., other parents or guardians) is required.
