Child Visa 101 and Child Visa 802 are two child visa options available to parents who want to permanently bring their child to Australia. This article provides all you need to know about the application process and the associated requirements before the application can be lodged. It also gives an overview of the processing time involved with this type of visa application.
However, as with many migration processes, there are specific procedures that you need to follow if you want your visa application to be accepted.
In this guide, you will learn about the requirements you need to meet if you want to successfully apply for Child Visa 101 or 802, as well as the process and how long it will take in most cases.
What is a Child Visa in Australia?
A child visa is a type of visa issued by Australian Immigration, allowing children below 18 years old and single parents or guardians to reside in Australia with their families. There are several types of child visas based on age, eligibility, and skill level.
There are two types of Child Visas-
- Child Visa 101
- Child Visa Subclass 802
The applicable child visa category will depend on the circumstances of each individual case, so it is important that you understand your situation and take help from an immigration agent who will be able to provide the right advice about which child visa option would work best for your specific needs.
Any parent who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident can apply for a child visa for their children. In order to be eligible, the child needs to have at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident parent and meet the age requirement of being under 18 years old.
What is Child Visa 101?
Child Visa 101 is a visa for children who are not yet 18 years old but already have at least one parent living in Australia. With this visa, the applicant can stay in the country with their Australian family member for a maximum of two years. This is a temporary visa that requires renewal every two years. It also provides holders with limited work rights in Australia and access to public education, Medicare and other government benefits.
What is Child Visa 802?
Child Visa 802 is a permanent resident visa that allows applicants under 18 to live permanently in Australia without being sponsored by an Australian citizen or permanent resident relative. Applicants must satisfy health and character criteria before being granted residency status.
Basic Eligibility for Child Visa Application
- The applicant must be under 18 years of age.
- Hold a complete and valid passport issued by your country of origin.
- Have enough money to support yourself without working in Australia during your stay.
- Children of Australian citizens are eligible for Australian citizenship by descent if they have not taken up any other citizenship.
- To be eligible for a visa, your child must be under 18 years old or have been married for more than two years.
- Applications will be processed within 12 months from the date of application if the applicant is not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
- The visa cost varies depending on whether it is single or multiple entries, and there is no additional fee for applicants under 18 years old.
- There are several types of visas available to children, so you should check with an immigration agent what type might best suit your situation.
English Language Requirement for Visa Application
The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a certified copy of their TOEFL score. The TOEFL is an international English language assessment test that measures the ability of non-native speakers.
Scores can range from 100 (low) to 250 (high). A minimum score of 100 is required for those wishing to study or work in English-speaking countries, including the United States and Canada. Applicants are recommended to take TOEFL one year before they apply for a US visa if they are not residing within an English-speaking country.
Health Requirement to Apply Child Visa
The health requirement for child visas is different than for other types of visas because a child cannot be required to have a medical exam. To qualify, the child must either have been in good health at the time of departure from their home country or, if it was less than six months since the time of departure, they must not have developed any condition that would interfere with normal development.
Document Requirements to Apply for Child Visa
- Birth Certificate The child’s birth certificate must be current, with the original or a notarized copy. The document must be translated into English and notarized if it is not written in English.
- Passport A passport from the child’s country of origin is required, as well as an international passport with at least one blank visa page. Passports should have been issued within six months of applying for the visa.
- Children under 16 years old will need their parent’s signatures on the application form.
- Police Clearance Check A police clearance check is required for children younger than 18 years old living outside their home country.
- Proof of Residency, such as bank statements or utility bills, can indicate that you live where you say you do when applying for your child’s Australian visa. It can also show ties to your home country.
How long does it take for approval?
The child visa processing time depends on the applicant’s visa type and the country they are from. For example, a visitor visa can take as little as ten days, whereas an immigrant visa can take 2-5 years. If you are unsure of your case’s processing time, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate for more information about how long it will take for approval.
The Costs Involved for Child Visa
An immigrant visa is an official document that allows the holder and accompanying family members to enter the United States. Certain types of visas have different processing times and costs.
Child Visa 101 and Child Visa 802 can be processed in a relatively short amount of time and only costs $535. However, getting a work visa is more expensive and takes much longer to process.