With the two different types of child visas – Offshore Child Visa 101 and Onshore Child Visa 802 – it can be difficult to determine the best option for you and your family. Here is an overview of the requirements and benefits of each type of visa and help you decide which is right for you. So, if you’re applying for an Australian child visa, you need to know all about the visas first.

Applying for an Australian Child Visa 101 and 802

If you’re looking to move to Australia with your children, the first step is to apply for a child visa. This is an official document issued by the Australian government that allows you to bring your child into the country.

Applying for a child visa can be a complicated and lengthy process involving several steps. The first step is to collect all the required documents, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, health insurance, and other documents as necessary. Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you must submit them to the Department of Home Affairs in Australia.

You will also need to provide information about yourself and your child, such as your contact details, address, occupation, and other personal information. It’s important to ensure that all of this information is accurate and up-to-date.

The next step is to complete the visa application form and pay the relevant visa fees. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the fees can range from $130 AUD to $570 AUD. After submitting the application and paying the fees, you should receive an acknowledgment letter confirming your submission within two to three weeks.

Once your application has been accepted, you will need to attend a medical examination with a doctor approved by the Australian government. During this examination, the doctor will assess your child’s health and ensure they meet all of the criteria for entry into Australia.

Finally, your child visa application will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs, and you will receive a decision within eight weeks. Once approved, your child will be able to enter Australia as a permanent resident and live there indefinitely. As per the guidelines of the Department of Home Affairs, a child must be:

The Different Types of Australian Child Visas

Two types of visas are available for children to enter Australia: offshore and onshore.

• Offshore Child Visa 101

This visa is for children who are outside Australia and want to come to Australia to live with their parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must be sponsored by their parent and meet the visa requirements.

• Onshore Child Visa 802

This visa is for children who are in Australia who want to stay in Australia with a parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must be sponsored by their parent and meet the visa requirements.

The requirements for each visa will depend on the relationship between the child and the sponsoring parent. For instance, different criteria will apply if the child is adopted or the result of surrogacy arrangements.

What is the Age Limit for an Australian Child Visa?

The age limit for an Australian child visa depends on which type of visa is being applied for. For Offshore Child Visas 101, the child must be under 18 years old, unmarried, or in a de facto relationship. For Onshore Child Visas 802, the child must be under 18 years old but can be married or in a relationship.

It’s important to note that when applying for an Australian Child Visa, the child must meet the requirements for a family-sponsored migration program. This includes: having a parent or guardian who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible citizen and proving that the family has enough funds to support the child if necessary.

In addition, if the child is over 18 years old, they may still be eligible for an Australian Child Visa, depending on their circumstances. If they are still enrolled in full-time education, or if they are financially dependent on their parents, they may be able to apply for a Subclass 837 Student Guardian Visa or a Subclass 838 Dependent Child Visa.

If you’re unsure whether your child meets the criteria for an Australian Child Visa, it’s best to speak to a migration specialist who can advise you on the best visa option for your family.

Requirements for an Australian Child Visa

Applying for an Australian child visa requires certain documents and information. All applicants must meet the basic requirements of Australian immigration law, including providing proof of identity and age. Here is a list of the documents needed to apply for an Australian Child Visa:

• Evidence of parental relationship: Birth certificate or adoption papers showing the applicant is the child’s legal parent.
• A valid passport must include the name, date of birth, and child photo.
• Evidence of financial stability: This could include bank statements or other documents to prove the applicant has sufficient funds to support the child during their stay in Australia.
• Health assessment: A health examination may be required if it is determined that the child has medical needs that could affect their ability to adjust to living in Australia.
• Character assessment: An assessment of character and background may be requested for all applicants aged 16 and older.
• Application form: The application form should be completed with the correct information.
• Supporting documents can include evidence of education, employment, and travel plans.

By gathering all these documents, applicants can apply for an Australian Child Visa. It’s important to remember that there are also fees associated with the application process, so be sure to budget accordingly. Additionally, once all the necessary paperwork is submitted, the visa processing times can vary significantly depending on the case.

How long does an Australian Child Visa Take to Process?

The processing time for an Australian child visa depends on several factors, including the type of visa you’re applying for and the country where your application is lodged. Generally, it takes 18 to 24 months for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application.

For offshore visas, such as the Offshore Child Visa 101, applicants must wait up to 24 months before being granted a visa. Onshore visas, such as the Onshore Child Visa 802, can take as little as 18 months to process.

When applying for an Australian child visa, it is important to note that the processing times may be longer if there are complications with your application or if more information is needed from you or your family. Additionally, providing incorrect information or omitting information from your application could delay the process.

It is also important to remember that the processing time for an Australian child visa may vary due to changing circumstances. As such, it is recommended that you keep updated on any changes in the processing times and ensure that you meet all requirements and deadlines to get a successful outcome.