HECT Migration & Appeal Experts

Subclass 802 - Onshore Child Visa

The Subclass 802 Child Visa lets children already in Australia live permanently with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parent.

About this visa

The Subclass 802 Child (Onshore) Visa is designed for children who are already in Australia and wish to live permanently with their parent(s) who are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa provides an opportunity for children to reunite with their parents in Australia and enjoy the benefits of Australian permanent residency.

Eligibility for Applicant

Requirements
Age
  • Child under 18: No special requirements.
  • Child aged 18-25: Eligible if financially dependent due to full-time study.
  • Child aged 18+: Eligible if financially dependent due to a disability.
Relationship with sponsor
  • Biological Child Relationship: The child is the biological child of the sponsor.
  • Adopted Child Relationship: The child is legally adopted by the sponsor.
    • Adoption must be finalized before the child’s 18th birthday.
    • Adoption is valid whether it occurred before or after the parent’s Australian citizenship, permanent visa status, or New Zealand citizenship.
    • Post-citizenship or visa status adoptions must be:
      A. Intercountry adoptions involving Australian state/territory authority, or
      B. Intercountry adoptions under the Hague Adoption Convention between two countries, or
      C. Expatriate adoptions by Australians or New Zealand citizens living abroad for over 12 months if no Australian authority is involved.
    • Visit Intercountry Adoptions Australia for more information.
    • Seek legal advice in Australia and the child’s home country before expatriate adoptions due to potential risks.
  • Stepchild Relationship: The child is the stepchild of the sponsor from a former partner.
    Stepchildren must be under 18 and the child of their step-parent’s former partner. The step-parent should have an Australian parenting order or legal guardianship of the child.
Marital Status
  • The child must be single.

Location
  • Applicants must be in Australia when applying for the visa.
Debt to the Australian Government
  • You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.

Health & Character
  • Applicants must meet health and character requirements.

Eligibility for Sponsor

Requirements
Age
  • 18 years of age or older.
Citizenship or Residency
  • Be an Australian citizen,
  • an Australian permanent resident,
  • or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Character
  • The sponsor must meet the character requirements as specified by the Australian government.

Cost

Cost
Primary Applicant
AUD 3,235
Secondary Applicants
 (aged 18 and over)
AUD 1,615 each
Dependent Children
(under 18)
AUD 810 each

The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Stay Period

  • It’s permanent visa.

Benefits

  • Work in Australia: Holders of the Subclass 802 Visa can work.
  • Study: You can pursue further studies or enroll in courses in Australia, which can enhance your skills and qualifications.
  • Family Sponsorship: The applicant can include eligible family members, such as your dependent children, in your visa application.
  • Access to Healthcare: Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, which provides essential medical services.
  • Multiple Entries: Enjoy multiple entries to and exits from Australia for a period of up to five years, allowing for flexibility in travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child apply for the 101 visa if they are married or in a de facto relationship?

No. The child must be single. Children who are married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship are not eligible.

Yes, children aged 18–25 may still qualify if they are financially dependent on the sponsor because of full-time education.

Children aged 18 or older with a disability that makes them financially dependent on the sponsor may still be eligible, regardless of age.

Yes, but the adoption must have occurred before the child turned 18, and the adoptive parent must not have been an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen at the time of adoption. Otherwise, the Adoption visa (Subclass 102) may apply instead.

Yes, but the stepchild must be under 18 and the sponsor must have legal guardianship or a parenting order.

Each case is assessed individually, but sponsors must meet financial and character requirements. Prior sponsorships do not automatically exclude eligibility but may raise scrutiny.

Yes, but they must hold a valid visa, such as a Visitor visa. The 101 visa itself is an offshore visa, so the child must be outside Australia at the time of grant.

In limited cases, the application may continue if there are compelling reasons and if the child’s best interests are at stake.

Yes. Outstanding debts to the Australian Government must be repaid or formal arrangements made before the child’s visa can be granted.

Yes, past refusals or cancellations can affect the assessment. Full disclosure and supporting explanations are crucial to avoid complications.

Note: This FAQ is general information only and not legal advice. Settings (e.g., eligibility tests, exemptions, and evidentiary rules) can change; always check the latest legislative instruments before applying.