Child Visa (Subclass 101)

If you’re a parent living in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Child Visa (Subclass 101) could be your ticket to bringing your child to join you in Australia. This visa is perfect for children who are living outside Australia but wish to come and live with their parents permanently.

But, as with most visa applications, the process can be a little complex. That’s where we come in. With the right guidance and expertise, getting your child’s visa sorted doesn’t need to be a hassle.

Costs & Details of the Child Visa (Subclass 101)

Item	Details
Visa Application Fee	AUD 3,140 for the main applicant
Additional Fees	Extra charges for each dependent child applying
Health Assessments	Required for all applicants, costs vary
Police Checks	Required for children over 16, costs vary
Biometrics	Required in some cases, a small fee applies
Processing Time	Average processing time: 8 months
Initial Entry	Must enter Australia within 12 months of visa grant
Travel Facility	Valid for 5 years; after that, apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or Australian citizenship
Visa Validity	A permanent visa allows an indefinite stay in Australia

When applying for the Child Visa (Subclass 101), understanding the costs and processing time is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient application process. Below is a breakdown of the key details you need to know:

Application Fees

The cost for the Child Visa (Subclass 101) is AUD 3,140 for the primary applicant. Keep in mind that if the child has any dependent children applying as well, additional charges will apply for each of them. In addition to the base application fee, there are other potential costs, including:

Health Assessments: All applicants, including children, must undergo a medical exam to meet Australia’s health requirements. The cost of these assessments can vary depending on the healthcare provider.
Police Checks: If the child is over 16 years old, police certificates may be required from each country the child has lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. These can incur additional costs depending on the country.
Biometrics: In some cases, applicants will need to provide biometric details like fingerprints or photographs. This may incur a small fee depending on the location and processing time.

These extra costs should be factored into your overall budget when applying for the visa.

Processing Time

On average, the processing time for the Child Visa (Subclass 101) is around 8 months, although this can vary depending on your specific situation. A quicker processing time may be possible if the application is submitted with all required documents and the applicant meets the necessary criteria.

Several factors can influence the processing time, such as:

The completeness of your application
The time it takes to gather and submit health assessments, police certificates, and biometric details
Any additional checks or information requests made by the Australian Department of Home Affairs

It’s important to ensure all documentation is provided upfront to avoid delays in your application.

Visa Validity and Duration

This visa grants permanent residency, allowing the child to live in Australia indefinitely. However, there are some key details to be aware of:

Initial Entry: The child must enter Australia before the date specified in their visa grant letter. This is typically within 12 months from the visa approval date.
Travel Facility: The child can travel to and from Australia as many times as they like during the first five years of their visa. After this period, if they wish to travel again, they will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain their permanent residency status. Alternatively, the child can apply for Australian citizenship if they meet the eligibility requirements.

The child’s travel facility will expire after five years unless they apply for an RRV or citizenship.

Benefits of the Child Visa (Subclass 101)

The Child Visa (Subclass 101) offers a wide range of benefits that can help your child thrive in Australia. Here’s what this visa can offer:

Permanent Residency: With the Child Visa (Subclass 101), your child will have the right to live in Australia permanently—no need to worry about renewals or expirations.
Work and Study Rights: Once the visa is granted, your child will have the freedom to work and study in Australia, just like any other resident, opening up countless opportunities.
Healthcare Access: The visa provides access to Medicare, Australia’s public health system, ensuring your child can receive medical care without the hefty costs.
Pathway to Citizenship: After living in Australia for a certain period, your child can apply for Australian citizenship if they meet the eligibility requirements, further securing their future in Australia.
Sponsorship Opportunities: As an Australian permanent resident, your child may also sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency, helping keep the family close.
Travel Flexibility: The visa allows unlimited travel to and from Australia for up to five years. After this period, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or Australian citizenship to continue re-entering the country without issues.

The Child Visa (Subclass 101) is more than just a pathway to Australia—it provides a stable, long-term future for your child with numerous rights and benefits, making it a valuable opportunity for any parent.

Eligibility Criteria for the Child Visa (Subclass 101)

To apply for the Child Visa (Subclass 101), both the child and the sponsoring parent must meet specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the key eligibility criteria:

For the Child:

Age and Dependency: The child must be under 18 years of age and financially dependent on their parent. If the child is 18 or older, they can still apply if they are a full-time student (18-25 years old) or have a disability that makes them unable to work and they rely on the sponsoring parent for support.

For the Parent:

Eligible Parent: The child must be sponsored by an eligible parent, who can be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The parent’s partner (spouse or de facto).
- A step-parent or adoptive parent, in certain circumstances.
Parental Responsibility: The parent must be at least 18 years old and show that they can care for the child in Australia.

Additional Considerations:

Parental Consent: If the child is under 18, the sponsoring parent must provide written consent from any other person who has legal responsibility for the child’s care.
Health and Character Requirements: The child must pass health checks (including medical exams) and meet character requirements. For children over 16, police checks are required.

By meeting these criteria, the child and parent can begin the process of applying for the Child Visa (Subclass 101), helping families reunite in Australia.

How CIA Lawyers Will Help You Get the Child Visa (Subclass 101)

Working with experienced migration lawyers like CIA Lawyers, you can ensure a smooth and successful application. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your visa journey:

Expertise in Family Visas: Our team specialises in family visas and has in-depth knowledge of the Child Visa process. We understand all the legalities and requirements to ensure your application is in safe hands.
Stress-Free Process: We handle everything from collecting documents to communicating with the Department of Home Affairs, so you can relax and focus on what matters most – reuniting with your child.
Fast & Efficient Service: Our goal is to submit a complete and accurate application as quickly as possible. By doing so, we help reduce delays and improve your chances of a faster, smoother approval process.
Personalised Support: Every family situation is different, and we provide tailored advice based on your unique circumstances. This personalised service ensures the best possible outcome for your application.
Clear Communication: We believe in keeping you informed throughout the process. You’ll receive regular updates, and we’re always available to answer your questions and provide clarity at every step.

Let CIA Lawyers guide you through the visa process, so you can focus on the joy of welcoming your child to Australia and starting a new chapter together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take to get the Child Visa (Subclass 101)?

Ans: Processing times can vary, but the average wait is around 8 months. This depends on various factors, such as the completeness of your application and any additional checks required.

Q: Can a parent apply on behalf of a child under 18?

Ans: Yes, a parent can apply on behalf of their child if the child is under 18. The parent must meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor the child.

Q: Can I apply for the Child Visa (Subclass 101) if I’m living outside Australia?

Ans: Yes, you can still apply if you’re living outside Australia. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can sponsor your child for the visa.

Q: What happens after the visa is granted?

Ans: Once granted, your child can live in Australia permanently, work, study, and access healthcare. They may also apply for citizenship in the future and sponsor other family members.

Q: Can the Child Visa (Subclass 101) be extended?

Ans: The Child Visa (Subclass 101) is a permanent visa, so there’s no need for an extension. However, if your child wants to travel after five years, they may need another visa.

Our Process

1. Consultation

Connect with a qualified solicitor to discuss your immigration needs and determine the best strategy for securing your visa under Australian immigration law.

2. Application

Our legal consultants will guide you through the preparation of all required documentation, including any necessary written or oral submissions.

3. Approval

We stand by your side throughout the entire process, advocating on your behalf and supporting you until your visa application is successfully approved.