Child Visa (Subclass 802)

The Child Visa (Subclass 802) offers children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens the chance to live permanently in Australia. This visa allows children who are already in Australia to join their families and access healthcare, education, and a stable future.

Here’s a straightforward look at what the Child Visa (Subclass 802) involves, who qualifies, and how you can make the process as smooth as possible.

Costs & Details of the Child Visa (Subclass 802)

Item	Details
Application Fee	AUD 3,140 for the primary applicant
Additional Charges	Extra fees for each dependent child applying
Health Assessments	Required for all applicants, costs vary
Police Checks	Required for children over 16, costs vary
Biometric Data	Required in some cases, a small fee applies
Processing Time	Average processing: 10–12 months
Permanent Residency	Allows indefinite stay in Australia
Travel Facility	Valid for 5 years; RRV needed after that for continued travel

Applying for the Child Visa (Subclass 802) requires an understanding of costs, processing times, and travel conditions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect:

Application Fees

Visa Application Fee: The main application fee for the Child Visa (Subclass 802) is AUD 3,140.
Additional Charges: If the child has dependent children who are also applying, there will be extra charges for each additional child.
Other Potential Costs:
- Health Assessments: All applicants must meet Australia’s health requirements, which typically involve a health assessment for children and other applicants. Costs can vary based on provider fees.
- Police Checks: For children over 16, police certificates are required from every country in which they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. These checks can vary in cost by country.
- Biometric Details: Some applicants may need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs. Small fees apply depending on the location.

Processing Time

Average Processing Duration: Applications generally take 10 to 12 months to process, though this timeframe can vary depending on specific circumstances.
Tips for Faster Processing:
- Submit a complete and accurate application with all supporting documents.
- Address all requirements, such as health checks and police clearances, as early as possible.
- Respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs for additional information.

Visa Validity and Travel Conditions

Permanent Residency: The Child Visa (Subclass 802) is a permanent visa, which grants the child the right to stay in Australia indefinitely.
Travel Facility: For the first five years from the visa grant date, the child can travel freely in and out of Australia. After five years, the child will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to continue travelling while maintaining their permanent residency status.

Understanding these details can help make the application process for the Child Visa (Subclass 802) smooth and straightforward, ensuring that you’re prepared for any additional requirements along the way.

Benefits of the Child Visa (Subclass 802)

The Child Visa (Subclass 802) offers a range of advantages that help ensure your child’s future in Australia is secure, stable, and full of opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of what this visa can offer:

Permanent Residency: The Child Visa (Subclass 802) grants your child permanent residency in Australia. This means no visa renewals or expirations to worry about, providing long-term stability for your family.
Access to Healthcare and Education: With this visa, your child can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, ensuring they receive medical care when needed, without the hefty costs.
Pathway to Citizenship: Once your child holds this visa, they may be able to apply for Australian citizenship down the track, providing them with the full benefits and rights of being an Australian citizen, including the right to vote and access to consular services.
Work and Study Rights: The Child Visa (Subclass 802) allows your child to study freely in Australia. They can pursue education from primary school through to tertiary education without restrictions, setting them up for a bright career. If your child is over 18 and meets the criteria, they may also be able to work full-time.
Travel Flexibility: For the first five years after the visa is granted, your child can come and go from Australia without issue. After five years, if your child wishes to continue travelling while maintaining their residency status, they can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or choose to apply for Australian citizenship.
Future Sponsorship Opportunities: Once your child becomes a permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency, helping reunite and keep loved ones together.

The Child Visa (Subclass 802) isn’t just about securing your child’s future in Australia—it opens up many avenues for growth, including access to healthcare, education, work opportunities, and a potential pathway to citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for the Child Visa (Subclass 802)

To be eligible for the Child Visa (Subclass 802), both the child and the parent must meet certain requirements. Here’s a clear breakdown of the key criteria for both the child and the sponsoring parent:

For the Child

Age & Dependency:
- Under 18 Years Old: The child must be financially dependent on their Australian parent. If the child is under 18, they generally qualify as a dependent.
- 18 to 25 Years Old: If the child is between 18 and 25 years old, they may still qualify if they are a full-time student and financially dependent on the parent.
- Over 18 with a Disability: If the child is over 18 but unable to work due to a disability, they may qualify as long as they are financially dependent on the parent.

For the Parent

Eligible Sponsorship:
- The parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- In certain cases, a parent’s spouse, de facto partner, step-parent, or adoptive parent may also sponsor the child.
Parental Responsibility:
- The sponsoring parent must be at least 18 years old and show they can provide appropriate care and support for the child in Australia.

Additional Considerations

Location Requirement: The child must be in Australia when they apply for the visa and when a decision is made.
Parental Consent: If the child is under 18, the parent will need to provide consent from anyone else who has legal responsibility for the child’s care, such as a biological parent or guardian.
Health & Character Requirements: All applicants must meet health and character criteria, including medical checks for the child and police clearances if the child is over 16 years old.

By meeting these eligibility criteria, both the child and the parent can move forward with the application for the Child Visa (Subclass 802), bringing families closer together in Australia.

How CIA Lawyers Will Help You Get the Child Visa (Subclass 802)

Applying for a visa can feel like a long, confusing process. With CIA Lawyers by your side, you can rely on a team that’s dedicated to helping families reunite and simplifying the complex paperwork. Here’s how we can assist you:

Experienced in Family Visas: Our team has extensive knowledge of family migration law and is experienced in Child Visa applications, so you can feel confident that we’re on top of it.
Stress-Free Process: We manage everything for you, from preparing documents to communicating with the Department of Home Affairs, so you can focus on what matters – your family.
Fast & Efficient Service: By ensuring that your application is complete and accurate, we help reduce delays and keep things moving smoothly.
Personalised Support: Every family is unique, and we take the time to tailor our advice to your specific situation.
Clear Communication: With us, you’re never left in the dark. We keep you informed at each step of the process.

Let us help you make the visa application process as straightforward as possible, so you can look forward to starting your family’s new chapter in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does the Child Visa (Subclass 802) take to process?

A: Processing times can vary, but it generally takes about 10-12 months. Having a complete and well-prepared application can help avoid delays.

Q: Can I include multiple children in one application?

A: Each child needs their own individual visa application, though any dependent children of the primary applicant may be included if they meet health and other requirements.

Q: What if my child is over 18 but still dependent?

A: If they’re a full-time student (aged 18-25) or unable to work due to a disability, they may still qualify as dependent on the parent.

Q: Is it possible to travel on this visa?

A: Yes, your child can travel freely in and out of Australia for the first five years. After that, they’ll need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain their permanent residency status for travel.

Q: What if my child’s application is refused?

A: If an application is refused, you may be able to review the decision. Consulting with a migration lawyer can provide valuable guidance in these cases.

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.