The Child Visa category is for natural children, stepchildren, or adopted children of a sponsor who must be a citizen of Australia, the holder of a permanent residency visa, or be an eligible New Zealand citizen. There are four categories of Child Visas.
Child (Permanent)
For children from overseas who are the natural, adopted or step children of an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa can be applied for from inside or outside Australia. A child can only be granted a permanent Child Visa on the basis of a step relationship in circumstances where: the child’s parent is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen; or the parent is no longer a spouse of the step parent and that step parent has been granted legal responsibility for the child by a court.
Orphan Relative (Permanent)
For children from overseas who:
- are under 18 years of age;
- have no parent to care for them; and
- have an eligible sponsor in Australia. The sponsor must be a relative who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
This visa can be applied for from inside or outside Australia.
Adoption (Permanent)
For children from overseas, under 18 years of age, and who have been adopted or are in the process of being adopted by their sponsor. The sponsor must be either an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa.
Important: When the child is adopted before the parent- sponsor becomes an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa, they should apply overseas for a Child visa. When the child is overseas and adopted after the parent-sponsor becomes an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa, they should apply for an Adopted Child visa.
The adoption usually must be supported by a State/Territory adoption authority, unless the sponsor-adoptive parent has been resident overseas for a period of at least twelve months at the time of the visa application. This visa can only be applied for from outside Australia.
Dependent Child Visa (Temporary)
For children whose parent holds a temporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa. The Dependent Child Visa is a temporary visa which allows a dependent child (natural child, adopted child, or step child) of a holder of a Temporary Partner Visa to travel to or remain in Australia for the same period as their parent.
After this visa is been granted, the child can apply to be added to their parent’s Permanent Partner Visa application. This visa can be applied for from inside or outside Australia.
Does Your Child Qualify?
If you would like to discuss your options for Child migration, please contact us.