Australian Child Migration: Bringing Your Child to Australia for Family Reunion
For families already settled in Australia, bringing your child to live with you is one of the most important steps you will take.
Australia offers several child migration pathways, primarily for: minor children, financially dependent students, and stepchildren or adopted children in specific circumstances. The common visas are the Subclass 101 (offshore application), Subclass 802 (onshore application) and Subclass 445 (transitional).
The core logic behind these visas is not complicated, but the key question is whether the child meets the “dependency” requirement.
Free Child Migration Assessment →Three Child Visas: 101 / 802 / 445 — Different Paths for Different Situations
Australia’s child migration framework has three core visa types, corresponding to offshore applications, onshore applications and follow-on applications under a partner visa.
Choosing the correct visa is the first step toward a successful child migration application — the child’s location and the parents’ visa status together determine the right pathway.
1. Subclass 101 (Offshore Child Migration)
Visa name: Child Visa (subclass 101). Type: permanent residency (PR). For: children outside Australia, with parents who are Australian citizens or PR holders. Suited to families bringing an overseas child to Australia to live long-term.
2. Subclass 802 (Onshore Child Migration)
Visa name: Child Visa (subclass 802). Type: permanent residency (PR). For: children already inside Australia who meet the dependency requirements. Suited to children already in Australia (on a valid visa) applying directly for PR.
3. Subclass 445 (Transitional Visa)
Visa name: Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445). Type: temporary visa. For: children joining a parent who is applying for or already holds a partner visa, added as a subsequent dependent applicant. Key role: provides a transitional pathway so the child can later move to PR (usually via Subclass 801 or 100).
These three pathways cover different applicant situations, and the pathway you choose directly affects the assessment focus, the documents required and the success rate.
Speak to a Consultant for the Right Child Visa Pathway →Child Migration Comes Down to “Dependency + Lawful Custody”
The core test in child migration is not age, but whether the child is “dependent on the parents”.
When the Department of Home Affairs assesses a child visa, it focuses on two questions. First, is the child genuinely dependent on the parents rather than living independently? Second, do the parents have lawful custody — especially critical in cases of divorce or cross-border families.
👉 In short: a child visa is decided on “dependency + lawful custody” — the eligibility criteria themselves are not complicated, but the legal documents and supporting evidence must be complete and clearly structured.
Full Dependency and Custody Pre-Application Review →Dependency Status · Three Typical Scenarios
Usually one of the following must apply:
- Under 18 years of age
- Over 18, but still in full-time study and financially dependent on the parents
- Unable to live independently due to a medical condition or special circumstances
Core Assessment Logic ① Genuine Dependency
Whether the child is genuinely dependent on the parents rather than living independently:
- Is the child financially supported by the parents?
- Is the child still under parental care for daily living?
- Is the child still in full-time study?
Core Assessment Logic ② Lawful Custody
Whether the parents hold lawful custody — particularly important in cases of divorce or cross-border families:
- Birth certificate, household register and other proof of biological relationship
- Separated parents: custody order or written consent from the other parent
- Stepchildren or adopted children: evidence of lawful custody or care
Six Steps to Lodgement — Legal Documents Are the Critical Checkpoints
The child migration process is fairly standard, but legal documents — particularly birth certificates, custody orders and parental consent letters — need special attention.
Confirm the Visa Type (101 / 802 / 445)
- Choose the pathway based on the child’s location
- Factor in the parents’ visa status to determine the path
- Offshore → 101; onshore → 802; partner-visa dependant → 445
Confirm Dependency and Eligibility
- Check whether the child meets the age requirements
- Confirm full-time study status (if applicable)
- Assess factual evidence of financial dependency on the parents
Prepare Custody and Legal Documents
- Birth certificate
- Custody documents (especially important for separated families)
- Parental consent letter (if applicable)
- Proof of legal relationship for stepchildren or adopted children
Lodge the Visa Application
- Lodge onshore or offshore depending on the visa type
- 101 → lodged offshore
- 802 → lodged onshore
- 445 → lodged together with, or following, a partner visa application
Health Examinations and Additional Evidence
- Complete the health examinations nominated by the Department
- Provide additional evidence as requested by the Department
- Respond to any further requests for evidence on dependency or custody
Visa Granted and PR Awarded (or Transition to PR)
- 101 / 802: permanent residency is granted directly upon approval
- 445: granted as a temporary visa, with a later transition to PR via Subclass 801 or 100
- Once finally approved, the child can live in Australia long-term
Three Child Visas at a Glance
Within Australia’s child migration framework, the 101, 802 and 445 represent three application pathways for different scenarios — in simple terms: 101 for offshore, 802 for onshore, and 445 as a follow-on under a partner visa.
| Visa Type | Subclass 101 | Subclass 802 | Subclass 445 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Location | Offshore | Onshore | Offshore |
| Visa Nature | Permanent | Permanent | Temporary |
| Direct PR? | Yes | Yes | No |
| When to Use | Child overseas | Child in Australia | Partner-visa dependant |
Bottom line: offshore → 101; onshore → 802; partner-visa follow-on → 445.
Have a Consultant Identify the Right Child Visa →Child Migration Costs Are Relatively Stable
Child migration costs come from three main areas: the visa application charge, health examinations and document notarisation. The overall range is fairly transparent.
| Item | Cost Range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Charge | $3,000 – $4,000+ | Primary applicant |
| Health Examination Fees | $300 – $500 | Health checks nominated by the Department |
| Documents and Notarisation | $300 – $1,000 | Birth certificates, custody documents, translation and notarisation, etc. |
Fees shown are reference figures as at June 2026 — the latest officially published rates prevail.
Costs are generally stable overall, but if custody disputes or complex legal evidence for stepchildren or adopted children are involved, notarisation and legal advice costs can rise.
Child Visa Refusals: Usually Not About Eligibility, but Unclear Legal Relationships
The main risks in child migration cluster around three areas, and many refusals come down to unclear legal relationships rather than failing the eligibility criteria.
Inability to Prove Financial Dependency
For dependent children over 18 who are still studying, full-time enrolment evidence and proof of financial dependency on the parents are mandatory. If the child has already started working or has a stable income, the application becomes significantly more difficult.
Incomplete or Disputed Custody
In separated families, cross-border families or stepchild cases, custody is the single most common reason for child visa refusals. Clear custody evidence — or written consent from the other parent — must be provided.
Age or Study Status Not Met
A child who is 18 or older and not in full-time study, or who is married or in a de facto relationship, no longer meets the basic child migration criteria. Even without a formal marriage, a stable cohabiting relationship may affect the outcome.
Many refusals are not about failing the eligibility criteria but about unclear legal relationships — and that is exactly where a professional consultant adds the most value.
The Key to Child Migration Isn’t “Can You Apply” — It’s “Is the Legal Relationship Clear”
Newstarsec NewStars can help you:
- Assess whether your child meets the eligibility criteria
- Review custody and legal documents
- Plan the optimal visa pathway
- Deliver an end-to-end application service
Get in touch today for an assessment of your child migration plan.
End-to-End Professional Service for Child Migration
Newstarsec has worked in Australian family-reunion migration for many years and has built a complete advisory and application framework around the three pillars of child visas: dependency assessment, custody and legal documents, and visa pathway planning.
Precise Dependency Assessment
We assess the child against age, study status and financial dependency to determine if dependency is met, and flag any potential risks early.
Custody and Legal Document Review
We review birth certificates, custody orders and parental consent letters thoroughly, with extra rigour for separated and cross-border families to ensure the legal relationship is watertight.
Visa Pathway Strategy
We match the child’s location and the parents’ visa status to the right option among 101 / 802 / 445, avoiding the costly delays of choosing the wrong pathway.
End-to-End Application Support
From document preparation to lodgement, follow-up evidence and health examinations, MARA-registered consultants oversee every checkpoint to maximise the chance of a grant.
Real Child Migration Stories from Our Clients
Genuine feedback from Newstarsec child migration clients — proof of our expertise.
My husband and I are both Australian PR holders, and our child was in high school in China. We were worried about whether we could still apply after she turned 18, but Newstarsec prepared full evidence of full-time enrolment and financial dependency in advance, and the Subclass 101 was granted smoothly.
Because of our divorce, the custody issue made my application very complex. Newstarsec not only worked through the custody order with us but also helped obtain the other parent’s written consent — and in the end the Subclass 802 was granted.
I applied for a partner visa first while my child stayed in China. Newstarsec recommended lodging a Subclass 445 first, and then transitioning to a Subclass 101 once my partner visa moved to PR — the pathway was very clearly planned and we avoided the wrong turns.
12 Core Questions on Australian Child Migration
What exactly is the age limit for child migration? Can over-18s still apply?
Child migration is not a simple “cut-off at 18”. Children under 18 can usually apply directly, but those over 18 may still be eligible if they are in full-time study and financially dependent on their parents. However, those who are working or financially independent generally no longer meet the criteria. The key is not age itself, but whether the child is still in a state of “dependency”.
My child is at university — can they still apply for child migration?
In many cases yes, as long as you can prove the child is still in full-time study and that their living costs are mainly supported by the parents. Comprehensive enrolment evidence and proof of financial dependency are required. If the child has already started working or has a stable income, the application becomes significantly harder.
Does the child need to be unmarried? Will having a partner affect the application?
Yes — child visas generally require the applicant to be unmarried and not in a de facto relationship. A marriage or a recognised de facto relationship will no longer meet the basic child migration criteria. Even without a formal marriage, a stable cohabiting relationship can affect the outcome.
If the parents are divorced, can the child still apply for child migration?
Yes, but this is one of the most problem-prone scenarios in child migration. Clear custody evidence — or written consent from the other parent — must be provided. Without proof of lawful custody or consent, the application is very likely to be refused. Watertight legal documents are critical for separated families.
Can stepchildren apply for child migration?
Yes, but the legal relationship must be in place. You usually need to prove that the stepparent has a lawful custody or care relationship with the child and that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. If the relationship is in name only, without actual evidence of care, the application carries a higher risk.
What’s the difference between applying onshore and offshore?
If the child is outside Australia, you generally apply for the Child Visa (subclass 101); if already inside Australia, the Child Visa (subclass 802). Both are permanent residency visas, but the lodgement location differs. Choosing the wrong pathway can affect efficiency, so it pays to plan ahead.
When do you need a Subclass 445?
The Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445) is typically used when a parent is applying for, or already holds, a partner visa but the child wasn’t lodged at the same time. It works as a “follow-on” application, letting the child join the parent’s migration pathway and ultimately move to PR.
Does child migration require English test results?
English test results are usually not required, which is one of the points where child migration is simpler than other visas. The Department focuses on the family relationship and dependency, not language ability.
How long does a child migration application take?
Processing typically takes around 1 to 3 years (as at June 2026), but this varies with the individual case and the Department’s workload. Cases involving complex evidence or custody issues can take longer.
Can siblings be included in one child migration application?
No. Each child must meet the eligibility criteria and lodge their own application. That said, multiple eligible children can lodge concurrent applications.
Can child migration applications be refused? What are the common reasons?
Yes, child migration applications can be refused. The most common reasons are inability to prove financial dependency, unclear custody, and not meeting the age or study status requirements. In many cases the issue is not the child but incomplete legal relationships and supporting evidence.
If a child doesn’t qualify for child migration, are there other pathways?
If the child no longer qualifies — for instance, due to age or independence — a student visa (study pathway) or future skilled migration are often viable options. Missing the child migration window does not mean the door to Australia is closed.
Plan the Most Reliable Path to Reunite Your Child in Australia
Our MARA-registered migration agent team evaluates the 101 / 802 / 445 pathways, reviews dependency and custody documents, and stress-tests the evidence — so your child can join your family in Australia with confidence.
Free Child Migration Plan Assessment →
