Subclass 802 | Child Visa
Child Visa Onshore
As an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can sponsor your dependent child to live in Australia indefinitely.
The Child visa (subclass 802) is a permanent residency visa that allows children currently in Australia to stay indefinitely with their parents. This visa provides a secure pathway for children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to build their future in Australia.
If your dependent child is not already in Australia, see the Subclass 101 (Offshore) Child visa.
Subclass 802 Child visa – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency (Onshore) |
| Stay | Indefinite |
| Cost | From $4,040 AUD1 |
| Processing Time | Between 22 and 29 months2 |
| Key Requirement | Child must be in Australia at time of lodgement |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 802 visa, the child and the sponsoring parent must meet stringent criteria mandated by the Department of Home Affairs.
1. The Onshore Requirement
Unlike the subclass 101, the 802 visa is an onshore application. The child must be physically present in Australia when the application is lodged and, crucially, when the Department makes a decision on the visa. If your child is currently outside Australia, please refer to our Subclass 101 (Offshore) Child visa webpage.
2. Sponsoring Parent Qualifications
The child must be sponsored by an eligible parent (or their partner) who is an Australian citizen, a holder of a permanent resident visa, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. The Department will assess the sponsor’s character and their ability to provide for the child’s welfare during their first two years in Australia.
3. Age and Dependency Status
The child must generally be under 18 years of age. However, exceptions exist for children:
- Aged 18 to 25: Must be a full-time student and financially dependent on the parent.
- Aged 18+ with a disability: Must be unable to work due to the disability and rely on the parent for support. The child cannot be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
4. Relationship Requirements
You must provide evidence that the applicant is the biological, adopted, or step-child of the sponsoring parent. For adoptions, specific legal requirements apply regarding when the adoption took place and the residency status of the parents at that time.
5. Health and Character Standards
The applicant must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. For children aged 16 and over, police clearances from all countries resided in for 12 months or more are mandatory.
How to Apply for the Subclass 802 Child Visa
A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility & Document Audit
We perform a forensic review of the child’s current visa status (to ensure no “No Further Stay” conditions apply) and confirm the dependency evidence for adult children.
Step 2: Prepare a Decision-Ready Application
Unlike points-tested visas, the 802 requires extensive identity and relationship evidence. We help you gather birth certificates, adoption papers (if applicable), and financial records to prove dependency.
Step 3: Lodge the Onshore Visa Application
The application is submitted via ImmiAccount while the child is in Australia. Upon lodgement, the child is typically granted a Bridging Visa, allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia while the permanent visa is processed.
Step 4: Health Examinations & Character Checks
After lodgement, the Department will request health assessments. We guide you through the Bupa Medical Visa Services process to ensure results are uploaded correctly.
Step 5: Final Visa Grant
Once the Department is satisfied that all criteria are met, the Child visa (subclass 802) is granted, conferring immediate permanent residency.
Being on a Subclass 802 Child Visa means…
What You Can Do on the Subclass 802 Child visa
As a permanent resident, your child will have the right to:
- Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s world-class public healthcare system.
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years (after which a Resident Return Visa is required).
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency in the future.
Your Visa Obligations
The child must comply with all Australian laws. Unlike temporary visas, there are no work or study restrictions. The primary obligation is for the sponsor to provide housing and financial support for the first two years.
The Pathway to Australian Citizenship
After living in Australia for 4 years, with at least the last 12 months as a permanent resident, the child may be eligible to apply for Australian Citizenship. See our Citizenship page here for further details about attaininig Australian citizenship.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The subclass 802 process is often more complex than families realise, especially regarding the “dependency” definitions for adult children. Our expert team ensures your family stays together.
Our Subclass 802 Services include:
Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment to ensure no “No Further Stay” conditions (like condition 8503) block your application.
Bridging Visa Management to ensure the child maintains lawful status and work/study rights during the long processing period.
Complex Dependency Strategy for children over 18 or those with disabilities.
Decision-Ready Application lodgement by Registered Migration Agents to minimise delays and RFI (Request for Further Information) letters.
Full Management of all correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs.
Don’t risk your child’s residency. Talk to a Registered Migration Agent today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 802 Child Visa
Q: Can I include my child’s own children in the application?
A: Yes, dependent children of the child (the sponsor’s grandchildren) can be included as secondary applicants if they meet health and character requirements.
Q: What if my child turns 18 after we lodge the application?
A: The child must meet the age requirements at the time of lodgement. If they turn 18 while the application is being processed, they are still eligible as long as they were under 18 when you applied.
Q: Does the child get Medicare immediately?
A: Yes, applicants for the subclass 802 visa are generally eligible to enrol in Medicare while their application is being processed, as they are applying for a permanent residency visa.
Q: What happens if the visa is refused?
A: Because the application is made onshore, you typically have the right to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Our firm specialises in ART appeals for family visas – click here for further details.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 16 April 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
