For many families, breaking up because of immigration is among the most difficult issues. As an Australian or resident of Australia or a qualifying citizen of New Zealand with a child living abroad, the Child Visa Australia may be the solution in bringing your family members together for good.

This visa allows a dependent child to reside in Australia with his/her parent(s), with the opportunity to grow up, learn, and experience life in a secure, stable nation. If you're just starting to look at your options or are prepared to begin the process, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Australian child visa in 2025.

What Is the Child Visa Australia?

The Child Visa (Subclass 101) is a permanent visa that enables the child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or NZ eligible citizen to reside in Australia with the parent.

There is also the Subclass 802 visa, but that's for children who are in Australia when they apply.

Both visas offer:

• Permanent residency
• Access to education and Medicare
• Pathway to citizenship
• The right to live and travel freely in and out of Australia

Who is Eligible to Apply for the Australian Child Visa?

The child must be:

• Sponsored by a sponsoring parent or step-parent who is eligible
• Under 18 years of age, or
• A full-time student between the ages of 18 and 25 and financially reliant on the sponsoring parent, or
• Over 18 years with a disability that renders them unable to work

The child also needs to:

• Be single (not married or in a de facto relationship)
• Comply with health and character requirements

It's necessary to present clear proof of the child and sponsoring parent's relationship — biological, adopted, or step-parent.

Documents Required for the Child Visa

Some of the documents usually required are:

• Child's birth certificate
• Copies of passports
• Proof of relationship (e.g., legal orders of custody, adoption certificates)
• School enrollment or financial dependency papers (for applicants aged over 18)
• Health and police checks, if necessary

Having a professional to help make it all easier to get everything done correctly — especially with the more complex cases of custody or legal guardianship. A child visa agent Brisbane can be of great help in this situation.

Child Visa Australia Processing Time in 2025

One of the most apprehensive questions on the minds of the parents is: How long does it take to process an application for a child visa Australia?

In 2025, processing time for child visa Australia may vary depending on several factors:

• Type of application (Subclass 101 or 802)
• Whether documents were lodged correctly
• Complexity of the case (e.g., custody)
• Current Department of Home Affairs backlog

Average processing times:

• Subclass 101 (offshore) – around 12–18 months
• Subclass 802 (onshore) – typically 15–24 months

Delays happen when further documents are needed or due to an incomplete application. Using a registered migration agent will keep you out of these pitfalls.

What Are the Fees?

The main visa application charge for the Australian child visa is around AUD 3,055 (as of 2025). The fee per child applying.

Other costs involved:

• Health exams
• Police clearance certificates
• Translation and certification of documents
• Agent or legal fees (if you wish to use either)

While it may sound expensive, the visa grants permanent residence, so your child gets to enjoy healthcare, education, and government services for the rest of their life.

Why Child Visa Agent Brisbane?

It is stressful and frustrating to apply for a child visa — especially where custody arrangements, missing documents, or communication over distances are involved.

• A Brisbane child visa agent will help you with:
• Understand what kind of visa is most suitable for your family
• Prepare and lodge a thorough, correct application
• Handle complex matters such as joint custody or guardianship
• Handle the Department on your behalf
• Reduce delays due to documentation errors

Agents in Brisbane also possess knowledge of local legal requirements and are available for face-to-face support.

Pathway to Citizenship

Once your child has been settled in Australia as a permanent resident for a number of years (usually 4 years, at least 1 year as a PR), they can apply for Australian citizenship.

This provides them with:

• A passport
• The right to vote (when they become an adult)
• Full education and healthcare coverage
• A secure long-term future in Australia

Final Thoughts

The child visa Australia is not a document — it's a way to reunite families and provide children with a secure and hopeful future. No matter where you're making the application, from overseas or in Australia, it's essential to know the child visa Australia processing time, eligibility conditions, and documentation.