Onshore Child (Permanent) Visa (subclass 802)
The Subclass 802 Onshore Child Visa is a permanent visa for children of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa allows a child to live in Australia permanently with their parent(s) and provides the opportunity for them to grow up in Australia with full access to education, healthcare, and other benefits. The child must be in Australia at the time of application and during the visa decision process.
Benefits of the Subclass 802 Visa
Permanent Residency
The visa grants the child permanent residency, allowing them to live, study, and work in Australia indefinitely.
Sponsor Relatives
Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
Work and Study Rights
This visa will allow the child to work and study in Australia without restrictions.
Travel Rights
Travel in and out of Australia for the first 5 years upon visa approval
Healthcare Scheme
Gain access to Australia’s public health care Scheme - Medicare
Citizenship Pathway
After meeting residency requirements, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship
Subclass 802 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Subclass 802, Permanent Onshore Child Visa, applicants must meet several essential criteria:
Relationship
The child must be dependent on a parent who is:
- An Australian citizen
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- An Australian permanent visa holder
The child can be:
- A biological child
- An adopted child
- A stepchild (only from a former parent).
The child does not meet the dependency requirement if the stepparent is the current spouse or de facto partner of the child’s biological or adopted parent.
Sponsorship
The child's sponsoring parent must be either an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Age
The child must be under 18 years old, or between 18 and 25 if financially dependent on the parent, or over 18 years old with a disability that prevents them from working.
Marital Status
The child must not be
- married or in a de facto relationship
- engaged to be married
If child is aged over 18, they must never been married or in a de facto relationship
Financial Dependency
If the child is aged 18 to 25, they must demonstrate financial dependency on the sponsoring parent.
Current Location Requirement
The child must be in Australia at the time of the visa application and while the visa is being processed.
Health and Character Requirement
The child must meet Australia's health and character requirements.
Parental Responsibility
In cases of separated parents, evidence of legal responsibility or custody must be provided.
Steps to apply for the Subclass 802 Visa
Ensure Eligibility
Verify that the child meet the basic requirements
1
Gather Documents
Gather all necessary documents, including proof of relationship, parental responsibility, health checks, and other identification documents.
2
Submit Application
Lodge the visa application online or by post while the child is in Australia.
3
Health Examinations
Complete health checks as requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
4
Character Checks
If the child is 16 years or older, provide police clearances.
5
Visa Decision
Stay in Australia on a bridging visa if the child’s current visa expires before a decision is made on the Subclass 802 visa.
6
Visa Grant
If approved, the child will receive permanent residency and can live in Australia indefinitely.
7
Current Processing Time: Subclass 802 Visa
When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.
| 50% applications are processed in | 90% applications are processed in |
|---|---|
| 18 Months | 26 Months |
Frequently
Asked
Questions
-
The conditions for the Subclass 802 Child Visa include:
The child must be in Australia when applying.
The child must be dependent on a parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The child must meet health and character requirements.
The child must be under 18 years old, or 18-25 if still dependent on the parent due to study or disability.
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No, the child must be in Australia when the application is lodged and while awaiting the visa decision. For children outside Australia, the Subclass 101 Child Visa would be the appropriate option.
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Yes, the child must be under 18 years of age. However, if they are between 18 and 25, they must be financially dependent on the sponsoring parent. If the child is over 18 and has a disability, they may still qualify.
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No, the Subclass 802 visa is only for the child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Other family members would need to apply for separate visas.
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Yes, once the Subclass 802 visa is granted, the child can live and work in Australia permanently.