Family Reunification: A Comprehensive Guide to the Child Visa (Subclass 101)

Australia is a country that attains importance to family unity, and is one of the several immigration routes designed to help the child visa (subclass 101) live together. If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and you have a child living abroad, this visa may be the key to bringing them home permanently to live in Australia.

In this blog, we need to learn about child visa 101, in which whatever you can apply, what allows you to consider to consider eligibility requirements, methods of applying and important things.

What is a child visa (Subclass 101)?
Child Visa Subclass 101 is a permanent resident visa that allows a dependent child to be permanently lived with his parents in Australia outside Australia. Sponsor parents should be either:

An Australian Citizen

Australian permanent resident

A character New Zealand Citizen

Once given, the child can enjoy the same benefit as any permanent resident, including a route for education, healthcare access and Australian citizenship.

Major benefits of child visa 101

Permanent residency for the child

Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system

The ability to study and work in Australia

Opportunity to apply for citizenship in the future

The child can travel freely from Australia for five years

Australia joining social, cultural and family life

This visa supports long-term family unity and is particularly important for parents who want to raise their children in Australia.

Who Can Be Sponsored?
To sponsor a child, you must be:

Baby-oriented parents

An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand Citizen

Over 18 years of age

Living in Australia or planning to return to Australia when the child enters the country

You should also agree to support the child financially and help in living in Australia.

Who is eligible for Child Visa 101?

The child must:

Be under 18 years old, OR

Be a full-time student aged 18–25 and financially dependent on the parent, OR

Be over 18 and unable to work due to a disability

In addition, the child must:

Be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted

Be single and dependent on the sponsoring parent

Meet health and character requirements

Be sponsored by a qualified parents

Note: If the child is adopted, different rules apply, and the parents will usually have to adopt before becoming a resident of Australian residents or citizens.

Including Family Members
In most cases, only one child per visa application is allowed. However, dependent siblings can sometimes be included, or multiple applications can be lodged simultaneously for siblings to migrate together.

Application Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for subclass 101 visas:

Step 1: Check the eligibility
Before applying, confirm that both child and sponsor parents meet the eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation
You will need to collect documents like:

The child’s birth certificate

The parent’s citizenship or residency proof

Proof of relationship between parent and child

Parental consent documents (if one parent is not migrating)

Health checks and police clearances

Passport-shaped photos

Step 3: Lodge application

The application must be lodged outside Australia. It can be submitted online through ImmiAccount or by paper application.

Step 4: Waiting for processing
The processing time varies, but may occur between 12–24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and current charge.

Step 5: Receive Visa Grant

Once given, the child can enter Australia as a permanent resident, with full access to services and rights.

Responsibility and consent of parents
If both parents have legal custody of the child, both should agree to the visa application. This is a strict requirement under the Australian law, especially where parents' rights are shared in international borders.

If only one parents have legal custody, then documents that prove the only custody will require. In disputed custody conditions, legal advice should be sought before proceeding.

Cost of the Child Visa 101
As of 2025, the base application charge is approximately AUD $3,150, with additional charges for secondary applicants (e.g., siblings, if included). Other potential costs include:

Medical exams

Police certificates

Document translation and certification

things to consider
Visa Location Rules: When the application is filed and the visa is given, the child should be outside Australia.

Health Insurance: While permanent residents can use medicare, private health insurance is recommended until a visa is provided.

Citizenship Eligibility: After meeting residence requirements, the child can apply for Australian citizenship.

If the child is already in Australia, a separate visa (eg subclass 802 - child visa onshore) may be more suitable.

final thoughts
Child Visa Subclass 101 is an excellent route to bring dependent children to Australia on a permanent basis. It helps families to reunion, provides children to grow up to world -class education, healthcare and a safe, stable environment in which growing up.