Subclass 101 is generally for a child outside Australia, while subclass 802 is generally for a child in Australia. Eligibility depends on the child’s relationship to the sponsoring parent, age or dependency status, marital status and other criteria.
Who this pathway is generally for
- The child is the dependent child of an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder.
- The child meets the applicable age, study or disability-based dependency requirements.
- The child is single and meets location requirements for the relevant subclass.
How the process usually works
- Confirm the correct onshore or offshore child visa pathway.
- Prepare evidence of parentage, custody, dependency and consent where relevant.
- Address health and best-interests considerations.
- Keep the Department informed if family circumstances change during processing.
Issues that commonly need closer analysis
- parental consent and custody documents
- older dependent children and full-time study
- step-children and adoption
- children born during another visa process
- health requirements
Why the details matter
Visa criteria often operate together with application-validity rules, location requirements, previous immigration history and evidence requirements. Two people applying for the same subclass can therefore face very different legal and evidentiary issues.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. Migration law and policy can change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.