Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
Bring your adopted child home, permanently.
The Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) allows children who are adopted, or are about to be adopted, by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The adoptive parent usually submits the application on the child’s behalf and acts as the sponsor. It is important to submit the application before the adoption is finalized if the adoption is being processed through an Australian state or territory authority.
Who Can Sponsor (Adoptive Parent)?
The adoptive parent (sponsor) must be:
- An Australian citizen, OR
- An Australian permanent resident, OR
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
In certain cases, if the adoptive parent has a spouse or de facto partner, that partner may also be included — provided they meet legal sponsorship requirements and cohabit.
Who Can Be the Adopted Child (Applicant)?
To qualify for Subclass 102, the child must meet all these conditions:
- Be under 18 years of age at the time of application and visa grant.
- Be outside Australia (living overseas) at the time of application and when the visa is decided.
- Have been adopted (or be in the process of adoption) under a legally valid adoption: either via an Australian State/Territory central authority, under the Hague Adoption Convention or a valid bilateral inter‑country adoption agreement, or via expatriate adoption meeting strict criteria.
- Have full and permanent parental rights legally transferred to the adoptive parent(s), with no remaining legal ties to birth parents.
- Be unmarried and have no partner (for under‑18 children).
Key Eligibility Conditions & Obligations
- The adoption must comply with both the laws of the child’s country of origin and Australian adoption/immigration law.
- Adoptive parent(s) must provide sponsorship and submit required documentation (proof of adoption, parental rights, identity, consent, etc.).
- Child — and any included dependents — must meet health and character requirements before visa grant.
- The application must be lodged while the child is outside Australia; the visa is granted offshore.
FAQs About Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
What is the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)?
The Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) allows children adopted overseas to live in Australia with their adoptive parents and grants them permanent residency.
Who is eligible for the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)?
Eligible children must be under 18 years old and adopted by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
How long does it take to process the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)?
Processing times vary depending on the completeness of the application, supporting documents, and complexity. Applicants should refer to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information.
What are the requirements for adoptive parents?
Adoptive parents must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, and comply with Australian immigration laws regarding health, character, and sponsorship obligations.
