Child Offshore Visa (Subclass 101)
Allows a dependent child living outside Australia to join their parents in Australia. Offers permanent residency and associated benefits like Medicare and study rights.
Subclass 101 is a permanent residency visa for eligible children living outside Australia who wish to join their parent(s) in Australia. It allows the child to migrate permanently, live, study, and work in Australia — as part of family reunification under the Family Migration program.
Who Can Sponsor / Be the Parent?
The sponsoring parent must be one of the following:
- An Australian citizen; or
- An Australian permanent resident; or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
The sponsor can also be the spouse or de facto partner of the parent (when legal care responsibilities apply).
Who Can Be the Child Applicant?
The child applying under Subclass 101 can be a:
- Biological child
- Adopted child
- Eligible step-child (under certain legal conditions regarding guardianship or adoption)
To be eligible the child applicant must meet one of the following:
- Under 18 years old; or
- 18 to 25 years old, studying full-time and financially dependent on the parent; or
- Over 18 but unable to work due to disability and dependent on the parent
Additional conditions: The child must be unmarried or not in a de facto relationship.
Key Eligibility Conditions
- The child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted.
- The parent (sponsor) must meet sponsor eligibility criteria.
- The child and any dependents included must meet health and character requirements before visa grant.
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption/guardianship/legal documents), identity, and dependency (if applicable) must be provided.
What Subclass 101 Grants Upon Visa Grant
- Permanent residency — the child can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to public health (Medicare), education, and other social benefits available to permanent residents.
- Possibility to apply for Australian citizenship when eligible.
- Ability to include some dependent children (if applicable) under certain conditions.
- Travel facility: the child can travel to and from Australia as allowed for permanent residents (subject to usual residency/travel-facility rules).
FAQs About Child Offshore Visa
What is the Child Offshore Visa (Subclass 101) for Australia?
The Child Offshore Visa (Subclass 101) allows eligible children to live with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parent(s) in Australia.
Who can apply for the Child Offshore Visa (Subclass 101) to Australia?
Children living outside Australia who are dependent on their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parent(s) can apply for the Subclass 101 visa.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Child Offshore Visa (Subclass 101) to Australia?
Eligibility requirements include being a dependent child, unmarried, under 18 years of age, and having a sponsoring parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
How can I apply for the Child Offshore Visa (Subclass 101) to Australia?
To apply, complete the required application forms and submit them online via the Australian Department of Home Affairs website, ensuring that all necessary supporting documents are provided.
What documents are needed for the Child Offshore Visa (Subclass 101) application for Australia?
Required documents include proof of relationship with the sponsoring parent, the child’s identity documents, health and character assessments, and other relevant certificates and forms.
