Child Visa (Subclass 101)

The Child visa (Subclass 101) is a permanent residence visa that allows dependent children living outside Australia to migrate and live permanently with their parent(s) in Australia. This is an offshore visa only — the child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted. It is distinct from the onshore equivalent, Subclass 802, which applies to children already in Australia.

The Subclass 101 remains active and accepting applications as of March 2026. From 23 July 2025, applicants can import their paper application into ImmiAccount to manage their application online, representing a significant modernisation of the process.

The Department does not specify fixed processing times for the Subclass 101 visa due to the low volume of applications. However, based on recent data from approximately 4.5 million visa grants:

• Median (50th percentile): 20 months
• 75th percentile: 23 months
• 90th percentile: 28 months

This means 50% of applications are decided within 20 months, 75% within 23 months, and 90% within 28 months.

Factors that extend processing time:

• Incomplete applications or missing documents
• Incorrect form completion
• Time required for health, character, and national security checks
• Requests for additional information (each RFI can add 2–4 months)
• Verification of information across jurisdictions

You should receive an acknowledgement of your application within approximately one month after lodgement.

ImmiAccount Integration (23 July 2025)

From 23 July 2025, applicants for Child visa subclasses 101, 102, 802, 445, 117, and 837 can import their paper application into ImmiAccount to access online services. This makes it easier to manage your application and upload additional documents. Some existing applications made outside Australia before 1 April 2020 cannot be imported into ImmiAccount.

Visa Processing Reforms (6 March 2026)

The Australian government launched nation-wide visa processing reforms effective from 6 March 2026, including automated document verification, biometric scheduling, and real-time status updates through ImmiAccount. However, stricter "decision-ready" file requirements mean incomplete documentation may lead to refusal.

• Permanent residency — You can stay in Australia indefinitely

• Work and study without restrictions — You can work and study in Australia without limitations

• Medicare access — You can enrol in Australia's public healthcare scheme

• Travel facility — You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want for 5 years from the date the visa is granted. After the initial 5-year travel facility expires, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident, or apply for Australian citizenship

• Sponsor relatives — You can sponsor relatives to come to Australia

• English language support — You can attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), if eligible

• Pathway to citizenship — You can apply for Australian citizenship if eligible. For citizenship purposes, your permanent residence starts on the day you enter Australia on this visa

• Newly arrived resident waiting periods — You may have to wait to access certain Australian Government payments and benefits. Services Australia manages newly arrived residents' waiting periods