Child visa

If you're a parent in Australia looking to secure permanent residency for your dependent child already in the country, the Child Onshore (Subclass 802) Visa is a key pathway. Also known as visa 802 or child visa 802, this permanent visa enables children to live, study, and work indefinitely with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parent. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about the child onshore visa, including up-to-date eligibility, application processes, costs, and 802 visa processing time. With family reunification at its core, this visa supports thousands of families annually, helping children integrate seamlessly into Australian life.

As of December 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs reports that applications for subclass 802 continue to rise, driven by post-pandemic family migrations. Fact: Over 5,000 child visas (including subclass 802) were granted in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, highlighting its popularity among eligible families. This visa not only provides stability but also access to Australia's world-class education and healthcare systems.

What Is the Child Onshore (Subclass 802) Visa?

The subclass 802 visa is a permanent onshore visa designed for children who are already in Australia on a valid temporary visa. Unlike offshore options like subclass 101, the child onshore visa requires the applicant to be physically present in Australia during both application submission and decision-making. This makes it ideal for families where the child is studying or living temporarily in the country.

Key fact: The visa grants indefinite stay, with a five-year travel facility allowing multiple entries and exits from Australia. After five years, holders may need a Resident Return Visa to maintain travel rights. Benefits include full work and study rights, enrollment in Medicare, and eligibility for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements—typically four years of permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for Visa 802

To qualify for the child visa 802, both the child and sponsoring parent must meet strict criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. Here's a breakdown:

• Age and Dependency: The child must be under 18, or between 18-25 if a full-time student and financially dependent on the parent. Children over 18 with a disability preventing full-time work are also eligible if dependent.
• Relationship: The child must be the biological, adopted, or step-child of the sponsor.
• Marital Status: The child must be single—not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
• Sponsor Qualifications: The parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent visa holder, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Location: The child must be in Australia on a valid visa without a "no further stay" condition (e.g., 8503) at the time of application.
• Health and Character: All applicants must pass health examinations and provide police certificates if aged 16 or older.

Figure: Approximately 70% of subclass 802 applications involve children under 18, according to migration trends from 2025 reports.

For clarity, here's a table summarizing eligibility:

This table helps families quickly assess fit, ensuring higher application success.