Are you planning to bring your child to live with you in Australia? If so, this blog post is for you!
Undoubtedly, the visa application process can be challenging, and many parents ask, “Why is my child’s visa application taking so long?” or “What documents do I need to ensure a smooth application process?” These concerns are valid, as the process can be complex and time-consuming.
In this blog, I’ll discuss the 802 Child Visa, its eligibility criteria, documents required, application process, processing time and the visa cost. So, let’s get started!
What is an 802 Child Visa in Australia?
A child visa (subclass 802) allows the child to stay in Australia permanently and live with their parents. With this visa, the child can work and study in Australia for an indefinite period. Moreover, they will have access to Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare.
With this visa, they can also sponsor their relatives to come to Australia. They can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the eligibility criteria.
Can the child travel to and from Australia with this visa?
Yes, the child can travel to and from Australia frequently for the initial five years. However, if the child wants to travel after five years, they will need to apply for Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter the country as a permanent resident. Moreover, if they become Australian citizens, they don’t need RRV to re-enter Australia.
Can the child include other children in an 802 visa?
If the child has siblings who wish to apply, submit individual applications for each sibling. The child can also include their dependent children in their application. The dependent children of the child applying for a visa must fulfil our health requirements. In addition, family members who are not travelling to Australia may need to fulfil health requirements.
What is the application cost of an 802 Child visa in Australia?
The application cost of a child visa (subclass 802) is AUD 3,140.00 for the main applicant. Moreover, you will have to pay extra charges for each dependent child who wants to apply for this visa with you. In addition to this, you may be required to pay additional charges for health exams, police certificates and biometrics.
To check the accurate cost, use the Visa Pricing Estimator tool.
What is the processing time for a subclass 802 visa in Australia?
The processing time varies depending on several factors. The processing of visa applications might take longer if:
- You don’t provide the complete information.
- If you don’t attach all the required documents.
- You don’t respond quickly to the Department of Home Affairs if they ask for additional information.
The Department will not start processing if you don’t pay the visa application fee.
What is the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for the 802 Child Visa?
The child must be in Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted. Moreover, to apply for the 802 Child Visa, the child must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Sponsorship Requirements
The child must be sponsored by an eligible parent or their spouse or de facto partner. The parent must be:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen.
Moreover, the child can be a biological child, adopted child, or stepchild of the sponsoring parent.
Age Requirements
The child must be under 18 years of age at the time of application submission. But if the child is 18 to 25 years old, they have to be a full-time student and dependent on the sponsoring parent for financial support. In case the child is older than 18 and disabled, they must be financially dependent on the sponsoring parent.
Marital Status Requirements
The child must be single and not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship. Otherwise, they cannot apply for a child visa 802 in Australia.
Health Requirements
The applicant must meet the health requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. You have to undergo a medical examination to ensure that you are not suffering from a contagious disease that can put the Australian community in danger.
Character Requirements
You must be of good moral character to apply for this visa. You must not have been involved in any criminal offence in the past. To demonstrate this, you need a police clearance certificate.
Financial Requirements
The sponsoring parent must be financially stable enough to support the child. This means the child relies on the parent for their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing.
Best Interests of the Child
The visa application must be in the best interests of the child. This is particularly important for children under 18 years old.
Are you still confused? Contact us now for customized solutions.
How to Apply for an 802 Child Visa in Australia?
Applying for the subclass 802 Child Visa involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
- Step 1: Check your eligibility.
- Step 2: Gather and organize the required documents.
- Step 3: Apply for the child visa (subclass 802).
- Step 4: Wait for the visa outcome.
Here is the detailed overview of each step. Have a look!
Step 1: Check your eligibility
The first step is to verify whether the child meets the eligibility criteria, such as age, dependency status, and relationship to the sponsoring parent. Once you have verified the eligibility, the next step is to collect the essential documents required for the visa.
Step 2: Gather and organise the required documents.
It is important to gather and organize all the documents required for the visa application. Here is the document checklist for an 802 visa:
- Identity documents, including a passport and birth certificate.
- Evidence of the child’s relationship to the sponsoring parent.
- Police clearance certificate and health examination.
- Travel documents showing the entry of a child in Australia.
- Financial documents showing bank statements, money transfers and rent receipts.
Step 3: Apply for the child visa (subclass 802).
To apply for this visa, fill out the two forms below and submit them together:
- Form 47CH Application for migration to Australia by a child (587KB PDF)
- Form 40CH Sponsorship for a child to migrate to Australia (585KB PDF)
Follow these instructions to submit your application for this visa:
- Complete these forms in English.
- Pay for the visa application fee via the ImmiAccount website before submitting the paper.
- Attach the evidence of the paid application fee with these forms.
- It is not possible to apply for this visa in person. Therefore, submit the application to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth at the address provided on the form via postal mail or courier.
- Your application might not be accepted if any of the above-mentioned steps are not followed.
- Send certified copies of the documents with your application instead of the originals.
Important information you need to know:
Make sure that you provide the complete and accurate information in the application form. Failure to do so will result in visa cancellation in Australia.
Step 4: Wait for the visa outcome
You may be asked to provide the additional information after application submission. Notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your circumstances, such as change of address or name.
The Department will notify you about their decision on your visa application. If your visa is granted, you will receive details such as the visa grant number, visa issuance and expiry dates, and your visa conditions.
However, if your visa application is refused, you will be informed of the reasons for the refusal and whether you have the right to a review of the decision.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—a comprehensive guide to an 802 child visa in Australia. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and following the application steps carefully, you can successfully get this visa for your child.
However, if you have any questions or need further assistance, contact us at The Migration. We’ll provide personalised guidance and support throughout the application process. Therefore, schedule an online appointment now and allow us to help you get successful visa approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can the child stay under an 802 visa?
The child can stay permanently in Australia under this visa. The child becomes a permanent resident of Australia as soon as the Department of Home Affairs grants this visa.
How much is visa 802 Australia?
The application fee for the main applicant for the child visa (subclass 802) is AUD3,140.00.
What is an 802 visa in Australia?
A child visa (subclass 802) allows the children of Australian permanent residents, citizens and eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia permanently.
I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.