Difference between child visa 101 and 802: Side-by-Side Comparison

When you’re looking to sponsor a child for a visa, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements for each type.

A child must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a subclass 101 child visa:

• be outside Australia when the visa is granted
• be the biological, adopted or stepchild of an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident.
• be sponsored by a parent or legal guardian who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• be under 18 years old, or be 18-25 years old and dependent on the parent or legal guardian
• pass health and character requirements
• have no outstanding debts to the Australian government

To be eligible for a Child Visa (subclass 802), a child must:

• be inside Australia when the visa is granted
• be the biological, adopted child or stepchild of parents who live in Australia, are permanent residents or are eligible New Zealand citizen
• be sponsored by a parent or legal guardian who is an Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• be under 18 years old, or be 18-25 years old and dependent on the parent or legal guardian
• pass health and character requirements
• have no outstanding debts to the Australian government

Note that the eligibility requirements for the two visas are very similar. The main difference is that Child Visa subclass 101 is for children who are outside of Australia, and Child Visa subclass 802 is for children who are already inside Australia. However, the subclass 101 visa also allows the holder to travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of the visa grant, while the subclass 802 visa holder can stay in Australia permanently.

A child visa 802 or 101 makes it possible for an eligible parent to sponsor their child to stay in Australia indefinitely. A parent may make an application on behalf of a child under 18 years of age.

So, which visa is right for your situation? That will depend on your unique circumstances. Contact our team of experts to discuss your specific situation and find out which visa is best for you and your child.

Due to the sheer number of documents and verification that is required, the child visa application process often takes up to 12 weeks.

However, with the help of a registered migration agent, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to process your child’s visa application. Registered migration agents have years of experience and knowledge in dealing with the relevant government departments, which means they can help you navigate through the process quickly and effectively.

Another key difference between the two visas is the cost and processing time. Visa 101 is more expensive and has a longer processing time, usually taking 3 months or more. Moreover, it may require additional documents, such as character references from people in your community and a police check to verify your identity.

On the other hand, visa 802 is less expensive and takes only about 4-6 weeks to process. It generally does not require additional documents, although recent changes to the process are starting to require police checks for certain applicants.

Keep in mind that both visas can be expedited for an extra fee if you need to get the visa sooner.

Additionally, you should be aware of any additional fees associated with both visas, such as medical exams or pre-interview fees.

The documents required for a Child Visa (subclass 101) and a Child Visa (subclass 802) application will vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, but some common documents that may be required include:

• A completed and signed visa application form
• Passports or travel documents for the child and any other dependents included in the application
• Recent passport-sized photographs of the child and any other dependents included in the application
• Birth certificates or adoption papers to prove the relationship between the child and the parent or legal guardian
• Evidence of the parent or legal guardian’s Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility as a New Zealand citizen
• Evidence of the child’s identity, such as a birth certificate or national ID card
• Evidence of the child’s dependency on the parent or legal guardian, such as school or medical records
• Health and character documents, such as a police clearance certificate and a medical examination report
• Financial documents, such as bank statements or pay slips, demonstrate that the parent or legal guardian can support the child financially in Australia.
• Any additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs in relation to the specific application

It’s important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and the department may request additional documents depending on the case. It’s also important to ensure that all the documents are translated into English if they are not in English.

Note: A sponsor should be able to provide a satisfactory standard of living for the child, as well as adequate housing and financial support for the child’s first two years in Australia.

Knowing the renewal requirements for each visa will help you determine which child visa is best for you. One advantage of Child Visa 101 is that you can apply to renew it without having to leave the country, while with Child Visa 802, you must return to your country of citizenship and then re-apply to re-enter Australia.

Child Visa 101 renewals typically come with a processing fee and must include evidence or copies of identity documents. Additionally, you might need to provide evidence that your relationship with your parent or guardian has not changed.

As for the Child Visa 802, applicants must provide their passport, copies of identity documents and any supporting documents as required by the government. You must also pay a fee in order to complete the application process. When trying to apply for a child visa subclass 802, the candidate must be in Australia at the time of application and grant.

It’s important to note that both visas have specific age requirements in order to be eligible for renewal or extension—so make sure to check these out before applying for either one.

A child visa (subclass 101 or subclass 802) is a permanent visa available to Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, or eligible New Zealand citizens. while on the contrary, a  dependent child visa (subclass 445) is a temporary visa offered to the children or step-children of temporary partner visa holders.

In the end, it all boils down to this: which type of visa will better serve the needs of your family? If you are still unsure after going through this guide, please do not hesitate to consult our team to help you make the right decision for you and your family.