A Subclass 101 Visa, also known as an offshore Child visa, allows the dependent child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, to live in Australia as a permanent resident.
101 Visa Eligibility
Applicants for the 101 visa must be the child of an eligible resident of Australia (an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia, or an eligible New Zealand Citizen). They may be a biological child, adopted, or a stepchild of a parent.
They cannot be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
The child must also be dependent on the parent. This means either:
- Under 18 years old
- Between 18 and 25, and studying full time
- Over 18 years old, with a disability preventing them from working full-time, and financially dependent on their parent.
- Be sponsored by their parent, or parent’s spouse or partner
- Pass the health, identity, and character tests set by the Australian Government
- Be outside Australia when the application for the visa is made
The 101 visa application process has several different components, and typically requires a large amount of documentation. Passing all the tests can be difficult, and failing to do so can result in your visa application being refused. We typically recommend seeking the help of professionals on all 101 visa applications.
But don’t worry – Hansen Migration are here to help. We specialise in family visas like the Child visa 101. Our Registered Migration Agents can guide you through the application process, reduce your stress, and give you the best chance of a fast, successful visa outcome.
What is a 101 Visa?
The offshore Child visa, also known as the 101 visa, allows the child of an eligible Australian resident to stay in Australia permanently with their parent or parents. It grants the holder the right to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely; access the public healthcare system, Medicare; and eventually may grant the right to apply for Australian citizenship.
Applying for a 101 Visa
Applying for a Child visa 101 is typically a multi-step process.
The first step involves gathering and preparing all the documentation, including proof of how the applicant meets each of the eligibility criteria, and applying for the visa.
From here, the application will progress through a queue. Further information may be requested by the Australian Government during this stage.
Eventually, when it reaches the end of the queue, the government will make a decision on the visa outcome. If successful, the 101 visa will then be granted.
Benefits of a 101 Visa
- The right to live, work, and study in Australia on a permanent basis
- The right to travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years (after this, further travel rights can be requested)
- The right to apply for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- The ability to eventually apply for Australian citizenship
Common Challenges of an 101 Visa
Applying for the 101 visa can be complicated. Challenges include establishing the eligibility of the sponsor; ensuring you pass the required identity, character, age, and health tests; getting consent from any relevant parties; and ensuring all your documentation is sufficiently detailed and submitted before any due dates. Staying on top of all the details during the lengthy application process can be stressful and demanding.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. At Hansen Migration, our Registered Migration Agents have plenty of experience with Child visa 101 applications. We’re up to date on all the current laws and requirements, and can help keep you on top of all the details. Give yourself the best chance of a fast, successful visa outcome with Hansen Migration.
101 Visa FAQs
Most 101 visas will be processed in under 18 months, but can take up to 3 years or more.
An applicant must be either under 18 years old, a full-time student between 18 and 25, or over 18 and unable to work due to a disability.
Yes, an applicant’s dependent children can be included on the visa application at any time before the outcome is decided. If the applicant has siblings who also want to apply, a separate application should be submitted for each child.
Yes, 101 visa holders can travel outside Australia for up to 5 years once the visa is granted. After this, further travel rights can be requested.
There are no specific numbers involved, but the sponsor has an obligation to support the child’s general living expenses in Australia.
If significant circumstances such as the child’s living situation or the sponsor’s status change, it may affect your visa application or render you ineligible. In these cases, a Registered Migration Agent may be able to help you further.
Download Your Free Family Visa Handbook
Looking for more details on the different visas and the requirements? We’ve put together this handy guide to help answer your questions. Just click below to download a copy today.
If you’ve still got questions after reading it, don’t stress – we can help. Book a free consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents today.
