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Family Migration program

​​​​The Child category in the Family Migration Program allows children to be sponsored to live permanently in Australia. Generally, children are sponsored by their biological or adoptive parents. There is also an Orphan Relative visa option for an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand Citizen or an Australian permanent resident to sponsor a relative to come to Australia to live. This applies if their parents are deceased, can't care for them or can't be found.

You can personalise any of the below web pages depending on whether you are an applicant or a sponsor. You can do this after clicking on the relevant link.

Child visa (subclass 101)

This visa lets a child outside Australia move to live with their parent in Australia. The child must be a dependent of a parent who is an Australian Citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or holder of an Australian permanent visa.

For more information see Child visa (subclass 101).

Adoption visa (subclass 102)

This visa lets a child adopted outside Australia live in Australia with their adoptive parent.​

For more information see Adoption visa (subclass 102).

Child visa (subclass 802)

This visa allows a child to stay in Australia and live with their parents.

For more information see Child visa (subclass 802).

Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)

This visa allows a child to stay in Australia temporarily while we process their parent's permanent Partner visa application.

For more information see Dependent Child visa (subclass 445).

Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117)

This visa lets a child come to Australia to live with a relative. This applies if their parents are deceased, can't care for them or can't be found. 

For more information see Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117).

Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837)

This visa lets a child stay in Australia with a relative. This applies if their parents are deceased, can't care for them or can't be found. 

For more information see Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837). 

Child visa processing

From April 2020, all new Child visa applications are processed in our Perth office. A​pplications lodged prior to this date may be processed at one of our overseas offices.

Help and Support​

QueryUseful links and/or correct contact channel information
You want to apply for a Child visaYou must apply for Child visas on a paper application form.

For further information see Child and orphan relative processing centre form.​
You want to view the progress of your applicationFor further information see Child and orphan relative visa processing centre form.
You need assistance with your applicationSee who can help with your application.
Your circumstances have changedGo to Changes in your situation.
You want to arrange a health examinationSee Meet our health requirements.
You want more information about Afghan nationalsSee the Department's website Afghanistan Update or go to Smart Traveller.
​You want to withdraw an applicationGo to You want to withdraw an application.
You have a complaint or want to provide feedbackSee Compliments, complaints and suggestions.
You want to become an Australian CitizenSee Become an Australian citizen (by conferral) Permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.