Global Vision Migration Lawyers provides expert legal advice across Australian visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. Our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents assist individuals, families, and businesses with skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, and the strategic resolution of visa refusals and appeals nationwide.

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Child Onshore (Subclass 802) Visa

Child Onshore Visa (Subclass 802) – Permanent Visa for Children in Australia

The Child Onshore Visa (Subclass 802) allows a child who is already in Australia to live permanently with their parent who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa is designed for dependent children who meet strict relationship and custody requirements.

Subclass 802 is a permanent residence visa. Once granted, the child can remain in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, study, and later apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible). Applications must be carefully prepared to demonstrate genuine parent-child relationship, dependency (if over 18), and compliance with custody laws.

Why Subclass 802 Applications Require Careful Assessment

Child Must Be in Australia

The applicant must be physically present in Australia at time of application and decision.

Parent Sponsorship Required

The sponsoring parent must meet Australian citizenship or residency requirements.

Custody & Consent Laws

Legal custody documentation is critical, especially in shared-parent cases.

Permanent Residency Outcome

Successful applicants receive Australian permanent residence.

Best Interests of the Child

Department assesses whether visa grant supports the child's welfare.

Bridging Visa Implications

Applicant may be granted a Bridging Visa while awaiting decision.

Eligibility Criteria – Child

  • Must be in Australia when applying and when visa is decided.
  • Must be under 18 years of age, OR
  • Aged 18–25 and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent, OR
  • Over 18 with a disability preventing full-time work.
  • Must be single (not married or in a de facto relationship).
  • Meet health and character requirements (if applicable).

Eligibility Criteria – Sponsor (Parent)

  • Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the child.
  • Must be approved as a sponsor.
  • If child is under 18, must have legal custody or consent from other parent.
  • Must meet character requirements.
  • Undertake responsibility for financial support and accommodation.

Key Visa Features

Feature Details
Visa Type Permanent Residence
Location Requirement Applicant must be in Australia
Work & Study Rights Full study and work rights
Medicare Access Eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system
Citizenship Pathway Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship (if criteria met)

Required Documentation

  • Child’s birth certificate showing parent relationship.
  • Passport and identity documents.
  • Evidence of dependency (if aged 18–25).
  • Court orders or custody documents (if applicable).
  • Sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residency evidence.
  • Health checks and police certificates (if required).

Common Challenges in Subclass 802 Applications

  • Lack of proper custody consent from non-migrating parent.
  • Insufficient evidence of financial dependency for adult children.
  • Child turning 18 during processing without meeting criteria.
  • Visa status issues while application is pending.
  • Incomplete documentation or relationship evidence.
  • Health or character complications.

Our Child Visa Strategy

  • Detailed eligibility assessment for child and sponsor.
  • Preparation of strong dependency and custody evidence.
  • Compliance review of all supporting documents.
  • Assistance with Bridging Visa matters.
  • Ongoing case management until decision.
  • Post-grant guidance for citizenship pathway.

Why Choose Global Vision Migration?

  • Experienced in complex child and family migration cases.
  • Strong documentation and compliance focus.
  • Strategic advice tailored to your family situation.
  • Confidential and compassionate support.

Bring Your Child to Live Permanently in Australia

Ensure your Child Onshore Visa (Subclass 802) application is prepared correctly with complete documentation and legal compliance. Contact Global Vision Migration today for professional guidance.

Book A Consultation Call Now

Other Family & Partner Visas

01.
Partner Visa – SC 820 & 801

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) allow the spouse

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02.
Offshore Partner Visa – SC 309

The Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) visas are for partners applying from outside Australia.

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03.
Sponsored Parent – SC 870

The Sponsored Parent Subclass 870 visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents,

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04.
Parent Visa – SC 103

The Parent Visa Subclass 103 is a permanent visa that allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents

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05.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) – SC 173

The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary contributory parent visa that allows parents to live in Australia

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06.
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)
– SC 884

The Subclass 884 visa allows older parents who meet the age requirement to stay

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07.
Aged Parent Visa – SC 804

The Subclass 804 Aged Parent visa allows older parents already in Australia to apply for permanent residency.

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08.
NZ Family Relationship – SC 461

The Subclass 461 visa allows non-New Zealand family members of New Zealand citizens

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09.
Child Visa – SC 101

The Subclass 101 Child visa allows a dependent child outside Australia to join their Australian citizen, permanent resident

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The Child Onshore (Subclass 802) Visa is a permanent visa that allows a child who is already in Australia to live permanently with their parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

The sponsor must:
• Be the child’s biological, adoptive, or step-parent.
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Be settled in Australia.
• Meet character requirements.

The child must:
• Be in Australia at the time of application and decision.
• Be under 18 years of age, or a full-time student aged 18–25 who is financially dependent.
• Or be over 18 and unable to work due to a disability.
• Be single (not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship).
• Meet health and character requirements.

Yes. The Child Onshore (Subclass 802) Visa is a permanent visa. It allows the child to live, study, and access Medicare in Australia permanently. Eligible applicants may later apply for Australian citizenship.

Yes. If the child holds a valid visa at the time of application, they may be granted a Bridging Visa allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia while the Subclass 802 application is being processed.

Documents generally include:
• Child’s birth certificate.
• Proof of relationship to the sponsoring parent.
• Sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residency evidence.
• Financial dependency evidence (if over 18).
• Health examinations and police certificates (if required).

Child visa applications require strong relationship evidence, correct documentation, and compliance with migration regulations. Professional assistance helps avoid delays, refusals, and ensures all eligibility criteria are properly addressed.