How can I bring my child to live permanently with me in Australia ?

If you are an Australian citizen, holder of a permanent visa, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to sponsor your natural, adopted or step child for migration to Australia on a child visa.

A child who is overseas and was adopted after their parent became an Australian citizen, the holder of a permanent visa or eligible New Zealand citizen, cannot apply in this category and should consider applying in the adoption category.

What are the visa requirements for a Child visa ?

To apply for a Child visa, you must :

• be the natural child, adopted child or step-child of an Australian citizen, holder of a permanent visa or eligible New Zealand citizen,
• be sponsored by that parent or their spouse,
• be under the age of 25, but if 18 or over, be a full-time student and dependent on you parents (exceptions apply when the child is disabled),
• if overseas and adopted, have been adopted before your parent became an Australian citizen, holder of a permanent visa or eligible New Zealand citizen,
• if in Australia and adopted, the adoption was organised through an Australian State or Territory adoption agency or your parents were resident overseas for 12 months prior to your adoption,
• if a step-child, either your natural or adoptive parent is an Australian citizen, holder of a permanent visa or an eligible New Zealand citizen, or you are under 18 and your step parent has custody,
• never have had a spouse, not be married, living in a defacto relationship or be engaged to be married, and
• if under 18, have permission to migrate to Australia from relevant persons or from a court.

More information on child visas

For more information on child visas, contact_us