General requirement

Under the child visa scheme, Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens have the opportunity to sponsor children for permanent residency.

There are three specific visa types within the child category, each with its own set of requirements.

• The child visa is designed for dependent children of an Australian sponsor.
• The adoption visa is intended for children who have been adopted by an Australian sponsor from outside Australia.
• The orphan relative visa is available for children under 18 years of age who are unable to be cared for by either parent and will be supported by their Australian sponsor.

In addition to these options, there is a temporary visa called the dependent child visa, which allows dependent children of temporary partner visa holders to be included in their parent’s permanent partner visa application.

These visa pathways provide opportunities for children to join their Australian sponsors and establish a permanent residency status in Australia.