Subclass 101 visa: sponsor your child to Australia!

What is a Subclass 101 visa?

The Subclass 101 visa is a pathway provided by the Australian government for dependent children to join their parents as permanent residents in Australia. It enables children to reunite with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parents.

Benefits of holding visa 101

Holders of subclass 101 visa will be entitled to numerous benefits, including permanent residency, access to healthcare, and other benefits as below:

• Permanent residency: Provides indefinite stay in Australia for children to live with their parents.
• Education: Access to Australia’s high-quality education system, including schools and universities.
• Healthcare: Eligibility for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Work rights: Permission to work in Australia.
• Travel flexibility: Ability to travel to and from Australia as desired.
• Pathway to citizenship: Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
• Family unity: Facilitates reuniting children with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parents.

These benefits ensure a stable and supportive environment for children to grow and thrive in Australia.

In addition to subclass 101, there are other child visas such as subclass 102, subclass 445, or subclass 802 that you can refer to.

Requirements of a Subclass 101 Australia visa

The requirements for a Subclass 101 Australia visa typically include:

• Relationship: The child must be the biological child, stepchild, or adopted child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Age: Generally, the child must be under 18 years old. There are exceptions for certain dependent children who are over 18 and under 25, and fully dependent or due to disability.
• Sponsorship: The child must be sponsored by their parent, step-parent, or the parent’s partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Health and character: The child must meet health and character requirements. This usually involves undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates.
• Parental responsibility: The sponsoring parent must have legal responsibility for the child, which may include custody or guardianship.
• Financial support: Assurance that the child will be supported financially while in Australia.
• Application process: Complete the visa application form, provide necessary documents (such as birth certificates, passports, and evidence of relationship), and pay the applicable visa application fee.

It’s essential to consult the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website or seek advice from a qualified immigration consultant for specific and updated requirements.

To determine if you meet the requirements for the Subclass 101 visa, reach out to VEM. Our registered consultant, will provide expert assistance tailored to your needs.

Step-by-step to apply for visa 101

Applying for the Subclass 101 visa involves several steps:

• Check eligibility: Ensure the child meets the criteria as a biological, adopted, or stepchild of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Gather documents: Collect necessary documents such as birth certificates, passports, and evidence of the relationship with the sponsoring parent.
• Complete application form: Fill out the visa application form accurately. This can typically be done online through the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
• Attach supporting documents: Upload or submit supporting documents as required, including proof of identity, health examinations, and character checks.
• Pay fees: Pay the visa application fee. Fees vary and are updated regularly, so check the current amount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Submit application: Submit the completed application and all supporting documents through the online portal or by mail, as instructed.
• Await decision: After submission, await a decision from the Department of Home Affairs. This process may take some time, and additional information or interviews may be requested.
• Visa grant: If approved, receive the Subclass 101 visa grant notification. Follow any further instructions provided, such as organizing health examinations if not done previously.
• Travel to Australia: Once the visa is granted, plan travel to Australia within the specified timeframe.

It’s advisable to seek guidance from a registered migration agent or consult the Department of Home Affairs website for detailed and up-to-date information specific to your circumstances.

You can apply for the visa yourself but it is recommended that you should use visa services provided by a registered migration agent.

Visa 101 processing time

According to the latest new from the DHA, the subclass 101 processing time is from 18 months to 26 months.

To be granted your Australian visa in the earliest possible time, your visa application should be processed properly and as a “ready make decision”. It’s best to contact VEM for further assistance.

Cost of a Subclass 101 Child visa

Like subclass 102 visa, the subclass 101 visa cost has increased from AUD 3,055 to AUD 3,140 in the financial year 2024 – 2025.

 Note: The 101 visa fee listed above does not include a 1.4% surcharge.

In addition, you need to pay other fees such as health examination, biometrics collection and police clearance check.

We are committed to supporting you throughout your entire immigration journey. For further assistance, contact VEM today. Our registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877), a member of Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648) will legally advise and help your visa application well-prepared for the best possible outcome.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent
(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Frequently asked questions