How to increase your chance of being granted an adoption visa – subclass 102 visa

A Subclass 102 visa allows adopted children to come to live in Australia with their parents. What are the benefits and requirements of this visa? How to increase your chance of being granted visa 102? Let’s read on and get advice from our qualified and experienced consultant.
Table of Contents
Benefits of an Adoption visa – Subclass 102
Requirements of a Subclass 102 visa
Steps to apply for an Australian Subclass 102
Subclass 102 visa processing time
Cost of a Subclass 102 application
Required documents for visa 102 application
- Where must the applicant be when applying for the Subclass 102?
- Can I apply for Australian citizenship later while holding visa 102?
- Will my children be granted visa 102 if they’re under 18 when applying for the visa, but over 18 when being granted the visa?
- Can I adopt children in other countries if I’m an Australian permanent resident?
What is a 102 visa?
An Adoption visa – Subclass 102 visa allows adopted children to live in Australia as permanent residents with their adoptive parents.
The children must be under 18 years of age and the sponsor must be Australian citizens/ permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.

Benefits of an Adoption visa – Subclass 102
Subclass 102 holders are entitled to:
Residency | To live in Australia permanently. |
Work and study | To work and study in Australia. |
Multiples entries | Travel in and out of Australia within 5 years. After 5 years, you need to apply for a Resident Return visa (RRV) or become an Australian citizen. |
Health care | Access to Medicare – an Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. |
Citizenship | Apply for Australian citizenship. |

Subclass 102 Adoption visa holders will be greatly supported by the Australian Government as permanent residences.
Requirements of a Subclass 102 visa
For the applicant (children) |
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For the sponsor (parents) |
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To know whether you meet the Subclass 102 requirements, contact VEM. Our registered migration consultant (MARN: 1577877) will assist you.
Steps to apply for an Australian Subclass 102
- Step 1: Check whether you meet the requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare the documents and apply for the Subclass 102.
- Step 3: Provide additional documents (if required).
- Step 4: Receive the 102 visa.

It is recommended that you should use visa services provided by a registered migration agent.
Subclass 102 visa processing time
90% of the applications is processed within | 23 months |
To be granted the 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 102 application
Fee (in AUD) | |
For the main applicant | 3,055 |
For the additional applicant |
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Note: The Subclass 102 fee listed above does not include a 1.4% surcharge.
The Subclass 102 cost tends to increase every financial year. Contact VEM for the update.
Note that you may not get any refund if your visa application is refused.
Required documents for visa 102 application
Identification documents |
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Relationship evidence | Adoption certificate of children’s home country |
Police check | A police certificate from any country they have stayed at least 12 months in the last 10 years, since turning 16. |
Health and character | Children over 16 years of age need to complete Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment) |
Financial aspect | Proof that the sponsor can provide financial support for the first 2 years the applicant lives in Australia. |
Contact VEM for further assistance.
Frequently asked questions
The applicant (children) must be offshore when applying for visa 102.
Unfortunately, no. They must be under 18 years of age at the time of visa grant decision.
Yes, if you and your child meet all the requirements.
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If you’re not clear about the Subclass 102 visa, contact VEM to get our support!
Find out more about other Australian visa: