The Adoption Visa (subclass 102) is the specialized permanent residency pathway designed to facilitate the family reunification of an adopted child with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parent. Learn more about its key benefits, eligibility requirements, and the step-by-step application process.
What is a 102 visa?
The Subclass 102 visa is designed for adopted children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows these children to live permanently in Australia, fostering family reunion and providing a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Benefits of an Adoption Visa
The Adoption visa subclass 102 offers several benefits for adopted children, which allow them to:
- Reunite with their adoptive families in Australia.
- Live in Australia permanently with their adoptive parents.
- Work and study in Australia, like subclass 101 or subclass 802 visa holders.
- Have access to Australia’s healthcare and education services.
- Apply for Australian citizenship when meeting residency requirements
- Travel to and from Australia for up to five years from the visa grant date.
Eligibility Criteria For Adoptive Parents
The adoptive parents need to meet the following sponsorship requirements:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Must be the child of a (prospective) adoptive parent
- Hold Australian citizenship or a permanent resident visa
- Have completed the adoption process.
- Have adopted the child under the legal adoption framework
- Demonstrate your ability to provide financial support and accommodation.
- Provide an Assurance of Support (AoS).
- If the adoption takes place while you are living in Australia, the approval is granted only when the child’s country of origin has either:
- If the adoption takes place while you are outside Australia, additional requirements may apply based on:
- The child’s country of adoption, and
- The involvement of an Australian adoption authority.
Eligibility Criteria For Applicants
The requirements for children applying for a Subclass 102 visa (Adoption visa) in Australia generally include the following:
- Living outside Australia
- Must be adopted or in the process of being adopted.
- Must be under 18 years of age at the time of visa application.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Adoption Visa Checklist
When applying for the Subclass 102 visa, you need to prepare several important documents to show that the child is eligible and the adoption is valid. These documents include:
|
Documents required |
| Identity documents |
- National ID card
- Evidence of any name change
- Passport
- Recent photographs of the child
|
| Adoption documents |
- Official adoption order or certificate
- Adoption compliance certificate (if applicable)
|
| Health & Character |
- Police clearance for children aged 16 and above
- Health examinations
|
Adoption Visa Application Process
Applying for an Australian Subclass 102 visa involves these key steps:
1. Confirm requirements: Make sure the child satisfies all key eligibility conditions before applying.
2. Prepare documents: Prepare proof of adoption or relationship, evidence of parental responsibility, ID documents, and health records.
3. Lodge the application: Submit the visa application online or by mail while the child is outside Australia.
4. Complete health and character checks: Arrange medical examinations and obtain necessary police certificates.
5. Await the outcome: The child must remain outside Australia while the application is being processed.
6. Visa approval: If granted, the child becomes a permanent resident and may live in Australia permanently.
Costs & Processing Times
According to the latest news from the DHA in 2026, the subclass 102 visa processing time is from 4 months to 9 months.
- 50% of the applications are processed within 4 months
- 90% of the applications are processed within 9 months
The cost of applying for the Adoption visa subclass 102 has increased from July 1, 2026, to AUD 4,040.
- For the main applicant: AUD 4,040
- For the additional applicant
- From and over 18: AUD 2,020
- Under 18 years old: 1,010
If you’re not clear about the Subclass 102 visa or want to learn more about Australian visas, contact VEM to get our support!
To determine if you meet the requirements for the Subclass 102 visa, please contact VEM. Our registered migration consultant (MARN: 1577877) is ready to provide personalized assistance and guidance.
By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent
(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)
CEO and Founder of VEM
Mr. Phong Cao is a licensed migration agent by MARA (MARN: 1577877). He is also a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), one of the most reputable organizations in the field of immigration in Australia. In addition, Mr. Phong Cao holds a QEAC certification in study abroad consulting (QEAC: K580) and Australian real estate investment (RA85931). With over 12 years of experience in Australian immigration, he provides comprehensive solutions for studying and settling in Australia.
VN
Người
đăng
Ngày
cập nhật:
I would like to sponsor my 11 year old niece, Jerry, to come to Australia for schooling, and then on to University. Jerry’s father(my brother) could come here to look after her as her guardian.