Child Visa 802 (Onshore)

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Onshore 802

Why Choose the Child Visa 802 (Onshore)?

The child must be in Australia both at the time of application and when the visa is granted.
Ideal for families whose child is in Australia on a valid visa (e.g., student, visitor, dependent, or other temporary visa).

The Child Visa 802 is Australia’s pathway to permanent residency for children already in Australia with their parent(s). Unlike the offshore child visa (101), subclass 802 is designed for families who are together in Australia and want their child to secure PR from within the country.

Features of the Child Visa 802

1. Onshore Application and Decision

The child must be in Australia both at the time of application and when the visa is granted.
Ideal for families whose child is in Australia on a valid visa (e.g., student, visitor, dependent, or other temporary visa).

2. Bridging Visa Advantage

After applying, your child is granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which allows them to remain lawfully in Australia while their 802 application is processed.
The BVA typically allows study and (in many cases) work rights.
Note: Travel outside Australia during the process may affect the bridging visa—seek advice before leaving.

3. Family Unity & PR Transition

Enables families already together in Australia to transition a child from a temporary to a permanent visa without leaving the country.
Perfect for families where parents have recently gained PR or citizenship and want their onshore child to “join” them as a permanent resident.

4. Not for Overseas Adoptions

For children adopted outside Australia by Australian PR/citizens, the Adoption Visa 102 is required; 802 does not cover overseas adoptions.

Who Can Apply for Child Visa 802?

The child must:

Be in Australia at both application and decision time
Be a dependent child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Be under 18; OR 18–24, single, studying full-time, financially dependent; OR 18+ with a disability
Be single (never married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship)
Meet health, character, and (if under 18) legal consent requirements

The sponsor must be:

An eligible parent (biological, adoptive, or step-parent from a former relationship), or their partner
18+ and an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen

Step-by-Step Application Process

Check eligibility and prepare all documents
Apply online via ImmiAccount (or import paper applications from July 2025)
Child receives Bridging Visa A (BVA)
Sponsor background checks and approval
Health, character, and consent checks
Wait for decision (most cases: 12–18 months)
Visa grant—child becomes an Australian permanent resident

Main Benefits of the Child Visa 802

Your child can live, study, and work in Australia permanently
Access to Medicare (public health system)
Can apply for citizenship if eligible
Bridging visa allows uninterrupted stay while processing
Family unity—no need for the child to leave Australia to obtain PR

Need expert advice for your child visa 802 application?

Contact our team for an eligibility check, document checklist, and step-by-step support.

🚀 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

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FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

Who should use child visa 802?

Any family whose child is lawfully in Australia and wishes to apply for permanent residency from within the country.

Can my child travel overseas while waiting for the 802 visa?

Travel may affect the Bridging Visa—seek migration advice before leaving Australia.

What if my child is on a visitor or student visa?

As long as they hold a valid visa (not a bridging, enforcement, or criminal justice visa), they can apply for 802 onshore.

How is this different from the 101 (offshore) child visa?

101 is for children outside Australia; 802 is for children inside Australia at all key stages.