Documents You Need for a Successful Subclass 802 Child Visa Application

Applying for a Subclass 802 Child Visa is a major step toward reuniting your family permanently in Australia. This visa allows a child who is already in Australia to stay with their parentwho must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Know about- Child Visa Subclass 802

But even if your child meets all the eligibility criteria, your application can still be refused or delayed if you dont include the right documents. Submitting a complete and well-organised application is critical to success.

Heres a detailed guide to the documents you need for a successful Child Visa Subclass 802 application in 2025.

? 1.Identity and Citizenship Documents

These documents confirm the identity of both the child and the sponsoring parent.

For the child:

• Passport biodata page (even if expired)

• Full birth certificate (showing both parents names)

• National ID card (if available)

For the sponsoring parent:

• Australian passport or citizenship certificate, or

• Permanent Resident visa evidence (VEVO)

• Passport biodata page (if not a citizen)

• Evidence of eligibility if an NZ citizen

? 2.Proof of Relationship

You must prove that the child is biologically yours, legally adopted, or your stepchild under a recognised relationship.

• Full birth certificate of the child

• Legal adoption documents (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship with the childs biological parent (for stepchildren)

• Family Court or legal documents outlining guardianship or custody (if applicable)

? 3.Parental Responsibility and Consent (If Child is Under 18)

The Department of Home Affairs takes child welfare seriously, so you must prove that:

• You have legal parental responsibility, and

• The non-migrating parent consents, or you have a court order to bring the child to Australia.

Youll need:

• Form 1229 Consent to grant an Australian visa to a child under 18

• Copy of the non-migrating parents ID (passport or drivers licence)

• Court orders showing sole custody or permission to relocate (if applicable)

• Death certificate of the other parent (if deceased)

• Statutory declarations explaining absence of the other parent (if necessary)

? 4.Health and Character Documents

All visa applicants must meet Australian health and character requirements.

• Medical assessment report from a panel physician (youll be referred for this after lodging your application)

• Police clearance certificate (if the child is over 16 and has lived in any country for 12 months or more in the past 10 years)

? 5.Evidence of Dependency (If Child is Over 18)

If the child is 18 to 25 years old, you must show that they are:

• Financially dependent on the sponsoring parent, and

• Studying full-time, or

• Unable to work due to a disability.

Youll need:

• Proof of full-time study (enrolment letters, timetables)

• Receipts or bank statements showing financial support

• Medical reports (for children with disabilities)

? 6.Visa-Related Forms and Receipts

• Visa application form (if applying by paper; online applications fill this automatically)

• Visa application fee receipt (AUD 3,100 as of 2025 for the main child applicant)

• Bridging visa grant notice (if applicable)

• Passport-size photographs (usually 4.5 x 3.5 cm)

? 7.Other Supporting Documents

Depending on your case, you may also need:

• Divorce or separation agreements showing custody arrangements

• Previous immigration history (old visa documents, refusals, cancellations)

• Translations of any non-English documents (must be completed by a NAATI-accredited translator)

?? How to Organise Your Documents

To avoid delays and confusion:

• Submit certified copies of official documents where required

• Combine related documents into clearly labelled files (e.g. Parental Responsibility, Proof of Relationship)

• Use high-resolution scans or PDFs

• Include a cover letter or document checklist when submitting your application

? Final Tips

• Double-check all dates, names, and spellings across forms and documents to ensure consistency.

• Translate and certify any document not in English before submission.

• Respond quickly to any requests for additional documents from the Department of Home Affairs.

• If your case is complex (e.g. custody issues, stepchildren, adoption), consider consulting a registered migration agent.

Final Thoughts

A well-prepared application with the correct documents is the key to success in getting a Child Visa Subclass 802 approved. Taking the time to gather and organise your paperwork properly can help you avoid unnecessary delays, extra costs, or even visa refusal.