You can apply for the child visa if the child meets the following criteria:
- The child must be sponsored by the same person who sponsored or nominated their parent's permanent Partner visa application. Sponsorship approval is subject to considerations regarding the parent's criminal history related to offences involving children.
- The child must be under 18 years old or if over 18, must be financially dependent on the parent who has the temporary Partner or Dependent Child visa.
- The child and any dependants applying with them must meet the health requirement. Dependent children not applying might also need to meet the health requirement.
- If the child is 16 or older, they must meet the character requirement. Other family members might also need to meet this requirement.
- Have paid back any debts owed to the Australian Government or have a formal arrangement in place.
- Children aged 18 or older must read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement, pledging to obey Australian laws and respect the Australian way of life.
- For children under 18, written consent or legal considerations must align with Australian child order laws.
- The visa may only be granted if it is in the best interests of an applicant aged under 18.
Dependency on Parent's Visa
The child must rely on a parent holding a Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309), Partner visa (subclass 820), or Dependent Child visa (subclass 445).
- Once granted the 445 visa, the child must apply to join their parent's permanent Partner visa application.
- In Australia, the child cannot hold another visa with a 'No further stay' condition.
Citizenship by Descent
Alternatively, the child can apply for Australian citizenship by descent if born outside Australia with at least one Australian citizen parent.