Generally speaking, the Australian Child Visa age limit is 18 years old and it applies for both Visa 802 and Visa 101. But, in certain cases, a child aged a maximum of 25 years old can qualify for the visa. For example when the child is physically or mentally disabled so they can’t live independently.
This is why the Australian Child Visa age limit is quite tricky. We have handled many Australian Child Visa refusal cases, especially for visa 802 and visa 101, which are caused by the age requirement.
So, considering the importance of the age requirements for a child visa, we are here to give you the full details about the Australian Child Visa age limit and what is the specific situation that allows a child above 18 to apply for visa 101 or visa 802.
What is the Age Requirement for an Australian Child Visa?
So, the age requirement for Australian Child Visa is 18 years old maximum. But, in some cases, a child over 18 years old (maximum 25 years old) is still considered eligible for the visa.
If your child is above 18 years old, and you’re still willing to bring them to Australia on a Child Visa, be prepared to meet the additional requirements because your child must be in certain circumstances to be granted a Child Visa.
And What are Those Certain Circumstances?
To fulfill the Australian Child Visa age limit, your above 18 years old child must be either a full-time student or has any disabilities that doesn’t allow them to live independently.
1. If Your Child Above 18 Years Old and a Full-Time Student
You must ensure your child meets the following circumstances:
- Your child must still be under 25 years old;
- Be a full-time student when you lodge the Visa 802 or Visa 101 application;
- Be a full-time student when the decision is made;
- Doesn’t and can’t work full-time;
- Financially dependent on you, as the parent or the sponsor, more than anyone.
Additionally, you must ensure that your child is enrolled and attends the class that leads to a professional, trade or vocational qualification.
You must pay attention to the year gap, too. Your child should have started studying since they turned 18 years old or within 6 months after finishing high school. You must explain if your child begins their further studies more than 6 months after graduating high school.
2. If Your Child Above 18 Years Old and Has Disability
Being disabled here means that your child must have totally or partially lost their bodily or mental functions. In which the disability disallows them from working full-time, so they are entirely dependent on you (financially, physically and emotionally).
What are the Required Documents to Meet the Australian Child Visa Age Limit?
If your child is above 18 years old, and you wish to meet the Australian Child Visa age requirement, you must prepare more documents to strengthen the Child Visa application. Remember that your child must be either a full-time student or has a disability so they could not live independently.
The required documents for these situations are different, so ensure to collect the documents according to your child’s situation. We have listed some documents that you should prepare, but it is not limited to these documents only:
1. Document List to Prove Your Child’s Study
You can prepare the following documents:
- Statement letter from the university or educational institution;
- Confirmation of their enrollment;
- Study report;
- Study tuition fee payment;
- Statement letter explaining gap year (if applicable); etc.
2. Document List to Prove Your Child’s Disability
You can prepare the following documents:
- Statement letter from your child’s doctor explaining their condition;
- Medical bills for your child;
- Proof of regular check-ups or therapy, etc.
In What Situation is a Child Visa Required?
Your child requires visa 802 or visa 101 only if your child intends to live in Australia indefinitely. So, ask your child first whether they want to spend the rest of their life in Australia or not. Also, the Visa 802 or Visa 101 is suitable for your child only if you have become an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Resident after they were born.
If the condition is vice versa, in which they were born overseas after you become an Australian citizen, you may consider the Australian Citizenship by Descent for them. Or else, if you are still holding a temporary Partner Visa and are in the process of an 801 Visa application, you can consider the subclass 445 visa for your child.
