Child Visa Australia

If you are living in the UK and planning to move to Australia with your child, you may be eligible for an Australian Child Visa.

At Thames Migration, we specialise in assisting families relocating from the UK to Australia. With over 20 years of experience in Australian migration law, we provide structured, compliant and strategic advice for parents sponsoring their children for Australian permanent residency.

Who Can Apply for a Child Visa to Australia from the UK?

A Child Visa may be available if the child is:

  • A biological (natural) child

  • A legally adopted child

  • A step-child

The sponsoring parent must be:

  • An Australian citizen

  • An Australian permanent resident

  • An eligible New Zealand citizen

Applications can be lodged either offshore (from the UK) or onshore (if lawfully in Australia), depending on the child’s circumstances.

Permanent Child Visa (Subclass 101 – Offshore)

If the child is outside Australia (for example, living in the UK), they may apply for a permanent Child Visa.

This visa allows the child to:

  • Live permanently in Australia

  • Access Medicare (if eligible)

  • Attend school in Australia

  • Travel in and out of Australia

For UK families relocating permanently, this is often the most appropriate pathway.

Child Visa Onshore (Subclass 802)

If the child is already in Australia on a valid visa, an onshore Child Visa pathway may be available.

Strategic advice is important here to ensure lawful status is maintained throughout the process.

Step-Child Visa Australia – Special Requirements

A Child Visa based on a step-relationship is only granted where:

  • The child’s biological or adoptive parent is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen; or

  • The step-parent has been granted legal responsibility for the child by a court order.

UK custody orders, consent orders and shared parental responsibility arrangements must be carefully assessed against Australian migration requirements.

This is an area where professional advice is strongly recommended.

Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117 / 837)

The Orphan Relative Visa is for a child under 18 who has no parent able to care for them.

The sponsor must be a close relative who is:

  • An Australian citizen

  • An Australian permanent resident

  • An eligible New Zealand citizen

These applications require strong supporting evidence and are assessed strictly under Australian migration law.

Adoption Visa Australia (Subclass 102)

If you are adopting a child from the UK (or another country) and intend for the child to live permanently in Australia, the Adoption Visa may be appropriate.

In most cases:

  • The adoption must be supported by an Australian State or Territory adoption authority; or

  • The adoptive parent must demonstrate at least 12 months of genuine residence overseas that was not arranged to bypass adoption rules.

Adoption visas involve both migration law and state adoption compliance, and careful planning is essential.

Dependent Child of Partner Visa Holder

If you are applying for, or already hold, a Provisional Partner Visa, your dependent child may be eligible for a temporary visa aligned with your status.

This allows the child to:

  • Remain in Australia

  • Be added to the permanent stage of the Partner Visa

Timing and documentation are critical to avoid unnecessary delays.

Moving to Australia from the UK with Children

When families move from the UK to Australia, common issues include:

  • Shared custody arrangements

  • Consent from the non-migrating parent

  • Court orders

  • Child welfare documentation

  • Health and character requirements

Australian immigration authorities require clear evidence that the child can lawfully migrate.

Thames Migration regularly assists UK-based parents navigating these complexities before relocation.

Why Use Thames Migration?

  • Over 20 years’ experience in Australian visa law

  • Offices servicing both the UK and Australia

  • Registered Migration Agent support

  • Strategic advice tailored to family migration cases

  • Clear guidance on documentation and compliance

We do not provide generic advice. We provide structured, compliant and outcome-focused migration strategies.

Child Visa Australia – Get Professional Advice

If you are in the UK and planning to move to Australia with your child, we recommend obtaining professional advice before lodging an application.

Every family situation is different, particularly where custody, adoption, or step-parent relationships are involved.

Complete our enquiry form to receive tailored advice on:

  • Child Visa Australia (Subclass 101 / 802)

  • Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

  • Orphan Relative Visa

  • Adding a child to a Partner Visa

Thames Migration – Your Passport to Australia.

To Learn more contact us today on 0208 996 0120