Australian Child Dependent Visa from Thailand
The Australian child dependent visa lets a child join their parent in Australia when that parent is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Thai children typically apply offshore through subclass 101, or onshore subclass 802 if already in Australia.
Applications lodge on ImmiAccount. Biometrics and supporting documents are completed in Thailand through VFS Global Bangkok. Thai Visa Centre helps with translations, consent forms, and document organisation before lodgement.
Child visa for applicants outside Australia, such as children living in Thailand.
For children already lawfully in Australia on an eligible visa.
Migration visas often take many months to over a year.
Child or guardian attends VFS when ImmiAccount generates the letter.
Who qualifies?
Home Affairs assesses whether the child meets dependency criteria and the sponsoring parent is an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying New Zealand citizen.
- Child under 18, or 18 to 25 and dependent on the sponsoring parent
- Child 18+ with a disability that prevents independent living may qualify
- Child must not be engaged, married, or in a de facto relationship
- Sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
- Evidence of relationship to sponsoring parent required
- Parental consent required when one parent is not migrating
Important: Incomplete consent documentation from the non-migrating parent is a leading cause of delays and refusals. Obtain proper legal advice for complex custody cases.
Subclass 101 vs 802
Most Bangkok-based families use subclass 101 when the child remains resident in Thailand during processing.
| Route | Where child applies | Typical scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 101 offshore | Child outside Australia | Most Bangkok families use 101 when child remains in Thailand during processing |
| Subclass 802 onshore | Child inside Australia | For children already lawfully in Australia on eligible visa |
| After grant | Permanent residence | Child becomes Australian permanent resident on entry with Medicare access |
Application process from Thailand (subclass 101)
The eligible Australian parent lodges on ImmiAccount. The child completes biometrics and health checks in Thailand when requested.
Eligible parent lodges sponsorship and child visa
Eligible parent lodges sponsorship and child visa on ImmiAccount
Upload child birth certificate
Upload child birth certificate, passport, and evidence of dependency
Pay visa application charge
Pay visa application charge. Confirm current fee on Home Affairs
Child or guardian attends VFS Bangkok for
Child or guardian attends VFS Bangkok for biometrics when requested
Complete health examinations for the child through
Complete health examinations for the child through panel physicians
Submit police certificates if child is 16 or older
Submit police certificates if child is 16 or older (confirm current age threshold)
Decision issued
Decision issued. Child may migrate to Australia as permanent resident
Document and evidence requirements
Download the live checklist inside ImmiAccount for subclass 101. Thai birth certificates must include certified English translation.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Passport and birth certificate | Child passport and birth certificate with certified English translation if Thai |
| Relationship evidence | Proof of relationship to sponsoring parent |
| Consent documents | Notarised consent if one parent is not migrating. Form 1229 as specified |
| Sponsor status | Parent proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residence |
| Dependency evidence | School enrolment, financial support for older dependents |
| Custody orders | Required if parents are separated. Critical for Thai/Australian mixed families |
| Photos | Passport photos per Home Affairs specifications |
Partner visa vs separate child visa
If lodging a partner migration visa from Thailand, ask whether dependent children should be merged into that application or lodge subclass 101 separately.
| Route | When to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Include on partner visa | Child of applicant and sponsor | Often processed together with 309/100 partner application |
| Separate subclass 101 | Child not on original partner application | Lodge separately when timing or family structure requires it |
| Subclass 101 vs 802 | Child outside Australia in Thailand | Child already lawfully inside Australia on eligible visa |
Additional guidance
Who counts as a dependent child?
Home Affairs generally requires the child to be under 18, or 18 to 25 and dependent on the sponsoring parent, or 18+ with a disability that prevents independent living. The child must not be engaged, married, or in a de facto relationship.
Custody and parental consent in Thailand
When a Thai parent and Australian parent are not together, Home Affairs scrutinises legal custody arrangements and written consent from the non-migrating parent. Incomplete consent documentation is a leading cause of delays and refusals.
Including a child on a partner visa
If lodging a partner migration visa from Thailand, ask whether dependent children should be merged into that application or lodge subclass 101 separately. This depends on relationship to applicant and timing.
After the child visa grants
Subclass 101 is a permanent visa. The child becomes an Australian permanent resident on entry with access to Medicare and education on local terms. Sponsors remain subject to sponsorship obligations for a defined period.
Common mistakes
These errors show up repeatedly in our Bangkok consultations for Australian child dependent visa cases.
- Incomplete parental consent from the non-migrating parent in Thailand
- Missing certified English translation of Thai birth certificate
- Unclear custody arrangements for separated Thai/Australian parents
- Failing to include child on partner visa when eligible to merge applications
- Missing police certificates for children aged 16 or older when required
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to follow-up questions about Australian child dependent visas from Thailand.
Q:Can a stepchild qualify?
A:Stepchildren may qualify if dependency and relationship criteria are met. Read the official subclass 101 checklist on Home Affairs.
Q:Must both parents migrate?
A:No. But consent from the parent remaining in Thailand is often mandatory. Notarised consent documents are typically required.
Q:Can the child travel to Australia while 101 is processing?
A:Usually not on the child visa until granted. A subclass 600 Visitor for short visits is a separate application with its own rules.
Q:Does TVC handle child visa lodgement?
A:We assist with translations, consent document preparation, and checklist review. The Australian sponsor lodges on ImmiAccount.
Q:What is the difference between 101 and 802?
A:Subclass 101 is for children outside Australia. Subclass 802 is for children already lawfully inside Australia on an eligible visa.
Q:How long does processing take?
A:Processing times vary. Migration visas often take many months to over a year. Check published times on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Official references
Official sources verified June 2026. Confirm current child visa rules, consent requirements, and fees on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.