Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

The Adoption visa (subclass 102) allows those children to live in Australia who are adopted or going to be adopted by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

An adoptive parent usually lodges the application on child’s behalf and is responsible to take the sponsorship.

If a state or territory adoption authority is adopting a child, the application for the visa can be lodged before the adoption is finalised.

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Benefits Of The Adoption Visa

An adoption visa allows to:

  • Live, study and work in Australia for indefinite period
  • Get health coverage through Medicare (Australia’s scheme for health related care and expenses)
  • Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
  • Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
  • Leave and revisit Australia for five years from the date visa is granted

 

Eligibility Criteria for Adoptive Parents

  • You must be 18 years old or more
  • You must be child’s adoptive or prospective adoptive parent
  • You must be either an Australian citizen, holder of permanent resident visa or an eligible New Zealand citizen
  • You must have adopted or followed the process of adopting a child with the involvement of an Australian state or territory adoption
  • You must have adopted the child under the laws of your country (except Australia) and been

If you are adopting a child while living in Australia, the approval will only be given if your country has signed:

  • The Hague Adoption Convention agreement
  • A Bilateral agreement with Australia

Visit: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/adoption-102 to know more about the Hague Adoption Convention and a bilateral agreement.

If you adopted a child when you were outside Australia

 

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

An adoptive parent should only lodge an application for this visa if the child:

  • is under 18 years of age
  • living outside of Australia
  • adopted or in the process of being adopted by the sponsor
  • Meets health and character requirements
  • an evidence for assurance of support

Note: If the child is under 18 years of age at the time of lodging an application but turned 18 before the visa is granted, the child will not be considered eligible for this visa.

 

Best Interests of the Child

An adoption visa will not be granted if it is against the best interest of a child younger than 18 of age.

Visit: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/adoption-102 to know more about the measures of protection for the child.

 

Family Members in the Visa Application

The applicant can include their siblings in the visa application.

All the dependent family members must meet health and characters.

 

Health and Character Requirements

You and all the dependent family members in the visa application must have:

  • Medical examinations done within 12 months of lodging a visa
  • Police certificates from each country you lived in for more than 12 months in the past ten years

 

Debts to the Australian Government

You must have paid or arranged to repay any outstanding debts to the Australian government before the visa is granted.

The information provided here is only for general understanding and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend consult a Registered Migration agent for further information or check with Department of Home Affairs at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/adoption-102

FAQs About Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

The Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) is designed for children who are adopted overseas to come and live in Australia with their adoptive parents. The visa grants the child permanent residency in Australia.

The child must be under 18 years old, adopted or in the process of being adopted by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

The processing time can vary depending on various factors, such as the completeness of the application, the need for additional documents, and the overall volume of applications. It is advisable to check the latest processing times on the official website.

The adoptive parents must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. They should also meet character and health requirements as per Australian immigration laws.

The visa application charge is subject to change, and it’s best to consult the official Australian Government website for the most current fees.

Yes, the child can work, study, and access Medicare benefits once the visa is granted.

No, the child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted.

Generally, you’ll need identity documents, adoption papers, health and character certificates, and evidence of the adoptive parents’ citizenship or permanent residency.

It is generally not recommended to travel to Australia on another visa type while the Adoption Visa application is in process, as it may complicate the situation.

Yes, the visa can be refused if the application does not meet the criteria set out in Australian immigration laws, such as failing the health or character requirements.

Yes, you generally have the right to appeal a visa refusal, but specific conditions and time limits apply.

You can check the status of your application online through the official Australian Government immigration portal.

Yes, after fulfilling the necessary residency requirements, the child can apply for Australian citizenship.

If the child turns 18 during the application process, the application may be affected. It’s crucial to consult with immigration experts in such cases.

Siblings would generally need to submit separate applications, but they can be included in certain circumstances.

Visa Class

Australian immigration department in an effort to bring family members together have introduced family visa in Australia. This entitles partners, parents, children and other family members to migrate to this country subject to certain pre-conditions. These visas are essentially sponsored by Australian citizens, permanent residents of this country, and eligible New Zealand citizens.

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