Typically, it’s the adoptive parent who submits the visa application on behalf of the child and takes on the responsibility of sponsorship.
If a state or territory adoption authority is handling the adoption of the child, the visa application can be submitted before the adoption is officially completed.
Benefits of the Adoption Visa:
- The Adoption visa (subclass 102) offers a range of advantages, allowing you to:
- Live, study, and work in Australia indefinitely.
- Access health coverage through Medicare, Australia’s system for healthcare expenses.
- Apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the criteria.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Travel to and from Australia for up to five years from the date the visa is granted.
Eligibility Criteria for Adoptive Parents:
To be eligible, adoptive parents must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be the adoptive or prospective adoptive parent of the child.
- Be an Australian citizen, holder of a permanent resident visa, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Have adopted or be in the process of adopting a child with the involvement of an Australian state or territory adoption authority.
- Have legally adopted the child under the laws of their country (except Australia).
If you are adopting a child while residing in Australia, approval is contingent upon your country having either:
- Signed The Hague Adoption Convention agreement.
- A Bilateral agreement with Australia. For details, visit: Link to learn more about the Hague Adoption Convention and bilateral agreements.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants:
Adoptive parents should only apply for this visa if the child:
- Is under 18 years of age.
- Resides outside of Australia.
- Has been adopted or is in the process of being adopted by the sponsor.
- Meets health and character requirements.
- Provides evidence of an assurance of support.
Please note: If the child is under 18 at the time of application but turns 18 before the visa is granted, they will not be eligible for this visa.
Best Interests of the Child:
An Adoption visa will not be granted if it is determined to be against the best interests of a child under 18 years of age. For more details on child protection measures, visit: Link to learn more.
Family Members in the Visa Application:
The applicant can include their siblings in the visa application, and all dependent family members must meet the health and character requirements.
Health and Character Requirements:
- Both you and all dependent family members in the visa application must have:
- Completed medical examinations within 12 months of visa application.
- Provided police certificates from each country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past ten years.
Debts to the Australian Government:
Before the visa is granted, any outstanding debts to the Australian government must be paid or arrangements must be made to repay them.
