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102 — Adoption visa (subclass 102)
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
Open

102 — Adoption visa (subclass 102)

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 months – 1.3 years

Estimated Cost

AUD $4,040

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
Australia flag

Living in Australia

Cost of Living
2% more than United States
Avg SalaryA$73,000
Quality of Life
187/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Permanent migration pathway for children under 18 adopted outside Australia through the Hague Convention or an approved bilateral agreement to join their sponsor.

The Adoption visa (subclass 102) lets a child under 18 adopted outside Australia migrate permanently to live with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying New Zealand citizen sponsor. The adoption must follow Australia's intercountry framework — Hague Convention or an approved bilateral agreement.

The visa grants permanent residency on arrival, with full work rights and access to public education and healthcare. The application fee is AUD 4,040. The child must be outside Australia at both application and grant. Processing typically takes 4 to 9 months.

This visa is ideal for children under 18 adopted through a legally recognised intercountry process whose sponsor is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Australia

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Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

155/157 — Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157)
Australia flagAustralia

155/157 — Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1 day – 3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Child must be under 18 years of age at the time of application and at the time of the visa grant decision

Child must be outside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted

Child must be adopted or in the process of being adopted by a qualifying sponsor

Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying New Zealand citizen

Adoption must be through a legal intercountry process (Hague Convention or bilateral agreement)

Must meet health and character requirements

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Official adoption order or certificate

Adoption compliance certificate (if applicable)

Child's identity documents (passport, birth certificate)

Sponsor's proof of citizenship or permanent residency

Evidence of parental responsibility

Health examination results

Police clearance certificates (for applicants aged 16+)

Written consent from biological parents (if required)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Permanent residency status
  • Full work rights
  • Access to Australian social services

Worth Knowing

  • Must be applied for from outside Australia
  • Strict legal compliance for adoption required

Application Process

1

Check qualification

2

Gather documents

3

Lodge application offshore

4

Pay fee

5

Await decision

Application Forms

Go to application portal
47BU
Application for a Child Migration visa (offshore)
Fill online

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