How Much Does a Child Visa Cost in 2025? Full Fee Breakdown
Bringing your child to Australia on a Child Visa is a life-changing opportunity to reunite your family and secure a future together. However, it’s important to understand the costs involved so you can budget accordingly and avoid unexpected financial stress during the application process.
Bringing your child to Australia on a Child Visa is a life-changing opportunity to reunite your family and secure a future together. However, it’s important to understand the costs involved so you can budget accordingly and avoid unexpected financial stress during the application process.
Whether you're applying for a Child Visa (subclass 101) from overseas or a Child Visa (subclass 802) from within Australia, this guide provides a full breakdown of child visa costs in 2025, including application charges, medical expenses, and other associated fees.
🔹 What Is a Child Visa?
A Child Visa allows an eligible parent (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen) to sponsor their child to live permanently in Australia.
There are two main types:
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Subclass 101: For children applying from outside Australia
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Subclass 802: For children applying from inside Australia
Both visas allow the child to live, study, and access healthcare in Australia with a pathway to citizenship.
🔹 Base Visa Application Charges (2025)
As of July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs lists the base visa application fee for child visas as follows:
| Visa Type | Main Applicant Fee | Additional Applicant (18+ years) | Additional Applicant (<18 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Visa (subclass 101) | AUD 3,055 | AUD 1,530 | AUD 765 |
| Child Visa (subclass 802) | AUD 3,055 | AUD 1,530 | AUD 765 |
Fees are subject to indexation and change. Always check the latest costs at the Department of Home Affairs website.
🔹 Other Compulsory Costs
Besides the application fee, there are several other mandatory expenses that families should plan for:
✅ Medical Examinations
All child visa applicants must undergo a health assessment with a panel-approved doctor.
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Cost: AUD 300–500, depending on the child's age and health needs
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Tests may include: Chest x-rays, blood tests, and physical exams
✅ Police Checks (If over 16)
Applicants aged 16 and over must provide police clearance certificates from every country where they’ve lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.
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Cost: AUD 50–100 per certificate, depending on the country
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Fingerprinting or translation fees may apply
✅ Biometrics Collection
In some cases, applicants may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
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Cost: Around AUD 50–80, depending on the country
🔹 Optional/Professional Services
✅ Migration Agent or Legal Fees
If your case is complex (e.g. involving custody issues or adopted children), you may choose to engage a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer.
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Cost: AUD 1,500–4,000+ depending on complexity and provider
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Benefits: Avoid costly errors, increase approval chances, peace of mind
✅ Document Translation
If your child’s documents (birth certificate, legal custody orders, etc.) are not in English, certified translations are required.
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Cost: AUD 50–100 per page
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Must be completed by a NAATI-certified translator
✅ Courier/Postage Fees
Sending documents internationally or securely may incur additional postage charges.
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Cost: AUD 20–100, depending on urgency and destination
🔹 Summary: Total Estimated Cost
Here’s a rough estimate of the total cost for one child visa application in 2025:
| Expense | Estimated Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | $3,055 |
| Medical Exam | $300–500 |
| Police Check (if over 16) | $50–100 |
| Biometrics (if required) | $50–80 |
| Document Translation (if needed) | $100–300 |
| Migration Agent (optional) | $1,500–4,000+ |
| Total (approximate) | $3,500–$8,000+ |
💡 Note: These are general estimates and may vary based on the number of children, your location, and specific circumstances.
🔹 Can You Get a Refund?
Visa application fees are generally non-refundable, even if:
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The application is withdrawn
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The visa is refused
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You change your mind
However, in rare cases (such as errors by the Department or duplicate payments), you may be eligible for a partial refund. Always check with the Department or your migration agent.
🔹 Final Tips for Managing Costs
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✅ Apply early to avoid price increases due to indexation
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✅ Bundle applications if applying for more than one child to streamline the process
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✅ Use ImmiAccount for secure, cost-efficient digital submissions
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✅ Get professional advice if unsure about eligibility, especially in cases involving divorce or adoption
Final Thoughts
Understanding the cost of a child visa in 2025 helps families prepare financially and avoid surprises along the way. While the process involves several fees beyond the base application charge, the long-term benefits of bringing your child to live permanently in Australia are well worth the investment.
