Adoption is a life-changing journey that transforms families across borders. For Australian citizens and permanent residents who adopt children from overseas, the Subclass 102 Adoption Visa Guide provides a legal pathway to bring their adopted child to Australia. This visa ensures that children adopted overseas can live permanently in Australia with their adoptive parents.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the Subclass 102 visa—from eligibility criteria and the application process to costs and real-life success stories.

The Adoption Visa Subclass 102 is a permanent visa that allows a child adopted overseas by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. This visa grants the adopted child access to healthcare, education, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.

Key Features:

• Grants permanent residency to the adopted child
• Allows access to Medicare and schooling
• Provides a pathway to citizenship
• Enables travel to and from Australia for five years from the grant date

Adoptive Parents Must Be:

• Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens
• At least 18 years old
• Involved in an official intercountry adoption process

The Child Must Be:

• Under 18 years old at the time of application
• Adopted or in the process of being adopted through an Australian-approved process
• Living outside Australia when the visa is lodged and granted

Note: This visa is for children adopted before arriving in Australia. If the adoption occurs after the child is already in Australia, a different visa subclass may apply.

Step 1: Ensure Adoption is Legally Recognized

The adoption must be finalized or in the process via:

• An Australian State/Territory central authority under the Hague Convention
• A bilateral agreement between Australia and the child’s country

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Documentation will include:

• Child’s passport and birth certificate
• Adoption papers or court orders
• Proof of legal custody and parental rights
• Parent’s identity and citizenship documents
• Police checks and health assessments for the child

Step 3: Lodge the Application

Applications must be lodged outside Australia, and the child must remain outside the country until the visa is granted.

Step 4: Attend Health and Character Checks

• Children must undergo health assessments with a panel physician
• Character checks may apply based on age or location

Step 5: Wait for Decision

Processing times can vary, often taking 12 to 24 months. Submitting a complete application with accurate documentation speeds up the process.

Item	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Main visa application fee	$2,790
Additional child (if applicable)	$695 per child
Medical examination	$200 – $400
Police clearance (if needed)	Varies by country

 

Case Study: Sarah and Her Daughter Ana

Sarah, a permanent resident of Brisbane, adopted Ana from the Philippines through an intercountry adoption program managed by Queensland authorities. With all documents aligned and a thorough understanding of the visa process, Ana’s Subclass 102 visa was approved within 15 months. Today, Ana attends school in Australia and enjoys a full life with her new family.

Pros:

• Permanent residency from day one
• Access to education and healthcare
• Pathway to citizenship
• Stable, long-term family reunification

Cons:

• Long processing times
• Complex legal documentation
• Must be adopted before entering Australia
• No bridging visa if applying from within Australia

Q1: Can I apply for Subclass 102 from within Australia?
No, both the child and applicant must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.

Q2: Can I adopt a child first and then bring them to Australia?
Yes, but the adoption must be arranged through an Australian State or Territory authority, and the visa must be applied for before the child enters Australia.

Q3: Does the child need to meet English language requirements?
No, there are no language requirements for the adopted child.

Q4: What happens if the visa is refused?
The applicant will receive written notice and may be eligible for a review or appeal, depending on the reason for refusal.

The Adoption Visa Australia Requirements is a vital bridge that helps families reunite and build a life together in Australia. Though the process can be complex, proper preparation, guidance from a registered migration agent, and understanding the legal framework can ensure a successful outcome.

If you’re considering adopting a child from overseas, take the first step by consulting your State or Territory’s central adoption authority and start preparing your visa application.