Adoption Visa (102)
Adoption Visa: This visa allows an overseas adopted child to live with their adoptive parents in Australia. The child must be outside of Australia when the application is lodged. The child can already be adopted or be in the process of being adopted. The adoptive parent sponsors the child for this visa and usually applies on their behalf.
This is a permanent residence visa. If the adoption is through a state or territory adoption authority, you can lodge the application before the adoption is finalised.
Who could get this visa
To be able to get the visa, the child must:
- be younger than 18 years of age
- be living outside Australia
- be either already adopted or in the process of being adopted by their sponsor
- meet health and character requirements
- if the child is under 18 years of age at the time of application, but will turn 18 before the application is decided, they will not be eligible for this visa.
The child must also be sponsored by an adoptive parent who is:
- an Australian citizen
- the holder of an Australian permanent resident visa, or
- an eligible New Zealand citizen
Best interests of the child
This visa will not usually be granted if it is against the best interests of a child younger than 18 years of age.
Children adopted in Pakistan
Note: From 14 December 2015, the Department is unable to accept Adoption visa applications for children who have been adopted in Pakistan. This country is specified in a legislative instrument.
If you intend to adopt, or have adopted, a child from Pakistan, you will be unable to lodge a valid application for an Adoption visa for the child with the Department. If you need more information, or if you need assistance or advice, please call us on 07 3281 6644 or email info@brisbanemigration.net.au.