Step-by-Step Process for Applying for an Adoption Visa in Australia

Bringing an adopted child to Australia is a life-changing decision that involves both emotional and legal commitments. The Best Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to bring a child they have adopted from overseas to live with them permanently in Australia. However, this process can be complex, with specific legal, immigration, and procedural requirements.

To help you navigate this journey with confidence, heres a step-by-step guide to applying for an Adoption Visa in Australia.

Step 1: Understand Eligibility Requirements

Before starting the application, ensure that both the sponsor (the adoptive parent) and the child meet the visa criteria.

Sponsor Requirements:

• Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

• Must be residing in Australia.

• Must have legally adopted the child or be in the process of adopting through an Australian state/territory central authority.

Child Requirements:

• Must be under 18 years of age at the time of application.

• Must be outside Australia when the application is submitted and when the visa is granted.

• Must have been adopted, or be about to be adopted, through official intercountry adoption arrangements.

Step 2: Engage with Your State or Territory Adoption Authority

Australias adoption system is managed by state and territory central adoption authorities. To adopt a child from overseas, you must work with these authorities under the Intercountry Adoption Program or Hague Convention guidelines.

Your adoption process must be:

• Legally recognised in the childs country of origin.

• Approved by your state/territory adoption authority in Australia.

?? Do not proceed with private overseas adoptions without legal advice, as many are not recognised for immigration purposes.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Gather all necessary documents for both the sponsor and the child. These typically include:

• Childs birth certificate and passport.

• Adoption order or proof of legal adoption proceedings.

• Sponsors identity documents (passport, citizenship certificate, etc.).

• Evidence of parent-child relationship.

• Police checks and health assessments.

Some documents may need to be certified or translated into English.

Step 4: Complete the Visa Application

Once the adoption process is underway or completed through your state authority, you can apply for the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102). The application can be submitted by paper (as online lodgement is not currently available for this subclass).

Use Form 47CH (Application for migration to Australia by a child) and Form 40CH (Sponsorship for a child to migrate to Australia).

Send the application to the Australian visa processing office specified in the form instructions.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Application Charge

As of 2025, the base visa application charge for the Adoption Visa is AUD $3,055 (subject to change). Additional fees may apply for:

• Health checks

• Police certificates

• Translations or document certifications

Step 6: Undergo Health and Character Checks

The child will be required to:

• Complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician.

• Provide police clearance certificates (if age-appropriate).

These checks help ensure the child meets Australia's health and character requirements for migration.

Step 7: Wait for Visa Processing

The processing time can vary depending on the childs circumstances, the country of origin, and how quickly supporting documents are provided.

On average, Adoption Visa processing may take 12 to 18 months or more.

During this time, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional documents or conduct interviews.

Step 8: Visa Outcome and Travel to Australia

If approved, the child will be granted a permanent visa, allowing them to:

• Live in Australia indefinitely.

• Access Medicare and education.

• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible later on).

Once granted, you can make arrangements for the childs travel to Australia. Make sure you comply with all travel and visa grant conditions.

Final Tips

• Start early: The adoption and visa process can take time, especially when dealing with foreign legal systems.

• Get professional help: Engage a registered migration agent or adoption expert to ensure you meet all legal and procedural requirements.

• Avoid private overseas adoptions unless recognised by Australian law.

In Summary

Applying for an Adoption Visa in Australia is a multi-step process that involves cooperation between your states adoption authority, the Australian government, and the childs home country. While it can be complex and emotionally demanding, a successful application opens the door to a new life and a permanent future for your family in Australia.