The Adoption Visa — Subclass 102
The subclass 102 Adoption visa is for children who have been adopted, or are in the process of being adopted, by an Australian parent living overseas or who recently returned to Australia. It is a permanent visa — once granted, the child becomes an Australian permanent resident.
Adoption is a specialised area involving multiple government bodies across two countries. The state or territory central authority in Australia oversees intercountry adoption programs. The Department of Home Affairs assesses and decides the visa application. In some cases DFAT is also involved. Coordination between these bodies — and with the child's country of origin — is essential.
Two Pathways to the Subclass 102 Visa
Eligibility — Child and Sponsor
Evidence for the Subclass 102 Application
The primary document is the legal adoption order or equivalent from the country of origin. For Hague Convention adoptions, a Hague compliance certificate is required. For bilateral arrangement adoptions, the relevant compliance certificate from the central authority applies.
Passport, birth certificate, and proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency of the sponsoring parent. Evidence of the relationship between the sponsor and the child.
For the expatriate/private adoption pathway, evidence that the sponsor lived outside Australia for at least 12 months — employment records, lease agreements, utility bills, visa records from the relevant country.
The child's passport from their country of origin, or a certificate of identity issued by the Australian government if the child's country cannot issue a travel document.
Health examinations conducted by an approved panel physician. Children are generally required to complete health assessments in the same way as other visa applicants, though some conditions may be waived or assessed differently for very young children.
Character requirements are adapted for the child's age. The sponsoring parent must also satisfy character requirements. Police clearances are required from countries where the parent has lived.
Adoption Visa Application Process
Adoption Visa Questions Answered
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.