Real Stories: How Families Reunited with Their Children Through the Child Visa

The Australian Child Visa—subclass 101 for offshore applications and subclass 802 for onshore—has played a crucial role in reuniting families and giving children a new start in a stable and supportive environment. For many migrants, bringing their children to live with them in Australia is not just about paperwork; it's about love, responsibility, and a shared future. Child Visa Australia

In this article, we highlight real stories of families who successfully navigated the child visa process and finally brought their children to Australia. Their journeys reveal the challenges, the emotions, and ultimately, the joy of family reunion.

🌏 Maria’s Story: From the Philippines to Perth

Maria, a permanent resident of Australia, moved to Perth in 2019 to work as a nurse. She left behind her 8-year-old daughter, Isla, in the care of her grandmother in the Philippines. “I wanted to bring Isla as soon as I got my PR, but the process seemed overwhelming,” Maria recalls.

In early 2022, Maria lodged a subclass 101 child visa for Isla. She worked with a migration agent to ensure all documents—birth certificate, custody declarations, and proof of dependency—were correct.

After 15 months of waiting, she received the approval in March 2023. “The day I picked Isla up from the airport was the happiest day of my  life. She’s now thriving in school and loves Australian wildlife!”

💔 David’s Story: A Father’s Fight After Divorce

David, an Australian citizen living in Darwin, faced legal complications after a divorce from his overseas partner. His 10-year-old son, Elias, lived in South Africa with his mother. After gaining full custody through the South African Family Court, David applied for a child visa subclass 101 in 2021.

“The hardest part wasn’t the immigration paperwork—it was proving legal custody. I had to provide court orders, legal translations, and psychological evaluations showing that moving to Australia was in Elias’s best interests.”

In 2023, after 18 months of waiting and two requests for further information, the visa was granted. “Elias now calls Darwin home. We go fishing on weekends, and he’s made so many friends.”

👨‍👩‍👧 Sanjeev and Priya’s Story: Reuniting After COVID Delays

Sanjeev and Priya migrated to Brisbane in 2018. Their 3-year-old daughter, Rhea, stayed with relatives in India while they settled into new jobs. In 2020, they applied for the subclass 101 visa to bring her over—but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

“Border closures and processing delays made the wait extremely painful,” Priya says. “We missed her first words, her first steps. It was heartbreaking.”

Finally, in 2023, the visa was approved after nearly three years. “We cried with joy when she arrived. Now she runs through the house like she’s always been here. It feels complete.”

👶 Leila’s Story: A New Life for an Adopted Daughter

Leila, a permanent resident in Melbourne, adopted 6-year-old Hope from an orphanage in Ethiopia in 2021. The process involved working closely with the Australian and Ethiopian governments. While she initially considered the Adoption Visa (subclass 102), her migration agent advised applying for a Child Visa subclass 101, as the adoption had already been finalised and Leila met all eligibility criteria.

“Gathering documents took months—adoption certificates, consent letters, health checks. But I knew I was building a future for her.”

In 2024, Hope arrived in Melbourne. “She’s blossomed. She loves school, soccer, and Tim Tams. I can’t imagine life without her.”

🎓 Adnan’s Story: Supporting a Student Son

Adnan, a citizen of Australia living in Sydney, applied for a subclass 802 visa for his 19-year-old son, Farid, who was in Australia on a visitor visa and studying full-time.

“Many people think children over 18 can't get a child visa, but that’s not true if they are still dependent and studying full-time.”

With the help of a migration agent, Adnan submitted proof of Farid’s full-time university enrolment, financial dependency, and single status. In early 2025, the subclass 802 visa was granted.

“Farid now has peace of mind. He doesn’t have to worry about going home mid-degree, and we’re building our future together.”

Final Thoughts

These stories are just a few examples of the many families who’ve overcome legal, emotional, and financial hurdles to reunite with their children through Australia’s Child Visa program. Whether it’s a parent separated by distance, legal custody issues, or global events, the path may be long—but it’s one filled with hope.