Published Jul 17 | 2025

Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
everything-you-need-to-know-about-parent-visas-in-australia-questra-immigration

Adoption Visa

Subclass 102

Adopting a child is a life-changing commitment—and once the legal process is complete, the final step is bringing your child to live with you in Australia. The Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) makes that possible, giving your child permanent residency from day one.

At Questra, we know adoption journeys are deeply personal and sometimes complex. We’re here to support you with the visa side—clearly, compassionately, and professionally.

Who Is the Adoption Visa For?

This visa is for children adopted (or in the process of being adopted) by an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen.

The child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and granted
It’s a permanent visa, offering full rights to live, study, and access Medicare in Australia

Eligibility Checklist

For the Child For the Parent (Sponsor)
Under 18 when adopted, when applying, and when visa is decided Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
Offshore at time of application and decision Legally adopted the child, or formally adopting through recognised process
Single (not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship) Has full legal parental responsibility
Meets health & character requirements Meets character requirements

What Types of Adoptions Are Recognised?

Adoption Type Description
Intercountry Adoption Arranged through an Australian state/territory authority—usually under the Hague Convention
Expatriate Adoption Adoption by Australians living overseas (12+ months) under local laws—not to bypass Australian laws
Private Adoption Rarely recognised unless it meets strict legal criteria—seek advice first

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

The adoption must be legally recognised—either through Australian central authorities or accepted overseas processes.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

 You’ll need:

  • Final adoption papers
  • Child’s passport and birth certificate
  • Your citizenship or residency proof

Evidence of full parental responsibility

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

Submit the Subclass 102 visa through ImmiAccount while the child is still offshore.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

Medical exams are required. If your child is 16+, police clearances may also apply.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

These visas can take time. We’ll stay on top of updates and keep you informed throughout.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

Once approved, your child can travel to Australia and begin their new life as a permanent resident.

  • Finalise the Adoption
  • Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents
  • Step 3 – Lodge the Application
  • Step 4 – Health & Character Checks
  • Step 5 – Visa Processing
  • Step 6 – Visa Granted

Adoption Visa – Processing Times

The processing duration for visas depends on the visa stream and applicant profile together with government workload requirements. The official government source provides the most accurate and current information about visa processing times.

đź”— Check current visa processing times

 

Subclass 102 - FAQ
Does this visa lead to citizenship?

Yes. Once your child holds a permanent visa, they may be eligible for citizenship by conferral without needing to meet the usual residency requirements—if they’re under 18.

Can I apply if it was a private adoption overseas?

 It depends. Private adoptions are rarely recognised unless they meet very specific criteria. We recommend a detailed legal review before applying.

How is this different from the Child Visa (Subclass 101)?

The 101 visa is for biological or step-children. The 102 is specifically for legally adopted children.

everything-you-need-to-know-about-parent-visas-in-australia-questra-immigration

Let Questra Support You Through the Final Step

You’ve already made the biggest decision—welcoming a child into your life. Now let us help bring them home. With so many legal details and timing rules to manage, it’s important to get everything right from the start.

Speak to Questra today about your Adoption Visa and take the final step toward completing your family in Australia.

Book a Consultation
We’re a five-star rated agency!
Kim Fejeran
Kim Fejeran
October 10, 2025.
If you’re looking for a sign that you’ve chosen the right migration agent — this is it. Many can become migration agents, but not everyone does their work with genuine care and heart. That’s why choosing a migration agent with genuine care and compassion for their clients is so important. And Bill Mitroulas of Questra Immigration is definitely one of them. Our gratitude to Bill and the Questra Team is beyond words — they were the ones who made it possible for us to achieve the future we’ve been dreaming of here in Australia. Even though the process wasn’t easy and at times felt almost impossible, Bill and the Questra Team stood by us and helped us successfully complete our PR application. And because of the positive outcome of our PR application, we were able to get the house we’ve always dreamed of. In behalf of my partner, Jhoseph Paxton, we want to thank you, Bill and the Questra Team, for changing our lives — giving my children a future filled with hope and opportunity. I pray for Questra's continued success.✨
Juan Sebastian Pardo Sanchez
Juan Sebastian Pardo Sanchez
September 22, 2025.
We have had great professional support from Questra in our immigration process. They are always open to listen our concerns, responding promptly and clearly. We've been grateful for their help and guidance. Thank you, Questra team.
kevin muñoz
kevin muñoz
August 4, 2025.
Excellent service, great team, 100% recommended
Katherin Alvarez
Katherin Alvarez
July 23, 2025.
A heartfelt thank you to Questra and their amazing team! 💜 We’re writing this with so much joy because… our visa was approved! And honestly, we couldn’t have done it without their unwavering support and dedication. From the very beginning, we felt guided with professionalism, empathy, and a warmth that gave us peace throughout the entire journey. It wasn’t just paperwork it was a path filled with dreams, fears, and hope… and they were right there with us the whole way. Thank you for helping us turn this dream into a reality. We truly recommend their work with all our hearts.
Jhonatan steve Rojas giraldo
Jhonatan steve Rojas giraldo
July 7, 2025.
Excelente help and customer service to homologate my degree. With VETASSES
Carlos Andres Ramirez Contreras
Carlos Andres Ramirez Contreras
June 13, 2025.
Questra Immigration has been an excellent choice for us. Their approach throughout the entire process was professional, transparent, and of high quality from start to finish.
Johana Genez
Johana Genez
March 19, 2025.
Thanks Questra Immigration •Overall Experience: I had an excellent experience working with Questra Immigration on my 407 Training Visa application. The team was professional, efficient, and incredibly knowledgeable. Their expertise made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for immigration assistance in Australia! •Communication & Support: The communication with Questra Immigration was outstanding. They kept me informed at every stage of my 407 Training Visa application, promptly answered all my questions, and ensured I fully understood each step. Their support gave me confidence throughout the process. •Visa Process Success: Thanks to the expert guidance of Bill, Alejandra and the entire team, I successfully obtained my 407 Training Visa. Their dedication and attention to detail made all the difference. I’m extremely grateful for their help in making my Australian journey possible!
Jorja Naidu
Jorja Naidu
August 20, 2024.
Was recommended to Bill and his team by a good friend who was also with Questra. They took on my case after a last minute situation, and were honest, professional and assuring the entire process. Will definitely be using them again! Thank you team :)
Aurore Susini
Aurore Susini
July 12, 2024.
Great Efficient agency. Extremely helpful. listens and takes the time to answer our questions and find the best solutions to move forward with the visa .
Vignesh M
Vignesh M
April 24, 2024.
Bill Questra is nothing short of exceptional. His assistance was instrumental in helping my wife and me navigate the complexities of the visa process, ultimately leading to our successful visa grant. What sets Bill apart is not just his expertise, but his approachability and willingness to go the extra mile for his clients. He patiently guided us through each step, answering our questions, addressing our concerns, and ensuring that we felt confident and supported throughout the process. His professionalism, coupled with his warmth and empathy, made all the difference during what could have been a stressful ordeal. Thanks to Bill's tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, my wife and I can now embark on this new chapter of our lives with peace of mind and excitement for the future. He is truly an amazing person and a consummate professional.
Why Partner with Questra Immigration?
99.9%
Success Rate
icon

Maximise your chances of a successful outcome with our highly experienced team.

Split Fee
Payments
icon

We offer split fee payments to assist you financially whilst your application is being prepared. It’s easy to make a start!

Custom
Technology
icon

Our team of developers build technology to help streamline the workflow of our migration team and improve the client experience for our clients

Trusted
Partner
icon

Our clients love our service! Check out our reviews for yourself. You too could be receiving a phone call from us with your visa approval.

Cost
Certainty
icon

Know exactly every cent you will be paying upfront with no hidden additional charges along the journey with our transparent fees.

Simple &
Seamless
icon

We take the stress out of preparing and lodging visa applications.
We do this every day of the working week.