Australian Migration Lawyers for Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

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Daniel Moya

Founder of Moya Migration Law

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    Our Services for Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) Applications

    Eligibility Assessment & Adoption Pathway Guidance

    We assess the child’s and adoptive parents’ eligibility, guiding you through the specific adoption pathway (e.g., Hague Convention, expatriate).

    Comprehensive Paper Application & Documentation

    Our lawyers assist in preparing the substantial evidentiary documents and compiling the paper application required for this visa.

    Navigating Complex Legal & Procedural Requirements

    We ensure your application complies with Australian and international adoption laws, providing expert advice to prevent processing setbacks.

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    We encourage a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation &  map out a path to securing your Subclass 102 Adoption Visa.

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    Understanding the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

    The Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) is a permanent visa designed to enable children adopted overseas to live indefinitely in Australia with their adoptive parents. This visa is uniquely applied for only when the child is outside Australia.

    It provides a secure pathway for adopted children to join their families, allowing them to study, work, and access Australia’s healthcare scheme (Medicare) upon grant. Successfully navigating its specific requirements ensures a smooth journey towards uniting your family.

    Happy couple holding their adopted baby. Australian adoption.
    Mother and daughter enjoying sunset, applying for family visas in Australia.

    Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) Eligibility

    To qualify for the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102), the adopted child must be under 18 years old at the time of adoption, application, and visa decision, and must be outside Australia when applying.

    The adoptive parents must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, and meet sponsor requirements. Given the complexities, speaking with an immigration expert is highly recommended to ensure eligibility before lodging.

    Why Choose Moya Migration Law for Your Adoption (Subclass 102) Visa?

    Bringing your adopted child to Australia is a momentous step. Moya Migration Law offers experienced legal guidance, a compassionate client-focused approach, and strategic expertise to navigate the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) process successfully.

    Extensive Experience in Adoption Visas

    Our lawyers have considerable experience handling complex Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) applications, ensuring compliance with intricate legal requirements.

    Client-Focused & Compassionate Support

    We provide personalised advice and dedicated support, understanding the unique circumstances of uniting your adopted child with family in Australia.

    Strategic Application & Case Building

    We develop tailored strategies for your Adoption Visa, meticulously preparing submissions and evidence to maximise your likelihood of a favourable outcome.

    In-Depth Knowledge of Adoption & Migration Law

    Our profound understanding of Australian adoption laws and migration regulations ensures your visa application adheres to all statutory prerequisites.

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    Our 5-Step Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) Application Process

    Bringing your adopted child to Australia requires navigating a complex process. Moya Migration Law offers a clear, structured approach, providing expert guidance and meticulous support at every stage to ensure a smooth journey to family reunification.

    1

    Initial Consultation & Eligibility Assessment

    We assess the child’s and adoptive parents’ eligibility for the Subclass 102 visa, and guide you on the specific adoption pathway requirements.

    2

    Comprehensive Document & Evidence Preparation

    Our team assists in gathering all identity, adoption, relationship, and character documents, ensuring a substantial evidentiary submission for your application.

    3

    Meticulous Application Drafting & Review

    We prepare your paper application forms and all written submissions, meticulously reviewing them for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

    4

    Timely Lodgement & Department Liaison

    We manage the submission of your complete paper application via post, ensuring it’s lodged correctly and communicate with the Department on your behalf.

    5

    Ongoing Support to Visa Grant

    We provide continuous updates, respond to Department requests for further information, and guide you through to the final visa decision, aiming for a successful grant.

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    Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya

    Meet Daniel Moya, Your Adoption Visa Lawyer

    Moya Migration Law is led by Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya, who personally guides families through the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) process. With over two decades in Australian migration law since 2002, Daniel offers expert and compassionate advice for reuniting families through adoption.

    Daniel is committed to meticulously preparing your adopted child’s visa application, ensuring all complex legal and procedural requirements are met. He understands the profound importance of this journey for your family. Daniel also offers legal assistance in Spanish.

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    Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) Application Process

    Applying for the Subclass 102 Adoption visa involves several critical steps, including the submission of a paper application. This process requires a substantial volume of evidentiary documents, ranging from identity and adoption papers to health and character clearances.

    Given the considerable amount of documentation and the paper format, inadequate evidence could lead to setbacks or delays. Professional legal advice is strongly recommended to ensure accuracy and completeness from the outset.

    Silhouette of happy family holding hands, sun shining behind them. Australian family adopting a child.
    Close-up of hands signing a document with a pen. Notary public services in Adelaide.

    Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) Processing & Costs

    Processing times for the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) can range from 7 to 30 months, or potentially longer depending on the completeness of documents and external agency information.

    The base government application charge for the Subclass 102 visa is AUD $3,140 (as of June 2025 & subject to change), plus additional fees for biometrics, police certificates, and health exams. Seeking professional legal advice is advised to prevent potential delays or refusals due to incomplete forms.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

    The Subclass 102 Adoption Visa is a permanent visa for children adopted overseas, enabling them to live indefinitely in Australia with their adoptive parents. This visa must be applied for while the child is outside Australia.

    Yes, adoptive parents are permitted to submit the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) application on behalf of their adoptive child.

    The child must be adopted or in the process of being adopted, be under 18 years old at key application stages, be without a spouse or partner, and meet Australia’s health and character requirements.

    Yes, the child’s siblings who also wish to apply for the Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) can do so, but they must submit separate applications for themselves.

    Yes, as of 14th December 2015, the Department of Home Affairs does not accept Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) applications for children who have been adopted in Pakistan.

    The visa grants permanent residency, allowing the child to live, work, and study indefinitely in Australia, access Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives, and provides a direct pathway to Australian citizenship.

    Processing times vary, ranging from around 7 to 30 months. The completeness of documents and information from external agencies can influence the speed of processing.

    The base government application charge for the Subclass 102 visa is A$3,140 (as of June 2025 & subject to change). Additional fees apply for biometrics, police certificates, health examinations, and any professional legal fees.

    Yes, if granted, the visa includes a 5-year travel facility, allowing the child to travel to and from Australia. After 5 years, a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or Australian citizenship may be needed for re-entry as a permanent resident.