Children have two options when applying for an Australian visa, depending on whether they are traveling alone or with their guardians. Children younger than 18 may travel to Australia alone only if they have their guardians' consent and sponsorship; guardians must sign and provide evidence that they are responsible for their children while they are overseas. If dependent adolescents younger than 25 are accompanying their guardians to Australia, they must apply for a Child Visa.
Child applicants older than 16 must submit police certificates to prove that they "are of good character," according to the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Anyone applying for a child visa who is between age 18 and 25 must be a full-time student and financially dependent on guardians. They must also be unmarried and cannot be in a de facto relationship.
A parent or guardian may need to sign in order for a child younger than 18 to apply for a visa to Australia. Applicants must also attach their parents' or guardians' details--including passports, ID cards and driver's licenses--as well as proof of guardianship to the visa application. Birth certificates for the underage applicants are also necessary.
The Australian government has rules for children in the custody of stepparents. If children's sponsors or accompanying guardians are stepparents, either their natural parents or their stepparents must be Australian residents. Otherwise, a stepparent who is no longer attached to the child's natural parent but has legal custody of the child may also help the child apply for a child visa to Australia.
Several other child visa categories exist. For instance, when Australians adopt foreign children, these children must apply in a separate category for adopted children. Orphans younger than 18 also apply in a separate category, though they must have a sponsor in Australia. Meanwhile, those older than 18 who are financially dependent on their guardians due to a disability may also apply for a child visa. Children or dependents have additional options of applying for student visas or temporary tourist visas.
