A parent and child review visitor visa consent papers at a bright kitchen table, illustrated in clean flat vector shapes.

Australian Visitor Visa 600 for a Child: Consent, Guardianship and Forms 1229 and 1257

5 hours ago

2 min read

A child under 18 applying for an Australian Visitor visa (subclass 600) needs more than a passport. Home Affairs asks for evidence of the child’s identity and parentage, any legal guardianship arrangement, and consent from people who can legally decide where the child lives but are not travelling to Australia with the child. A separate accommodation form may apply if the child will not stay with a relative or legal guardian.

Prove identity, parentage and guardianship

The Department’s subclass 600 guidance asks applicants under 18 to provide a birth certificate showing both parents’ names. If that is unavailable, follow the listed alternatives, such as relevant pages from a family book, government identity document, court-issued identity document or family census register. If an adoptive parent or court-appointed guardian has legal guardianship, include the adoption record or court order that establishes it. Translate non-English documents under the Department’s current instructions.

Work out who must give consent

The key question is who has a legal right to decide where the child lives, not simply who will accompany the child on the flight. A person with that legal right who is not travelling with the child will generally need to complete Form 1229 or provide a statutory declaration consenting to the child’s visit. Include an identity document showing the signer’s photograph and signature. Form 1229 explains that where one person has sole legal responsibility for residence decisions, that person provides the consent and supporting evidence. Follow the actual court order or applicable legal documents; do not assume every family has the same signers.

When Form 1257 may apply

If the child will not stay with a relative or legal guardian in Australia, Home Affairs asks for Form 1257, Undertaking declaration, signed by the person who will host and care for the child. This declaration addresses the accommodation and care arrangement. It does not replace parental or guardian consent, and it should describe the confirmed arrangement accurately.

Check the child’s welfare and travel plan

The child must meet the requirements of the subclass 600 stream being used. Home Affairs may also refuse an application if granting the visa would not be in the child’s best interests. Before lodging, check that the application identifies who is responsible for it, who will care for the child in Australia, where the child will stay, how the adults can be contacted, and the planned return arrangements. Custody disputes, separate households and court orders need to be handled according to the documents that actually apply.

Before lodging, assemble: the child’s birth certificate or an accepted alternative; adoption or guardianship documents if relevant; consent from each non-travelling person with legal residence decision rights; the signer’s photo identification; and Form 1257 only where the accommodation arrangement meets its stated condition. Checked against Home Affairs information on 21 October 2026.