Overview
The Department of Home Affairs has made a new legislative instrument titled the Migration (Arrangements for Child Visa Applications) Instrument 2026. The instrument came into force on 1 September 2026.
What the instrument covers
The instrument sets out:
- The approved form for lodging child visa applications
- The manner in which applications are to be lodged
- The place where applications are to be lodged
- Specified countries and periods for Child (Migrant) (Class AH) visa applications
- Specified countries and periods for Child (Residence) (Class BT) visa applications
Replacement of previous instrument
This instrument replaces the Arrangements for Child Visa Applications 2016/051, which has been repealed in full. The source summary does not specify any changes to the substantive requirements for these visas compared to the previous instrument.
Key actions
- Applications are required to be lodged using the new approved form and process as of 1 September 2026.
- The previous instrument, Arrangements for Child Visa Applications 2016/051, is no longer in force. The new instrument is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01149.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.