Hi everyone,

I’m seeking advice from those who may have gone through a similar situation.

• I am a Permanent Resident of Australia, and so is my wife.
• Our daughter was born in India in March 2024.
• We lodged a Child (Subclass 101) visa application in May 2024 (paper-based, now visible in ImmiAccount).
• My wife and baby are still in India, while I am alone in Australia waiting for the visa outcome.

The wait times for 101 seem long, and it is becoming very difficult to stay apart from my wife and baby. I have been advised that a Bridging Visa is not available for offshore applications, only if the child comes to Australia on a Visitor Visa first.

I am now considering applying for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) for my daughter, so that she and my wife can come stay with me temporarily while the 101 is processed.

I have a few concerns and would really appreciate insights from anyone who has dealt with this:

1. Has anyone successfully brought their child on a Visitor Visa while a 101 is pending?
2. Did you declare the 101 application in the Visitor Visa, or is it safer not to?
3. If a Visitor Visa is granted, can it be extended onshore if the 101 is still not finalised?
4. Are there any risks of refusal if DHA thinks the intention is to stay permanently?

I’d love to hear from others who have gone through this – what worked for you, what pitfalls to avoid, and whether DHA was understanding of family hardship in such cases.

Thanks so much for your guidance.