Check the child's passport and visitor route
Home Affairs says each family member, including a child listed on a parent's passport, must make a separate Visitor 600 application. Start with the passport the child will travel on and the actual purpose of the trip. The overseas Tourist stream is for a temporary holiday, cruise or visit with family or friends; the child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and decided.
A parent travelling on an ETA or eVisitor does not automatically give the child that visa. Check the child's own passport eligibility and application channel. The consent steps below describe a Visitor 600 Tourist application; a Form 1229 is not the form for a child applying for ETA or eVisitor.
Official overseas Tourist stream · ETA eligibility · eVisitor eligibility
Show who the child is and who may decide where they live
For an overseas Tourist application, Home Affairs asks for the child's birth certificate showing both parents. If that cannot be provided, its visa page lists other official identity or family records to check. If someone other than a biological parent has legal guardianship, include proof such as adoption papers or a parental court order where applicable.
Identify every person with a legal right to decide where the child lives before preparing consent. If one person has sole legal responsibility, follow Form 1229's instructions for evidence of that responsibility. Do not infer sole responsibility simply because the child usually lives with one parent.
Check whether written consent is needed
Home Affairs says a person who has a legal right to decide where the child lives and is not travelling in Australia with the child must provide either Form 1229 or a statutory declaration consenting to the visit. For example, if one parent travels with the child and the other also has that legal right, check the non-accompanying parent's consent and identity evidence before lodging. A court order or other legal arrangement can change who must sign; use the actual documents for your family.
Form 1229 specifically asks for certified copies of the child's birth certificate if not already lodged, identity evidence for the non-accompanying parent or responsible person, and any evidence of sole legal responsibility. One official identity document must include that person's signature. For an online application, upload the signed form and supporting records through ImmiAccount as instructed. Follow the form's certification instructions even though the general Tourist page says other documents need not be certified unless requested. Do not send these records to MyAusVisa.
Official Form 1229 and its checklist · Home Affairs child visitor tips · How to attach documents
A non-relative carer can require Form 1257
If the child will stay with someone in Australia who is not a relative or legal guardian, Home Affairs' Tourist stream instructions say to provide Form 1257, an undertaking declaration signed by the person responsible for accommodation and care. The form explains who should complete it; its nominated carer is at least 21 years old, and its scope depends on the child's actual care arrangements. Check that form rather than assuming an invitation letter covers this requirement.
If the child will stay with a parent, legal guardian or relative, do not add a Form 1257 merely because another family used one. Explain the child's real accommodation and accompanying adults in the visa application and follow any case-specific request.
Official Form 1257 instructions · Tourist stream child-care rules
Keep each child's record consistent
Match the child's passport name and date of birth across the application, birth record, consent documents and travel plan. Prepare English translations of non-English records under the current Home Affairs rules. Lodge the child's own application, attach the requested documents and monitor its ImmiAccount messages for any further request, including biometrics or health steps if applicable.
Home Affairs assesses a child's best interests as part of the Tourist stream. A completed consent form does not guarantee a visa. Read the written decision and any conditions for the child before finalising travel; also check passport, airline, transit and departure requirements separately with the relevant authorities.
Official child eligibility and application steps · Visitor application preparation · After you apply →
Organise the child's documents
Save a plain-text checklist for each child's application. It is not Form 1229, Form 1257 or an official attachment list; use the government forms above where required.