Congratulations! Having a baby in Australia is an exciting milestone, but for migrant parents, the paperwork can feel overwhelming. From registering your baby's birth to adding them to Medicare and claiming government benefits, there's a lot to navigate in those first few weeks. This comprehensive checklist guides you through every essential step-so you can focus on what matters most: your new family.
Watch our video explainer:
Whether you're a permanent resident, on a partner visa, or holding a skilled visa, this guide explains exactly what you need to do, when to do it, and what benefits your Australian-born child may be entitled to.
At the Hospital: Your First Paperwork
The hospital is where your paperwork journey begins. Before you're discharged, you should receive a Parent Pack containing essential forms.
Documents You'll Receive
| Document | Purpose | Who Provides It |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn Child Declaration Form | Required for Medicare enrolment and Centrelink claims | Hospital/midwife |
| Birth Registration Information | Instructions for registering the birth with your state | Hospital/midwife |
| Discharge Summary | Medical record of the birth | Hospital |
| My Health, Learning and Development Record | Victorian "Green Book" for tracking growth and vaccinations | Hospital (Victoria only) |
The Newborn Child Declaration Form is critical. A doctor or midwife must sign the "Proof of Birth" section before you leave. If you lose this form, it cannot be reissued-you'll need to wait for the birth certificate instead.
Dual Citizenship Considerations
If you or your partner are citizens of another country, your baby may be entitled to dual citizenship. Australia allows dual citizenship, so your child can hold both Australian citizenship (by birth) and citizenship of your home country.
Action Items Before Leaving Hospital:
- Confirm the Newborn Child Declaration form is signed by medical staff
- Take photos of all documents as backup
- Research your home country's citizenship requirements for children born overseas
Step 1: Birth Registration (Within 60 Days)
Registering your baby's birth is a legal requirement in all Australian states and territories. You must register within 60 days.
How to Register
| State/Territory | Registration Method | Website |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Online via ServiceNSW | nsw.gov.au/births-deaths-marriages |
| Victoria | Online via BDM Victoria | bdm.vic.gov.au |
| Queensland | Online or mail | qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages |
| WA | Online | wa.gov.au |
| SA | Online or mail | sa.gov.au |
| Tasmania | Online or mail | justice.tas.gov.au |
| ACT | Online | accesscanberra.act.gov.au |
| NT | Online or mail | nt.gov.au |
Required Information:
- Baby's full name
- Date, time, and place of birth
- Both parents' details (full names, addresses, occupations, places of birth)
- Parents' relationship status
Birth registration is free. Ordering a birth certificate is optional but highly recommended-it's your child's primary identification document and required for passport applications. Birth certificate fees vary by state (typically $35-$75).
Name Matching Tip: Use your names exactly as they appear on your current identity documents (passport, Australian driver's licence). Name discrepancies between hospital records and your ID can cause the online verification system to reject your application.
Step 2: Medicare Enrolment (Immediately)
Adding your baby to Medicare gives them access to Australia's public healthcare system, including free GP visits and hospital care.
Eligibility
Your baby is eligible for Medicare if at least one parent holds:
- Australian citizenship
- Permanent residency (any subclass)
- A skilled regional visa (491/494)
- A partner visa (309/820/100/801)
- Skills in Demand visa (482) - but only from Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) countries
RHCA Countries (482 holders eligible for Medicare): UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Slovenia
Non-RHCA Countries (482 holders NOT eligible): China, India, Philippines, USA, and most other countries
The Medicare Gap for 482 Visa Holders: If you're on a 482 visa from a non-RHCA country (e.g., India, China, Philippines), your Australian-born baby is NOT eligible for Medicare. You must add them to your Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) immediately. NICU costs can exceed $5,000 per day without insurance.
Student visa (500) and Working Holiday visa (417/462) holders are NOT eligible for Medicare. You'll need private health insurance for your baby if you hold these visa types.
How to Enrol
- Complete the Newborn Child Declaration Form (from your Parent Pack)
- Submit via myGov - If you have a linked Medicare online account, upload the form directly
- Or submit when claiming Centrelink payments - You can enrol in Medicare at the same time
- Physical card arrives in 3-4 weeks - Digital card available immediately via the Medicare app
Migrant Parent Tip: If your Medicare card currently shows your maiden name or overseas passport name, request an updated card with your current legal name at the same time you add your baby.
Adding your baby to Medicare also:
- Registers them in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
- Allows you to create their My Health Record
- Makes them eligible for the Medicare Safety Net
Step 3: Centrelink Family Payments
This is where many migrant families miss out on money. Depending on your visa type and when you became a permanent resident, you may be eligible for several payments.
Payments Available for Newborns
| Payment | What It Provides | NARWP (Waiting Period) |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn Upfront Payment | One-off $687.05 (first child) or $343.53 | Included with FTB Part A |
| Newborn Supplement | $2,192.03 paid over 13 weeks | Included with FTB Part A |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A | Per-child payment (up to $227.36/fortnight) | 1 year (52 weeks) |
| Family Tax Benefit Part B | Per-family payment (up to $193.34/fortnight) | No waiting period |
| Parental Leave Pay | Government-funded paid leave at minimum wage | 2 years (104 weeks) |
| Child Care Subsidy | Up to 90% of childcare fees covered | No waiting period |
Even if you're within your NARWP for some payments, claim FTB Part B and Child Care Subsidy immediately-there's no waiting period for these. Read more in our detailed Centrelink & Government Benefits guide.
Parental Leave Pay (2025-26 Rates)
The Paid Parental Leave scheme is expanding:
| Date of Birth | Parental Leave Pay Entitlement |
|---|---|
| July 2024 - June 2025 | 22 weeks |
| From 1 July 2025 | 24 weeks |
| From 1 July 2026 | 26 weeks |
Payment Rate: Minimum wage (currently ~$915.80 per week before tax)
For Partner Visa Holders: If you held a provisional partner visa (309/820) before receiving your permanent visa (100/801), your FTB Part A waiting period is backdated to your provisional visa application date-not your permanent visa grant date. You may already qualify!
How to Claim
- Create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink
- Submit a pre-birth claim (up to 3 months before due date) OR claim after birth
- Provide proof of birth - Upload the completed Newborn Child Declaration form
- Claim multiple payments together - FTB, Parental Leave Pay, and Medicare enrolment can all be done in one process
Step 4: Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
If you plan to use childcare when returning to work, understanding the Child Care Subsidy can save you thousands. This is one of the most valuable benefits for migrant families-and there's no NARWP waiting period.
2025-26 CCS Rates (From July 2025)
| Combined Family Income | CCS Percentage |
|---|---|
| Up to $85,279 | 90% (maximum) |
| $85,279 - $180,000 | 90% reducing by 1% per $5,000 |
| $180,000 - $535,279 | Tapered reduction |
| $535,279 or more | 0% (not eligible) |
Multiple Children Bonus: Families with more than one child under 5 in care can receive up to 95% subsidy for the second and subsequent children.
Calculate Your Subsidy: Use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket childcare costs based on your family income and activity levels.
Major Change: "3 Day Guarantee" (From 5 January 2026)
From January 2026, significant changes make childcare more accessible:
| Change | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Minimum 72 Hours | All CCS-eligible families get at least 72 hours/fortnight (approx. 3 days/week) regardless of work/study |
| 100 Hours Available | Full 100 hours if you work/study 48+ hours per fortnight, or have special circumstances |
This is a major improvement for families where one parent is not yet working or is studying English.
Step 5: Immunisation Schedule
Your baby's immunisations are crucial for their health-and for maintaining full government payments.
National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Birth | Hepatitis B (within 24 hours, must be within 7 days) |
| 2 months | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus |
| 4 months | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus |
| 6 months | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, Hib, Pneumococcal |
| 12 months | Meningococcal ACWY, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pneumococcal |
| 18 months | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hib |
"No Jab, No Pay" Policy: If your child is not up to date with immunisations, your Family Tax Benefit Part A is reduced by approximately $29.68 per fortnight. There's a 63-day grace period to arrange catch-up vaccinations.
Victorian "No Jab, No Play" Law: In Victoria, childcare centres and kindergartens legally cannot enrol your child without a current Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) statement showing "up to date" status. The Victorian Green Book or a GP letter is not accepted-only the official AIR statement.
For Migrant Parents
- All NIP vaccines are free for Medicare-eligible children
- Book with your GP or child health clinic - First appointment usually at 6-8 weeks
- Immunisation records are automatically updated on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
- Access records via myGov - Link Medicare to check your child's immunisation history
No Medicare? You Can Still Get Free Vaccines
If your baby is not Medicare eligible (e.g., 482 visa from a non-RHCA country), you can still access free vaccinations:
- Local council immunisation sessions - Free for all children regardless of visa status
- The child receives an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) - Allows tracking on the AIR without a Medicare number
- Request AIR statement by calling 1800 653 809 - You'll need this for childcare enrolment
Step 6: Passport for Your Baby
If you plan to travel internationally, you may need two passports for your baby: Australian and your home country's.
Australian Passport
Your Australian-born baby is automatically an Australian citizen if at least one parent is:
- An Australian citizen, OR
- A permanent resident at the time of birth
Once your child has citizenship, they can eventually help you with your own Australian citizenship journey when you're ready to apply.
Application Requirements:
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Recent passport photo of baby
- Both parents' identification
- Supporting documents (varies based on parent citizenship status)
- Fee: $194 for a child passport (valid 5 years)
Processing Time: 3-6 weeks (standard), longer during peak periods
No "Baby on Parent's Passport" Option: Every child, including newborns, must have their own passport to travel internationally.
The Guarantor Challenge for New Migrants: Your passport application requires a "guarantor"-an Australian citizen who has known the child since birth and is not a relative or housemate. Many new migrants struggle to find someone who qualifies. Consider asking your GP, accountant, or employer if they are Australian citizens willing to help. Infant passport photos have strict biometric requirements (eyes open, mouth closed, no supporting hands visible)-rejection rates are high, so use a professional service.
Home Country Passport (Dual Citizenship)
Requirements vary significantly by country. Generally, you'll need:
- Baby's Australian birth certificate
- Parents' citizenship documents
- Consular appointment (often required)
- Translation of documents (sometimes required)
Taiwanese Parents: Contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Australia early-the process for registering your baby's Taiwanese citizenship and obtaining a passport can take several weeks.
Common Questions for Migrant Parents
Q: My baby was born while I'm on a bridging visa. What benefits can I claim? A: Limited benefits are available. Your baby may be eligible for Medicare if you're awaiting a decision on certain visa types, but most Centrelink payments are not available. Focus on adding your baby to Medicare and claiming FTB Part B if you've previously held an eligible visa.
Q: I'm on a 491 regional visa. Is my baby automatically a permanent resident? A: No. Your baby born in Australia to 491 visa holder parents is not automatically a permanent resident or citizen. They will hold the same visa status as you (dependant on your 491). You must notify the Department of Home Affairs using Form 1022 and attach the child to your visa. Once you transition to Subclass 191 PR, your child becomes a PR. If they are born after you receive PR, they may be entitled to citizenship.
Q: We're on temporary visas (482/491/student). Will my child ever become a citizen? A: Yes, through the "10-year rule". Under Section 12(1)(b) of the Australian Citizenship Act, a child born in Australia who lives here for the first 10 consecutive years of their life automatically acquires Australian citizenship on their 10th birthday-regardless of their parents' visa status. This is a safety net ensuring children who grow up in Australia are not left without citizenship.
Q: I'm on a 482 visa. Will I pay full school fees for my child? A: It depends on the state. In Victoria, dependents of 482 and 491 visa holders are generally exempt from international student fees in government schools-they're treated as local students. This is a significant advantage compared to NSW, where fees can exceed $5,000 per child per year.
Q: Do I need to list both parents on the birth certificate? A: It depends on your situation. Listing both parents is generally recommended as it establishes legal parentage, which affects citizenship, passport applications, and future immigration matters. Single parents can register with only one parent listed.
Q: Can I claim child care subsidy if I'm not yet working? A: Yes, under the new rules from January 2026. All CCS-eligible families will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight regardless of activity levels. Use our CCS Calculator to estimate your entitlements.
Q: My home country doesn't allow dual citizenship. What should I do? A: Research your country's laws carefully. Some countries (e.g., China, India) do not recognise dual citizenship. Your child may need to choose one citizenship at a certain age, or you may need to declare their birth to the consulate for specific visa categories when visiting. Seek legal advice if unsure.
Complete Checklist Summary
Use this checklist to track your progress:
Within First Week
- Confirm Newborn Child Declaration form is signed
- Take photos of all hospital documents
- Research home country citizenship requirements
Within 60 Days
- Register birth with state/territory BDM (free, mandatory)
- Order birth certificate (optional but recommended, ~$50-75)
- Enrol baby in Medicare via myGov
Within First Month
- Link myGov to Centrelink
- Claim FTB Part A and Part B
- Claim Parental Leave Pay
- Claim Newborn Upfront Payment and Supplement
- Book 6-week immunisation appointment
Before Returning to Work
- Research childcare options
- Apply for Child Care Subsidy
- Confirm activity test requirements
Before International Travel
- Apply for Australian citizenship if not automatic
- Apply for Australian passport for baby
- Apply for home country passport (if applicable)
- Check visa requirements for destination countries
How First Migration Can Help
While we don't assist with Centrelink applications directly, understanding how your visa status affects your family's entitlements is crucial for financial planning. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents can help you:
- Understand how your current visa affects your baby's citizenship status
- Plan the transition from provisional to permanent residency with family considerations
- Navigate partner visa applications when family circumstances change
- Advise on adding children to existing visa applications
Ready to discuss your family's migration options? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can help you plan your family's future in Australia.
MARA Registered Agent
Registration No. 1569835
Certified by the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Your trusted partner for Australian visa applications.
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