Does the subclass 101 visa have to be applied for from outside Australia?

The subclass 101 is the offshore Child visa, so the child must be outside Australia at the time of application. The equivalent onshore option is the subclass 802, for children who are already in Australia.

Because it is an offshore visa, families need to plan around the child remaining outside Australia while the application is processed. Choosing the correct subclass for the child's location is important to avoid a refused application.