Children and relatives
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
The Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa is a temporary visa that allows a child to enter or remain in Australia on their parent’s temporary Partner visa. The visa acts as a bridge to later allow the child to be assessed for permanent residency as the dependent family member on the parent’s permanent Partner visa.
Important Distinction:
Not to be confused with the Child visa, this visa is generally for children who were not included in their parent’s Partner visa application.
OUR SERVICES
Eligibility & foundation conditions
Parent’s Visa Status
The child must be a dependent child of a person who holds a temporary Partner visa:
Subclass 309 (Partner Provisional)
Subclass 820 (Partner Temporary)
Or another Subclass 445 visa
The child must be under 18 years old.
Children over 18 may be eligible if they are financially dependent on the sponsoring parent or has total or partial loss of their function to work.
Sponsorship
The child must be sponsored by the same person who is sponsoring the parent’s Partner visa.
What happens after the visa is granted?
Critical Next Step
Once granted, the child must then be added to the parent’s permanent Partner visa application. The child will then be considered alongside the parent for permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some common questions
The Dependent Child (Subclass 445) visa is for children who were not added to your Partner visa application. It provides the opportunity for both parent and child to receive their permanent residency together as a family.
A child holding a Subclass 445 visa can live, study, and work in Australia, and travel in and out of the country while the visa is valid. They may also be eligible for Medicare and free English language programs to support settlement.
This visa remains valid until a decision is made on the parent’s permanent Partner visa application. Once the Subclass 445 is granted, the child must be added to the parent’s permanent Partner visa application before a final decision is made.
No. The child may in Australia or outside of Australia both when the application is lodged and when the decision is made.
The Department of Home Affairs provides estimated processing times through the Global Visa Processing Times tool. This page is updated regularly to reflect how long it has taken to process recently finalised applications.
Yes. If the child is under 18, written consent from all legal guardians is required.
If the child turns 18 after applying, they may remain eligible if they are enrolled in fulltime study and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent. If they are unable to support themselves due to a disability, they may also remain eligible.
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs will not grant a Subclass 445 visa if it is deemed against the best interests of the child. For more information, see the Department’s page on measures for the protection of children.
Book employer sponsored consultation