Keep Your Family Together While You Study, Work, or Live in Australia
Bringing your loved ones to Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. A Dependent Visa allows your family members, including your spouse, partner, or dependent children, to join you in Australia while you study, work, or build your life here. At Ignite Education, we make the dependent visa application process straightforward, helping families reunite and settle together in Australia.
What is a Dependent Visa?
A Dependent Visa allows eligible family members to accompany or join the primary visa holder in Australia. Depending on the primary visa type, dependents may be granted work and study rights, access to healthcare, and the ability to travel in and out of Australia throughout the visa validity period.
Who Can Apply as a Dependent?
Eligible dependents typically include:
- Spouse or de facto partner (including same-sex partners)
- Dependent children under 18 years of age
- Dependent children over 18 (if they are full-time students or have a disability)
The eligibility requirements and rights granted to dependents vary based on the primary visa holder’s visa subclass.
Types of Dependent Visas in Australia
If you’re studying in Australia on a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can include your spouse, partner, or dependent children in your visa application. Your dependents will be able to:
- Live in Australia for the duration of your student visa
- Work Rights: Your spouse or partner may have work rights depending on your course level:
– Unlimited work rights if you’re studying a Master’s or PhD program
– Limited work rights (up to 48 hours per fortnight) if you’re studying at Bachelor’s level or below - Study: Dependent children can attend Australian schools (school fees may apply)
Requirements:
- Valid relationship evidence (marriage certificate, de facto relationship proof, birth certificates for children)
- Proof of sufficient funds to support all family members
- Valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for all dependents
If you hold a temporary or permanent work visa in Australia, your family members can apply to join you as dependents. The specific visa subclass will depend on your primary visa:
Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Dependents
- Work Rights: Dependents have full work rights with no restrictions
- Study: Dependent children can attend Australian schools
- Healthcare: May be eligible for Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Dependents
- Grants permanent residency to your dependents
- Full work and study rights
- Access to Medicare
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
Skilled Migration Visa Dependents (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
- Dependents included in skilled migration applications receive the same visa rights as the primary applicant
- Permanent or provisional residency status
- Full work and study rights
- Access to social services and Medicare
Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens can sponsor their dependent children to live in Australia.
Child Visa (Subclass 101 – Offshore / Subclass 802 – Onshore)
This visa is for dependent children to join their parents permanently in Australia.
Eligibility:
- The child must be under 18 years of age, OR
- Over 18 and under 25 years old and studying full-time, OR
- Over 18 with a disability that prevents them from working
Benefits:
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Work and study rights
- Access to Medicare and social services
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
If you’ve recently graduated from an Australian institution and hold a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you can include your partner or dependent children in your application.
- Work Rights: Partners have full work rights
- Study Rights: Dependents can enroll in courses
- Visa Duration: Linked to the primary visa holder’s 485 visa validity
Benefits of Including Dependents on Your Visa
Family Unity
Keep your family together while you pursue your education, career, or migration goals in Australia.
Work Rights for Partners
Depending on the primary visa, your spouse or partner may have unrestricted work rights, allowing them to contribute financially and gain Australian work experience.
Education for Children
Dependent children can access Australia’s world-class education system. Some states offer free or reduced-fee education for dependent children of certain visa holders.
Healthcare Access
Many dependent visa holders are eligible for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Medicare, ensuring access to quality healthcare services.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
For skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas, dependents may receive permanent residency alongside the primary applicant, opening the door to Australian citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements for Dependent Visas
While specific requirements vary by visa subclass, common eligibility criteria include:
Relationship Proof
- For spouses/partners: Marriage certificate, evidence of a genuine relationship (joint bank accounts, photos, statutory declarations from friends/family)
- For de facto partners: Proof of living together for at least 12 months
- For children: Birth certificates, adoption papers, or legal guardianship documents
Financial Capacity
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support your dependents during their stay in Australia without relying on government assistance.
Health Requirements
All dependent applicants must meet Australia’s health requirements, including medical examinations by an approved panel physician.
Character Requirements
Dependents aged 16 years and above must provide police clearance certificates from all countries they’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Health Insurance
- For student dependents: Valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- For temporary work visa dependents: May require private health insurance or be eligible for Medicare
How to Apply for a Dependent Visa
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Determine whether your primary visa allows you to include dependents and confirm your family members meet the eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documentation, including:
- Passport copies for all dependents
- Relationship evidence
- Financial documents
- Health insurance details
- Medical examination results
- Police clearance certificates
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal. You can include dependents in your initial visa application or add them later as subsequent entrants (if your visa conditions allow).
Step 4: Attend Medical Examinations
Book health examinations for all dependent applicants at an approved medical center.
Step 5: Wait for Visa Decision
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances. Ignite Education will keep you updated throughout the process.
Dependent Visa Processing Times
Processing times vary significantly based on the visa type:
- Student Dependent Visas: Typically 4-8 weeks when lodged with the primary application
- Work Visa Dependents (482, 186): 3-12 months depending on the visa stream
- Child Visa (101/802): 12-24 months
- Skilled Migration Dependents (189, 190, 491): Processed alongside the primary application (varies widely)
Note: Processing times can change based on application volume and individual circumstances. Applying early and ensuring your application is complete can help avoid delays.
Dependent Visa Costs
Visa fees vary by subclass:
- Student Dependent Visa: Approximately AUD $1,225 per additional applicant
- Temporary Skill Shortage (482) Dependents: AUD $3,115-$3,210 for partners, AUD $805 for children.
- Child Visa (101/802): Approximately AUD $3,235
- Partner of Skilled Migration Applicant: Included in primary applicant’s fee structure (fees vary by visa subclass)
Additional Costs:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Health insurance (OSHC or private health cover)
- Document translation and certification
Common Questions About Dependent Visas
Can I add a dependent after my visa is granted?
Yes, if your visa conditions allow subsequent entrants, you can add dependents later. However, lodging them with your initial application is often more efficient.
Do dependent children need to pay school fees in Australia?
This depends on your visa type and the state/territory. Some student visa holders must pay school fees for dependent children, while children of permanent residents can access free public education.
Can my partner work on a dependent visa?
Work rights depend on the primary visa holder’s visa subclass. Partners of Master’s/PhD students and most work visa holders typically have unrestricted work rights.
What happens if my dependent visa application is refused?
We can help you understand the reasons for refusal and advise on your options, which may include reapplying with additional evidence or lodging an appeal.
Do I need to include my partner if they’re not coming to Australia immediately?
You must declare all family members in your visa application, even if they’re not migrating immediately. Failure to declare family members can affect future visa applications.
Start Your Dependent Visa Application Today
Don’t let distance keep your family apart. Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or permanent resident, Ignite Education can help you bring your loved ones to Australia.
Contact Ignite Education today for a consultation about your dependent visa options.
