Subclass 445 - Dependent Child Visa
The Subclass 445 visa is a temporary visa for children of temporary partner visa holders. It allows them to join their parent in Australia while the permanent partner visa is being processed. The child must later be added to the parent’s permanent visa application.
About this visa
The Subclass 445 Dependent Child visa is a temporary visa designed for children of parents who are currently holding a temporary partner visa (such as Subclass 309 or 820). This visa allows the child to stay in Australia temporarily while their parent’s permanent partner visa (such as Subclass 100 or 801) is being processed.
To be eligible, the child must be under 18 years of age or a full-time student aged 18–25 who is financially dependent on the parent. The applicant must be outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant. Once granted, the child can live, study, and access Medicare in Australia.
The key purpose of this visa is to allow the child to be added to the parent’s ongoing permanent partner visa application. After the Subclass 445 visa is granted, the child must be included in the parent’s permanent visa application before it is decided.
Eligibility for Applicant
| Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age |
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| Relationship with sponsor |
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| Marital Status |
| |
| Location |
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| Debt to the Australian Government |
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| Health & Character |
| |
Eligibility for Sponsor
| Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age |
| |
| Citizenship or Residency | The sponsor must hold one of the following three visas:
| |
| Character |
| |
Cost
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | AUD 3,235 |
| Secondary Applicants (aged 18 and over) | AUD 1,615 each |
| Dependent Children (under 18) | AUD 810 each |
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Stay Period
Same validity as the parent’s temporary partner visa.
Benefits
- Work in Australia: Holders of the Subclass 802 Visa can work.
- Study: You can pursue further studies or enroll in courses in Australia, which can enhance your skills and qualifications.
- Family Sponsorship: The applicant can include eligible family members, such as your dependent children, in your visa application.
- Access to Healthcare: Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, which provides essential medical services.
- Multiple Entries: Enjoy multiple entries to and exits from Australia for a period of up to five years, allowing for flexibility in travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the parent’s partner visa (such as 820 or 309) is still pending, can the child apply separately for the 445 visa?
Yes. The 445 visa is designed exactly for this situation, allowing the child to obtain a dependent visa before the parent’s partner visa is finalized.
If the child does not lodge the 445 application before the parent’s 820 visa is granted, will they lose the chance to be included in the permanent 801 visa?
Yes. If the 445 is not lodged before the 820 is granted, the child cannot be automatically included in the 801 stage and may need to apply for another visa.
When applying for the 445 visa, does the parent’s sponsor also have to agree to sponsor the child?
Yes. The partner visa sponsor must also agree to sponsor the dependent child; otherwise, the visa will not be granted.
If the parent’s relationship breaks down or ends in divorce, what happens to the child’s 445 application?
It may be refused or terminated, as the 445 relies on the parent’s partner visa still being valid and under assessment.
Once the 445 visa is granted, does the child automatically transition to the 801 permanent visa?
No. A separate application to be added to the parent’s 801 application must be lodged for the child to gain permanent residency.
If the child is over 18, can they still apply for the 445 visa?
Yes, but they must prove financial dependency on the parent, such as being a full-time student or having a disability preventing self-support.
Can a 445 visa holder travel in and out of Australia while waiting to be added to the 801 visa?
Yes. The 445 is a temporary visa and usually includes multiple entry rights.
If the parent’s partner visa is refused, what happens to the child’s 445 visa?
It will automatically cease, as the 445 visa depends entirely on the parent’s partner visa.
Can the 445 visa allow the child to get permanent residency independently?
No. The 445 is only a bridging visa; the child must transition through the parent’s permanent partner visa (801/100) to obtain PR.
If the child is outside Australia, can they apply for the 445 visa?
Yes. The 445 is an offshore visa, and the application must be lodged while the applicant is outside Australia.
Note: This FAQ is general information only and not legal advice. Settings (e.g., eligibility tests, exemptions, and evidentiary rules) can change; always check the latest legislative instruments before applying.
