Australia is not only known for its breathtaking landscape and vibrant cities, but also for its strong immigration agent Melbourne that supports the family reunion. A policy dependent is a child visa, which allows children to join their parents who are living in Australia either permanently or temporarily. If you are a parent who navigates the Australian immigration system, then understanding how this visa works, can help you keep your family together.
What is a dependent child’s visa?
A dependent child visa (Subclass 445) is a temporary visa designed for children who are in the process of applying for parents or they have been provided a temporary partner visa (sub -class 309 or 820). The dependent child visa allows the child to live in Australia while their parents’ permanent partner visas (subclass 100 or 801) are being processed.
There are also child visas for children (subclass 101 or 802) whose parents are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or characters from New Zealand, and who want to bring their dependent child visa australia.
This blog mainly focuses on the subclass 445 visa, which is part of the family visa stream.
Who can apply for a dependent hair visa?
To be eligible for the subclass 445 visa, the child needs:
Be sponsored by the same person sponsoring the parent’s partner visa
Be dependent on the sponsoring parent or their partner
Be under 18 years of age (exceptions are applied if the child is a full -time student and is financially dependent)
Married, engaged, or should not be in a real relationship
Be included in the parent’s permanent partner visa application
Importantly, the child must be outside Australia when applying for and when the visa is granted.
Why Choose the Dependent Child Visa?
The subclass 445 visa provides a temporary solution that allows a child to:
Stay in Australia with their parent while a permanent partner visa is being processed
Study and access healthcare through Medicare (subject to eligibility)
Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid
It bridges the gap between temporary and permanent residency for children who were not included in the parent’s initial visa application but who wish to join them later in Australia.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Confirm Eligibility
Ensure that both the child and the sponsoring parent meet the visa requirements. The parent must already hold a temporary partner visa (subclass 309 or 820).
Prepare Documents
This includes identification documents (passport, birth certificate), evidence of the child’s relationship with the parent, and documents proving the child’s dependency.
Nominate a Sponsor
The child must be sponsored by the same person who is sponsoring the parent’s partner visa. A sponsorship form (Form 40CH) must be completed and submitted.
Apply Online or by Paper
Most applications can be lodged online via the Department of Home Affairs website, but paper applications are also possible. Ensure all documents are translated into English and certified if required.
Wait for Processing
Visa processing times vary, but they can take several months. During this period, the child cannot enter Australia unless they already hold another valid visa.
Visa Outcome
If approved, the child is granted the subclass 445 visa and can travel to Australia. They will then need to be added to the parent’s permanent partner visa application before that visa is finalized.
Costs and Processing Time
Visa application fee: By 2025, the Aadhaar application fee is AUD 3,055 (subject to change).
Processing time: Most applications are processed within 9 to 14 months, depending on the perfection of individual conditions and application.
Additional fees may apply to health check -up, police certificate and document translations.
Important idea
Health and character requirements: The child must meet Australia’s health and character standards.
This may include medical examination and police checks (for more than 16 applicants).
Inclusion of brothers -in -sisters: Each child must have a separate application until they are applying as part of the single family unit.
Visa Status: Subclavian 445 visa holders should ensure that they understand their visa -related conditions, in which, when and how to apply for permanent residence.
After the 445 Visa: Next Steps
Once in Australia, at a subclass 445 visa, the permanent partner of the child who sponsors the child can be added to the visa application (Subclass 100 or 801). This step is important because the subclass 445 visa does not automatically lead to permanent residence. The sponsor parents will have to inform the department of home affairs and submit the updated form and documents.
Once the parent’s permanent partner visa is granted, the child will also receive permanent residency if included successfully.
final thoughts
Dependent child visas often offer families a significant route to live together during the long partner visa process in Australia. It may look complicated, but with proper plan and guidance, it allows a smooth transition to children involved in parents in Australia.
Also Read : Upcoming Intakes in Australia
