Dependent Child Visa – Subclass 445

The Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) is a temporary bridge for a child whose parent already holds a temporary Partner visa (subclasses 309 or 820) and is waiting on their permanent Partner visa outcome.

It lets the child join that parent in Australia for as long as the parent's own application is being processed, rather than making them wait it out separately overseas or apart from the family.

Who Can Apply

Generally, the child needs to be:

• under 18 years of age; or
• 18 to 25 and a full-time student who is financially dependent on their parent; or
• 18 or over with a disability that prevents them from working full-time.

The parent needs to hold one of the relevant temporary Partner visas — subclass 309, 820, or in some cases already hold the 445 itself.

What the Visa Allows

While the visa is in effect, the child can generally:

• study and work in Australia;
• travel to and from Australia; and
• access Medicare once the parent's permanent Partner visa application has been submitted, subject to the applicable enrolment rules.

Timing Matters

This visa runs for the duration of the parent's own visa processing — it isn't extendable beyond that on its own terms. Before the parent's permanent Partner visa is granted, the child generally needs to be included in that permanent application so their status doesn't lapse. Getting this timing right is one of the more important parts of planning a 445 application.

Evidence You'll Need

You'll generally need identity and character documents, evidence of the parent-child relationship, and financial documentation showing the child's circumstances. Applications are lodged on paper rather than online, and the Department can request DNA testing in some cases to confirm the relationship. Non-English documents need to be translated.

How I Can Help

I can assist with:

• assessing your child's eligibility and timing this alongside the parent's Partner visa;
• preparing relationship and dependency evidence;
• making sure your child is properly included before the parent's permanent visa is decided; and
• preparing and lodging the paper application.

Important Information

The information on this page is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute migration advice for your individual circumstances.

Visa requirements and processing arrangements can change. Meeting the general requirements described above does not guarantee that a visa application will be approved.

Professional advice should be obtained based on your individual circumstances before lodging an application.