Why Apply for an Australia Dependent Visa?

Australia's commitment to family unity is reflected in its immigration policies, offering various dependent visa options to reunite families. Whether you're an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, bringing your loved ones to Australia ensures shared experiences and support.
 

• 47,000+ Partner Visas Granted in the 2023–24 migration program
• 5+ Dependent Visa Streams
• Work & Study Rights which directly lead to Australian permanent residency
• Faster Processing averages 10–13 months
   

What is an Australia Dependent Visa?

An Australia Dependent Visa is designed to reunite families by allowing eligible family members to live in Australia with their sponsor, who may be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa category plays a vital role in Australia's migration policy by promoting family unity and supporting the social and emotional well-being of migrants.
 

Dependent visas are available under both temporary and permanent pathways, depending on the sponsor’s immigration status and the relationship with the applicant. The most common relationships covered include:
 

• Spouses and de facto partners
• Dependent children
• Other eligible relatives under specific circumstances
   

Depending on the visa subclass, dependents may be allowed to work, study, access healthcare, and apply for permanent residency over time. The application must include evidence of a genuine relationship and meet health and character requirements.
 

Whether you’re a skilled worker, student, or settled Australian resident, the Australia Dependent Visa stream allows you to build your life in Australia alongside your family.
 

Types of Australia Dependent visa

Australia offers a range of dependent visa options to allow eligible family members—such as partners, children, and relatives—of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or certain temporary visa holders to live in Australia.
 

1. Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 – Onshore)

This visa is for spouses or de facto partners already in Australia.
 

Two-stage visa:

• Subclass 820 (Temporary) allows stay and work rights.
• Subclass 801 (Permanent) follows after a qualifying period, often 2 years.
   

2. Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100 – Offshore)

This visa is for partners applying from outside Australia.
 

Two stages:

• Subclass 309 (Temporary) allows entry and residence.
• Subclass 100 (Permanent) is granted after ongoing relationship validation.
   

3. Child Visa (Subclass 101 – Offshore / 802 – Onshore)

This visa is for biological, adopted, or step-children of Australian citizens or PRs.
 

Children must be:

• Under 18, or
• A full-time student under 25 who is financially dependent, or
• Over 18 and unable to work due to disability.
   

4. Dependent Student Visa (Subsequent Entrant – Subclass 500)

This visa is for spouses and children of Student Visa holders.
 

• Allows dependents to live, study, and in some cases, work in Australia.
• Work rights depend on the level of study of the primary visa holder.
   

5. Dependent Work Visa (Subsequent Entrant – Subclass 482, 485, etc.): For dependents of skilled workers on temporary work visas like:

• Subclass 482 (TSS – Temporary Skill Shortage)
• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
   

Generally allows spouses full work rights and children access to schooling.
 

*Want to migrate to Australia? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

Eligibility Criteria for Australia Dependent Visa

To qualify for an Australia Dependent Visa, applicants and sponsors must meet specific eligibility criteria based on the visa subclass. Below are the key requirements:
 

• Genuine Relationship with Sponsor (For Partner Visas)

For Partner Visas (subclass 820/801 or 309/100), the applicant must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with the sponsor, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Evidence of cohabitation, financial interdependence, and social commitment is required. De facto partners must generally show at least 12 months of relationship history, unless registered.
 

• Age and Dependency Conditions for Children

1. For Child Visas (subclass 101 or 802), the child must be:
2. Under 18 years of age; or
3. A full-time student aged 18–25 who is financially dependent on the sponsor; or
4. Over 18 and unable to work due to a disability.
5. The child must be unmarried and not in a de facto relationship.
    

• Health and Character Requirements

All applicants must meet Australian health standards, which may include medical examinations and chest X-rays. In addition, applicants aged 16 and above must provide police clearance certificates to satisfy the character requirements. These checks ensure that the applicant does not pose a public health or safety risk to Australia.

• Sponsor’s Immigration and Financial Status
   

The sponsor must be:

• Aged 18 years or older
• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Able to provide accommodation and financial support for the dependent
• Free from any outstanding public debts to the Australian Government
   

Australia Dependent Visa Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• Valid passports and identification documents
• Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)
• Health examinations and police clearance certificates
• Completed visa application forms and associated fees
   

How to Apply for an Australia Dependent Visa?

The application process for an Australia Dependent Visa varies slightly depending on the visa subclass, but the general steps are outlined below:
 

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that both the sponsor and the dependent meet all eligibility requirements. This includes:
 

• The sponsor’s residency or visa status (citizen, PR, student, or skilled worker)
• The nature of the relationship (spouse, child, de facto partner)
• Health, character, and financial capacity requirements
   

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Collect all relevant documents to support the application. Common documents include:
 

• Valid passports for all applicants
• Birth/marriage certificates
• Evidence of relationship (joint bank accounts, photos, communications)
• Sponsor’s visa or citizenship documents
• Health and police clearance certificates
• Make sure documents are in English or officially translated.
   

Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount

Register for an ImmiAccount, the Australian government’s official online visa application portal. This platform allows you to:
 

• Start, save, and submit your visa application
• Upload documents
• Track progress and receive updates
   

Step 4: Complete the Application Forms

Select the correct visa subclass and fill out the appropriate online application form in your ImmiAccount.
 

For example:

• Subclass 820/801 for onshore partners
• Subclass 101/802 for child visas
• Subsequent entrant forms for 500 or 482 visa dependents
   

Step 5: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the required visa fee using the available payment methods in your ImmiAccount. The fee varies by subclass—for example:
 

• AUD 8,850 for a Partner Visa
• AUD 3,055 for a Child Visa
• AUD 650+ for student or work visa dependents
   

Step 6: Submit the Application

Once the application form is complete and documents are uploaded, submit your application online via ImmiAccount. Double-check that all sections are complete before final submission.
 

Step 7: Await Processing

After submission:

• Monitor your ImmiAccount for updates or additional document requests.
• Attend biometrics appointments or medical exams if required.
• Partner and child visas may take several months to over a year to process, depending on the category.
   

Australia Dependent Visa Fees

Fees vary depending on the visa subclass:
 

Australia Dependent Visa Fees
Visa Type	Application Fee (AUD)
Partner Visa (820/801)	AUD 9,095
Child Visa	AUD 1,355 for adults, AUD 680 for children
Dependent (Student 500)	AUD 620
Dependent (482 Worker)	AUD 780- AUD 3,115

 

Note: Additional charges may apply for subsequent entrants and dependents over 18 years of age.

Australia Dependent Visa Processing Time

Australia Dependent Visa Processing Times
Visa Type	Subclass	Approximate Processing Time
Partner Visa (Onshore)	Subclass 820/801	11–24 months
Partner Visa (Offshore)	Subclass 309/100	12–25 months
Child Visa	Subclass 101/802	9–17 months
Dependent Student Visa (Subsequent Entrant)	Subclass 500	2–3 months
Dependent Work Visa (Subsequent Entrant)	Subclass 482	1–3 months

 

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

Navigating the visa application process can be complex. Y-Axis offers comprehensive support to ensure a smooth experience:

• Expert Guidance: Receive personalized advice on selecting the appropriate visa type.
• Document Preparation: Assistance in compiling and reviewing necessary documentation.
• Application Support: Step-by-step help in completing and submitting your application.
• Updates and Follow-Up: Regular updates on your application status and liaison with immigration authorities if needed.
• Guidance to apply for Dependent visa
• Sign up with Y-Axis for complete guidance

 

With Y-Axis, you can confidently plan your Australian journey, knowing that experienced professionals are guiding you every step of the way.