You’ve secured your Australian visa. The relief is real. But then comes the question that keeps most people up at night: how do I bring my family with me?
Whether it’s your partner, your children, or a dependent relative, understanding how the dependent visa system works in Australia can mean the difference between a smooth reunion and months of frustration. The rules vary depending on your visa type, the age of your dependents, and when you’re adding them to your application.
At One Planet Migration Law, our principal lawyer Tina Nematian works with families every week who are trying to navigate exactly this situation. Some are adding a spouse to a Skills in Demand visa before lodgement. Others had a baby after their visa was granted and need to know what happens next.
What Does “Dependent” Actually Mean in Australian Immigration?
Australian immigration law doesn’t use the word “dependent” casually. It has a precise legal meaning defined in Regulation 1.12 of the Migration Regulations 1994, which sets out who qualifies as a “member of the family unit.”
Under this regulation, your family unit can include:
- Your spouse or de facto partner (including same-sex partners), provided the relationship is genuine and continuing
- Your dependent children under 18 who are not married or in a de facto relationship
- Your dependent children aged 18 but not yet 23 who are financially dependent on you and not married or in a de facto relationship
- Your dependent children aged 23 or over, but only if they are unable to work due to a physical or cognitive limitation and remain financially dependent on you
- Dependent children of your dependent children (grandchildren in limited circumstances)
There’s an important distinction here. For most skilled and employer-sponsored visas, all of the above categories can apply. But for student visas (subclass 500), the definition is narrower. You can only include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children under 18.
Which Australian Visas Allow You to Include Dependents?
Employer-Sponsored and Skilled Visas
The subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa allows you to include your partner and dependent children. Your dependents get the same visa duration as you, and your partner receives full work rights.
The subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa is a permanent visa, so dependents get permanent residency too. The same applies to the subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visas.
The subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa is provisional, but still allows dependents, sharing the same regional conditions.
Student Visas
On a subclass 500 student visa, you can include your partner and dependent children under 18. Declare them upfront even if they’re not travelling immediately. Adding them later as subsequent entrants is easier if declared.
Partners of student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (bachelor’s degree students) or with no limits (master’s/PhD students).
Partner and Family Visas
If you’re applying for a partner visa (subclass 309/100 or 820/801), you can include dependent children too.
Adding Dependents: Before vs After Grant
Including Dependents at Lodgement
The simpler path. Add each family member as an additional applicant when lodging through ImmiAccount, with identity documents, relationship evidence, and additional applicant charges paid at once. Each dependent must meet health and character requirements.
Adding Dependents After Lodgement
Complete Form 1436 (Adding an additional applicant after lodgement), with supporting documents and the additional applicant charge.
Important exception: newborn babies born after lodgement but before a decision don’t attract an additional applicant charge. You still notify the Department and provide birth certificate and passport details.
Adding Dependents After a Visa Is Granted (Subsequent Entrant)
If your visa is already granted, you apply through the subsequent entrant stream. The visas that support this include:
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand)
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
- Subclass 500 (Student)
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
For 482 subsequent entrants, you need a written letter from your sponsor extending obligations to the new family member.
Check current processing times on the Department’s website, or read our visa processing times guide.
Dependent Children: Age Limits and Custody
Age Limits
- Under 18: Generally included without proving financial dependency (must be unmarried, no de facto relationship)
- 18 but not yet 23: Must be financially dependent, unmarried, and not in a de facto relationship
- 23 and over: Only if they have a physical or cognitive limitation preventing work, and remain financially dependent
For student visas, the cutoff is strictly under 18.
Step-Children and Adopted Children
Step-children can be included when you are the current partner of the child’s biological or adoptive parent. Adopted children are treated the same as biological children, provided the adoption is legally recognised.
Custody and Consent Requirements
For a child under 18, the Department requires evidence that every person with legal authority over where the child lives has consented to the child migrating to Australia.
- Shared custody: non-travelling parent must provide written consent
- Court order granting sole responsibility: certified copy required
- If non-travelling parent refuses without a court order: the visa cannot generally be granted to the child
Health and Character Requirements
Every dependent must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
Health Examinations
Conducted by Bupa Medical Visa Services (in Australia) or panel physicians (overseas). Typically includes general medical exam, chest x-ray (applicants aged 11 and over), and additional tests. Results are generally valid for 12 months.
The Significant Cost Threshold
The significant cost threshold (SCT) was raised to $86,000 following amendments in 2024 (up from $51,000). Costs are generally assessed over a 5-year period (though longer periods may apply for ongoing conditions). Read our guide on understanding the significant cost threshold.
Character Requirements
Dependents aged 16 and over must provide police clearance certificates from every country they’ve lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years. Under 16 typically not required unless specifically requested.
Additional Applicant Fees (from 1 July 2025)
| Visa Subclass | Adult (18+) | Under 18 |
|---|---|---|
| 482 (Skills in Demand) | $3,210 | $805 |
| 186 (Employer Nomination) | $2,455 | $1,230 |
| 189 (Skilled Independent) | $2,455 | $1,230 |
| 190 (Skilled Nominated) | $2,455 | $1,230 |
Check the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing page or Visa Pricing Estimator for current amounts.
Additional costs to budget: medical exams ($300-$500 per person), police clearances, English testing if applicable, health insurance, document translations.
School-Age Dependents
Visa Condition 8517: School Attendance
For many temporary visas, any dependent child aged 5 to 18 in Australia for more than three months must be enrolled in and attending school full-time.
School Fees by Visa Type
- Permanent visa holders (186, 189, 190): Children treated as domestic students, free public schooling
- Temporary visa holders (482, 494, 491): Varies by state. Some offer free/reduced fees, others charge international rates
- Student visa holders (500): Typically international student fees ($5,000-$15,000 per year for public schools)
For WA specifically, see the enrolment framework for visa holder children.
Medicare Access for Dependents
- Permanent visa holders: Full Medicare from grant date
- Certain temporary visa holders: Eligible via Ministerial Order (Section 6(1) of Health Insurance Act 1973)
- RHCA countries: Australia has agreements with 11 countries including the UK, New Zealand, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, and Sweden
- Student visa holders: Generally not eligible. Must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
See our detailed breakdown of Medicare eligibility for temporary visa holders.
Common Mistakes
- Not declaring family members upfront
- Assuming all visas treat dependents the same way
- Missing the consent requirement for children
- Letting health examinations expire (12-month validity)
- Underestimating total costs
- Not getting the employer’s sponsorship extension letter for 482 subsequent entrants
When to Get Professional Help
Complex situations where legal advice helps:
- Blended families with step-children
- Custody disputes or uncooperative ex-partner overseas
- Adult children (18 but not yet 23) where financial dependency needs proving
- Dependents with health conditions that may trigger the SCT
- Subsequent entrant applications after some time
- Situations where you didn’t declare a family member originally
If you’re also considering bringing parents, see our parent visa options guide.
Bringing Your Family Together
The Australian immigration system allows families to stay together, but careful planning matters. Declare family members upfront. Budget for full costs. Sort custody consent well in advance. For non-standard situations, get professional advice before lodging.
Get in touch with our team for help with your specific situation.
