Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

Visa Eligibility

• The child can be in or outside Australia when the visa application is submitted. If the application was submitted while the child was in Australia, the visa will not be granted if they are outside Australia when DoHA makes their decision. If the application was submitted while the child was outside Australia, the visa will not be granted if they are in Australia when DOHA makes their decision.
• The child must be dependent on a parent who holds a:
  • Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309)
  • Partner visa (subclass 820)
  • Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
• The child must apply to be added to their parent’s permanent Partner visa application when they have been granted this 445 visa.
• If the child is in Australia, they can’t hold another visa that has a ‘No further stay’ condition.
• The child must be sponsored by the same person who sponsored or nominated their parent’s permanent Partner Visa application. The sponsorship must be approved by DoHA.
• The child must be either: under 18 years OR over 18 years and financially dependent on the parent who has the temporary Partner or Dependent Child visa.
• The child and any dependents must meet all the health and character requirements.
• The child must not have any debt to pay to the Australian government.
• Children above 18 or older must: have read, or had explained to you, the Life in Australia book AND sign an Australian Values Statement that confirms you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws.
• DoHA will only grant this visa to a child younger than 18 years if either: the child has the written consent of everyone who can legally decide where they live, OR the laws of the child’s home country allow them to leave their home country, OR it is consistent with any Australian child order about the child.
• Visa will not be granted if it is not in the best interests of an applicant under 18.

445 Visa Benefits

• move to or stay in Australia until we decide on their parent’s permanent Partner visa application
• travel to and from Australia
• work and study in Australia

Once the child has been granted this visa, they must apply to be added to their parent’s permanent Partner visa application.

When an application to add the child to their parent’s permanent Partner visa application has been submitted, the child can enrol in Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare.

Notes for Sponsors

• This visa lets you sponsor a child to move to or stay in Australia, while we decide their parent’s permanent Partner visa.
• You can sponsor a child for this visa if you sponsor their parent’s Partner visa application. DOHA must approve the sponsorship.
• There is no cost to apply for sponsorship. However, as a sponsor, you will have financial obligations.
• As the sponsor, you agree to:
  • be responsible for the cost to the Australian Government of the child living in Australia
  • ensure the child complies with their visa conditions
  • if the child works in Australia, you must ensure they comply with workplace legislation and awards
• Your sponsorship obligations last from the date we grant the visa until we decide on their parent’s permanent Partner visa application

General Notes

• The child can’t stay in Australia longer by extending this visa. Talk to our expert registered migration agents to explore your visa options.
• The child’s dependent children can be included in their application when they apply or at any time before we decide the application.
• DoHA might not approve sponsorship if the parent or their partner has been charged or convicted of offences involving children.

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for the 445 dependent child visa can range from 5 to 10 months. However, the application can take longer, depending on the individual’s circumstances.

Make sure to fill in the application form completely and truthfully and submit all required documentation promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.