If you’re holding a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309 or 820) and have a child outside Australia (or born after your application), the Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) allows your child to live with you while your permanent Partner visa is being processed.
Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, who qualifies, what it costs, and what to do next.
What is the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)?
This is a temporary visa that allows the child of a temporary Partner visa holder to travel to and stay in Australia until a decision is made on their parent’s permanent Partner visa (subclass 100 or 801).
Once the visa is granted, the child must be added to the parent’s permanent Partner visa application to continue their pathway to permanent residency.
What the Child Can Do with This Visa
With a Subclass 445 visa, the child can:
- Live in Australia temporarily until a decision is made on the parent’s permanent Partner visa
- Travel in and out of Australia freely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, after being added to the parent’s visa application
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible:
- The child must be dependent on a parent who holds one of the following visas:
- Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309)
- Partner visa (subclass 820)
- Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
- The child must be:
- Under 18 years old, or
- Over 18 and financially dependent on the parent
- The child must be sponsored by the same person who sponsored the parent’s Partner visa
- Sponsorship must be approved and can be denied if there is a history of child-related criminal offences
Visa Cost
- AUD 3,140 for the main applicant
- Additional charges apply for any dependent children included in the application
- Other potential costs:
- Medical examinations
- Police checks
- Biometrics
Application Process
- The child can apply from inside or outside Australia
- Applications must be submitted online via ImmiAccount
- Ensure the correct visa application charge is paid, or it will be rejected
- All required documents and health checks must be completed
Processing Time
Processing may take longer if:
- The application is incomplete or inaccurate
- Extra documents or checks are required
- Information needs verification
You can check average processing times using the Visa Processing Time Guide Tool
After the Visa is Granted
Once the child is granted the subclass 445 visa:
- They must apply to be added to their parent’s permanent Partner visa application
- They must enter Australia before the first entry date, usually within 12 months
- Time spent outside Australia does not extend the visa
- A newborn child may be eligible for Citizenship by Descent if one parent is an Australian citizen
Can the Child Stay Longer?
No, this is a temporary visa. It cannot be extended. The child must be included in the parent’s permanent visa application to continue staying in Australia.
Including Other Family Members
- Each sibling must apply separately for their own subclass 445 visa
- Any dependent children of the child (e.g. grandchildren of the sponsoring parent) can be included in the main application
- All included family members must meet health requirements
Important Notes
- A child can’t hold this visa if they already hold another visa with a ‘No Further Stay’ condition
- The visa is electronically linked to the child’s passport (no physical visa label will be issued)
Final Advice
If you are in Australia on a temporary Partner visa and want your child to join you, the Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445) is the correct legal pathway. It supports family unity and allows your child to live, study, and access healthcare in Australia while waiting for your PR decision.
Always consult a licensed migration agent or your education & migration consultant (like RACC Indonesia) to ensure the process is smooth and compliant.
