Dependent Child Visa | Subclass 445
Dependent Child Visa
The Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) is a temporary visa that allows a child to travel to and stay in Australia while their parent’s permanent Partner visa application is being processed. It is specifically designed for families where a child was not included in the parent’s initial temporary Partner visa application (subclass 309 or 820).
Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary (Pathway to Permanent Residency) |
| Stay | Until a decision is made on the parent’s permanent Partner visa (subclass 100 or 801) |
| Cost | From $4,040 AUD1 |
| Processing Time | Between 23 and 28 months2 |
| Key Requirement | Parent must hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309 or 820) |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 445 visa, the child must meet strict criteria defined by the Department of Home Affairs to ensure they are a genuine dependent of the primary visa holder.
1. Parent Holding a Temporary Partner Visa
The primary eligibility requirement is that the child’s parent must currently hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309 or 820). If the parent has already been granted their permanent Partner visa (subclass 100 or 801), this visa is no longer applicable, and you may need to explore the Child visa (Offshore) Subclass 101 or the Child visa (Onshore) Subclass 802.
2. Dependency and Age Requirements
The applicant must be the biological, adopted, or step-child of the parent. Generally, the child must be under 18 years old. If the child is over 18, they must demonstrate they are financially dependent on the parent for their basic needs (food, shelter, and clothing) or have a disability that prevents them from working.
3. Sponsorship by the Parent’s Sponsor
The child must be sponsored by the same person who sponsored their parent for the Partner visa. This sponsor must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. We can help you assess your sponsor’s eligibility if their circumstances have changed.
4. Health and Character Standards
Like most Australian visas, the child must meet health and character requirements. For children over 16, police clearances from all countries where they have lived for 12 months or more over the last 10 years are required.
How to Apply for the Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa
A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Sponsor Status
We verify that the parent’s temporary visa is still active and that the child meets the legal definition of “dependent”.
Step 2: Prepare a Decision-Ready Application
Gather identity documents, relationship evidence, and sponsorship forms. For children over 18, comprehensive financial records showing dependency are vital to avoid immediate refusal.
Step 3: Lodge the Subclass 445 Visa Application
The application can be lodged while the child is either inside or outside Australia. Once lodged, if the child is onshore, they will typically receive a Bridging Visa to maintain lawful status.
Step 4: Health and Character Assessments
After lodgement, the Department will request health checks. We coordinate these with authorized providers to ensure the results are correctly linked to the file.
Step 5: Add the Child to the Permanent Partner Visa Application
Crucial Step: Once the 445 visa is granted, the child is not automatically a permanent resident. We must manually add the child to the parent’s pending permanent Partner visa (100 or 801) application.
Being on a Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa means…
What You Can Do on the Subclass 445 Dependent Child visa
While on the subclass 445 visa, the child enjoys significant rights:
- Live in Australia: Stay until the parent’s permanent visa is decided.
- Work and Study: Full rights to attend school or university and work in Australia (if age-appropriate).
- Medicare Access: The child is eligible to enrol in Medicare, providing access to Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Travel: Travel to and from Australia as often as desired while the visa is valid.
Your Visa Obligations
The child must continue to meet the dependency requirements. If the child marries or enters a de facto relationship before the permanent visa is granted, they will lose eligibility for the pathway to residency.
The Pathway to Australian Citizenship
Once the parent’s permanent Partner visa is granted, the child becomes a permanent resident. After 4 years of lawful residence in Australia (including 12 months as a PR holder), they may be eligible to apply for citizenship. See our Citizenship page here for further details about attaininig Australian citizenship.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The subclass 445 is, in effect, a bridge visa with a complex second stage. Failing to correctly add the child to the permanent application can result in the child being left without a visa. Our expert team navigates this for you.
Our Subclass 445 Services include:
Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment: Identifying any “No Further Stay” conditions on the child’s current visa.
Complex Dependency Arguments: Specialist handling for children over 18 or those with unique medical needs.
Document Verification: Ensuring all parental consent and custody documents meet Departmental standards.
Decision-Ready Application: Lodgement by Registered Migration Agents to ensure the fastest possible processing.
Permanent Visa Integration: We handle the final, critical step of linking the child to the parent’s 100/801 application.
And much, much more.
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 445 Child Dependent Visa
Q: Can I apply for the 445 visa if my parent already has a Permanent Partner visa?
No. If your parent is already a permanent resident (subclass 100 or 801), you must apply for a Child visa (Offshore) Subclass 101 or the Child visa (Onshore) Subclass 802.
Q: Does the child need to be in Australia?
A: The child can be in or outside Australia when they apply for the 445 visa and when the visa is granted.
Q: Can the child work on a 445 visa?
A: Yes. The 445 visa provides full work and study rights in Australia.
Q: What happens if the parent’s Partner visa is refused?
A: If the parent’s application is refused, the 445 visa will generally also be impacted. In such cases, you may have rights to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Our firm specialises in ART appeals for family visas – click here for further details.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 16 April 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
