Overview
The Dependent Child (subclass 445) Visa is a temporary visa that allows a child to travel to and stay in Australia while the Department of Home Affairs processes their parent's permanent Partner visa application. This visa is essential for families where a child was not included in the initial temporary Partner visa application (subclass 309 or 820).
Once the subclass 445 visa is granted, the child must be added to the parent’s permanent visa application to ensure they transition to permanent residency together.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this visa in 2026, the applicant and the sponsor must meet the following requirements:
- The Child: Must be the biological child, stepchild, or adopted child of a parent who holds a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309 or 820).
- Dependency: The child must be under 18 years of age. If the child is 18 or older, they must be financially dependent on the parent or have a total physical or mental disability.
- Marital Status: The child must not be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
- Sponsorship: The child must be sponsored by the same person who sponsored the parent for their Partner visa.
- Health and Character: The child must meet mandatory Australian health and character requirements.
Visa Benefits
Holders of the subclass 445 visa enjoy several rights while in Australia:
- Stay: Reside in Australia until a decision is made on the parent’s permanent Partner visa.
- Work and Study: Full rights to work and study in Australia (subject to age-related mobile/work legislation).
- Travel: Unlimited travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
- Healthcare: Eligibility to enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
2026 Fees and Costs
The following table outlines the Base Application Charge for the subclass 445 visa as of the 2026 financial year. Note that these costs do not include health checks, police certificates, or biometrics.
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Main Applicant (Child) | $3,235 |
| Additional Applicant (18 and over) | $1,615 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | $810 |
Note: A small credit card surcharge applies to payments made via ImmiAccount.
Processing Times
Processing times for the Dependent Child visa can fluctuate based on application volumes and the completeness of the documentation provided. Based on the latest Department of Home Affairs data for 2026:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 17 Months.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 21 Months.
To avoid delays, ensure all mobile contact details are correct and all attachments are high-quality colour scans of original documents.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Confirm the parent holds a valid subclass 309 or 820 visa and has a pending permanent stage (subclass 100 or 801).
- Prepare Documentation: Collect birth certificates, valid passports, and evidence of dependency (for children over 18).
- Obtain Consent: If the child is under 18 and one parent is not moving to Australia, Form 1229 (Consent to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18) must be completed.
- Lodge Application: Submit the application through ImmiAccount or via the designated processing centre.
- Pay the Fee: Ensure the 2026 application charge of $3,235 is paid at the time of lodgement.
- Health and Character: Complete medical examinations and provide police clearances when requested by the Department.
- Add to Permanent Application: Once the 445 visa is granted, you must inform the Department to add the child to the parent's permanent visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the child apply for this visa if they are already in Australia?
Yes, the child can be inside or outside Australia when the application is lodged. However, if they are in Australia, they must not have a "No Further Stay" condition on their current visa.
What happens when the parent's permanent visa is granted?
The subclass 445 visa is temporary. Once the parent’s permanent Partner visa (subclass 100 or 801) is granted, the child’s status will usually transition to permanent residency at the same time, provided they have been correctly added to the parent's permanent file.
Does the child need to undergo a medical exam?
Yes. All applicants for Australian residency, including temporary dependents, must meet the health requirement.
