We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description: Complete guide to Australia\u2019s Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445): eligibility, documents, costs, process, work\/study rights, travel, and PR pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last Verified On: 2026-03-15<\/p>\n\n\n\n
| Item<\/th>\n | Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Country<\/td>\n | Australia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visa name<\/td>\n | Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visa short name<\/td>\n | 445<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category<\/td>\n | Temporary family visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Main purpose<\/td>\n | To allow a dependent child of a parent holding or applying for certain partner visas to live in Australia temporarily until the parent\u2019s permanent partner visa is decided<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Typical applicant<\/td>\n | A dependent child of a holder\/applicant of a temporary Partner visa linked to the onshore partner pathway<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Validity<\/td>\n | Temporary visa; generally remains in effect until a decision is made on the parent\u2019s permanent Partner visa, unless otherwise ceased or cancelled<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stay duration<\/td>\n | Temporary stay in Australia while linked parent partner application progresses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entries allowed<\/td>\n | Usually multiple entry while the visa remains valid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Extension possible?<\/td>\n | No formal \u201cextension\u201d in the usual sense; the child is expected to be added to or considered in relation to the parent\u2019s permanent partner stage if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Work allowed?<\/td>\n | Limited\/explain: work rights depend on visa conditions. This visa is for dependent children, so work is usually not the core issue; for older dependent children, check the visa grant notice for conditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Study allowed?<\/td>\n | Yes, generally study is permitted, subject to any conditions in the grant notice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Family allowed?<\/td>\n | No separate family stream under this visa; the applicant themselves is the child dependent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PR path?<\/td>\n | Possible\/explain: indirect path through inclusion in the parent\u2019s permanent partner visa stage if requirements are met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Citizenship path?<\/td>\n | Indirect\/explain: only after obtaining permanent residence and later meeting citizenship requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) is an Australian temporary family visa<\/strong> for a child who is a dependent child of a parent who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its purpose is to make sure a child is not left behind in the migration process when the parent is already in Australia on the partner route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practical terms, this visa exists because Australia\u2019s partner visa process often happens in stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a child was not included earlier, Subclass 445 can provide a temporary bridge so the child can come to Australia and later be considered for the permanent stage with the parent, if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is part of Australia\u2019s family migration framework<\/strong>, specifically tied to the partner visa system<\/strong>. It is not a visitor visa, not a student visa, and not a standalone permanent child migration route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a visa<\/strong> under Australian migration law. Australia generally uses a digital visa system<\/strong>, so applicants usually do not receive a visa label in the passport. Status is held electronically and can be checked through official systems such as VEVO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is not a general child visa for all families<\/strong>. It is narrowly designed for children tied to a parent\u2019s eligible partner visa status. Many people confuse it with child visas such as Subclass 101 or 802, which are different routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is mainly for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is generally not<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those applicants should usually consider another visa class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use Subclass 445 if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the situation, a different visa may be more suitable, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Subclass 445 is a very specific family-route visa. Choosing the wrong subclass is a common cause of delay or refusal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The main lawful purpose is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This usually supports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because it is a temporary resident visa for a child, the child may generally:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is not designed for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For younger children, this is usually irrelevant. For older dependent children, any work rights depend on the visa grant notice and conditions<\/strong>. Do not assume unrestricted work rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study is usually possible, but the exact conditions should be checked on the grant notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is temporary. It is not itself the final permanent status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is not a route for marriage-based migration on its own. It exists because of the parent\u2019s partner case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some children can be included or added within the parent\u2019s broader migration process. Others need a separate Subclass 445 application. The exact pathway depends on timing and the parent\u2019s visa stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applicant must be a dependent child<\/strong> of a parent who is in the qualifying partner visa process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact legal criteria should always be checked on the official Department of Home Affairs page and the legislative instrument in force at the time of application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no general public rule that only certain nationalities can apply. However:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants should hold a valid passport. Australia generally expects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no universal published \u201c6 months validity\u201d rule for visa grant itself, but airlines and transit countries may impose practical constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A \u201cdependent child\u201d usually means a child who meets Australian migration law requirements. This may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact dependency definition is legal and technical. Applicants should verify against current Home Affairs criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not generally applicable for this visa:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is central. Applicants normally need to prove:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The child may need health examinations depending on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Character rules may apply, particularly for older children. Police certificates may be required depending on age and residence history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australia does not publish this visa as a standard \u201cmust-buy private insurance before grant\u201d category in the same way as some temporary visas, but practical healthcare arrangements matter. Check visa conditions, Medicare eligibility, and family arrangements after arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Biometrics may be required depending on where the applicant applies and their nationality or processing location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a \u201cgenuine temporary entrant\u201d student-type test, but applicants still need to show they genuinely meet the family-based criteria and are not misusing the visa class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No points rounds, lotteries, or public ballot system are generally associated with this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australia is centrally managed by the Department of Home Affairs, but practical steps can vary by region for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may not qualify if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially for older children:\n– no evidence of financial reliance\n– unclear study status\n– child appears independent<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many applicants mistakenly file for 445 when they really need a direct child visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Assuming every child of a partner visa holder automatically qualifies for Subclass 445. The timing and legal structure matter.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This visa does not itself<\/strong> give permanent residence, but it can be an important step toward permanent status through the parent\u2019s partner pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always check the grant notice for conditions relating to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa\u2019s usefulness depends heavily on the parent\u2019s ongoing immigration status and progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is not meant to be renewed repeatedly like some temporary visas. The expected next step is usually connection to the parent\u2019s permanent stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subclass 445 is a temporary visa. Officially, it is intended to allow the child to remain in Australia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is generally granted with multiple travel<\/strong> while valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The effective date and travel facility details are set out in the visa grant notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike short-stay visitor visas, this is not normally framed as \u201c3 months per entry.\u201d It is a temporary residence-style visa linked to the family migration process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the visa ends and no further lawful status exists:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If applying from within Australia or transitioning within the family migration system, bridging visa rules may sometimes become relevant. These are highly case-specific and should be checked directly in ImmiAccount and grant notices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistakes:\n– blurry scans\n– expired passport with no explanation\n– missing pages for amended identity details<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa does not operate like a standard funds-threshold visa, but financial evidence may still help show dependency and living arrangements, especially for older dependent children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible evidence:\n– bank statements\n– money transfer records\n– proof parent pays tuition\/living costs\n– affidavits or declarations if appropriate<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not central. If the child is older and dependency is being assessed, employment documents may be relevant to show the child is not<\/strong> financially independent or to explain limited work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important for older dependent children:\n– school enrollment letters\n– university enrollment\n– attendance records\n– tuition payment receipts<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the most important sections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not always central, but may include:\n– Australian address where the child will live\n– evidence parent can accommodate the child\n– travel plans if offshore<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a typical invitation visa, but supporting documents from the parent may include:\n– parent\u2019s passport\n– parent\u2019s visa grant notice\n– parent\u2019s relationship visa application reference\n– letter explaining family circumstances<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the country, applicants may need:\n– military-related records\n– civil registry extracts\n– national family book records\n– alternate name spellings certificates\n– exit permission or guardianship confirmations<\/p>\n\n\n\n Documents not in English usually need English translation<\/strong>. Australia generally accepts translations done according to official requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:\n– do not assume apostille is always required\n– notarization rules vary by document type and where issued\n– if a translator must be accredited or qualified, follow Home Affairs guidance<\/p>\n\n\n\n If photos are required:\n– use current official Australian photo standards\n– recent photo\n– clear face, plain background\n– no heavy edits<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> Upload one clean PDF per evidence topic instead of dozens of random files. For example: \u201cChild_Birth_Certificate_and_Translation.pdf\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n No widely published fixed maintenance threshold is typically presented for Subclass 445 in the same way as visitor or student visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, financial evidence can still matter in practice for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually:\n– the parent linked to the partner visa\n– in some cases, the family household may provide support evidence<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even without a strict funds threshold, families should budget for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visa application charges change periodically. For this visa, applicants should check the latest official fee page<\/strong> before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Australian visa fees can change without much notice. Always verify the fee immediately before payment.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Check that:\n– the child is a dependent child under current law\n– the parent is in the right partner visa pathway\n– Subclass 445 is the correct route, not Subclass 101 or 802<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collect:\n– identity\n– relationship\n– dependency\n– custody\/consent\n– parent\u2019s partner visa evidence<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use ImmiAccount<\/strong> through the Department of Home Affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pay the visa application charge online through the official portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If instructed:\n– biometrics appointment\n– health exams\n– police certificates\n– any interview or further checks<\/p>\n\n\n\n Submit online unless the Department specifically requires another route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upload all supporting evidence in clear, labelled files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do these only when required or as instructed by the Department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monitor status in ImmiAccount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the Department requests more evidence, respond fully and on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will receive a written decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If granted, the visa is usually electronic. Review the grant notice carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel with:\n– valid passport\n– copy of grant notice\n– key family and custody documents<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australia does not usually have a universal local foreigner registration system like some countries, but practical post-arrival steps still matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No separate BRP-style card system generally applies. Status is digital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Processing times can vary significantly. Applicants should check the official Home Affairs processing time tool if available for this subclass or related family visa category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No general public premium processing option is commonly advertised for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family visas can take time. Applicants should apply as early as reasonably possible once eligible and once the correct pathway is confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May be required depending on:\n– nationality\n– country of application\n– operational requirements<\/p>\n\n\n\n An interview is not always required. If one is requested, it may focus on:\n– family relationship\n– who has custody\n– dependency\n– travel plans\n– consistency of the application<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical exams may be requested. These must be done with an approved panel physician where required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For minors, police checks are often not relevant, but for older children they may be requested depending on age and residence history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children under certain age thresholds may not need police certificates. Exact rules depend on current Home Affairs instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public, subclass-specific approval-rate data is not always readily published in a simple applicant-facing format. If no official current approval percentage is publicly available, applicants should not rely on unofficial estimates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on official criteria, refusals often involve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use:\n– full birth certificate\n– passport records\n– adoption orders if applicable\n– court documents for custody if relevant<\/p>\n\n\n\n For older children, include:\n– enrollment letters\n– living expense support proof\n– bank transfer records\n– statement explaining daily dependence on parent<\/p>\n\n\n\n If one parent is not traveling:\n– provide formal consent\n– provide custody orders\n– explain who has legal authority<\/p>\n\n\n\n Group documents into:\n– identity\n– relationship\n– dependency\n– parental status\n– custody\/consent<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there are:\n– large bank deposits\n– different spellings of names\n– delayed birth registration\n– changed passports\n– adoption or remarriage issues<\/p>\n\n\n\n include a short written explanation with supporting records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This reduces officer confusion and requests for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Poor translation is a major avoidable problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Families often waste time because they assume the parent\u2019s visa stage automatically supports a 445 application. Confirm the parent\u2019s current status first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the child is not a young minor, include:\n– proof of study\n– proof parent pays costs\n– explanation of why the child is still dependent<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the child is under 18 and one parent is absent, make this visible immediately. It is one of the first things a case officer may look for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n List every file uploaded and what it proves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the child or family had earlier visa refusals:\n– disclose them\n– explain what has changed\n– provide corrected evidence<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact Home Affairs only when:\n– there is a major change\n– documents were specifically requested\n– there is urgent compassionate information\n– you need to notify passport changes or family changes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not upload original-language civil records first and wait to translate later unless specifically allowed. That often causes delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not always, but it is often helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a classic employer-sponsored visa. The relevant support person is usually the parent<\/strong> connected to the partner visa pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is itself for the dependent child<\/strong>. It is not a family bundle visa for the child\u2019s own dependents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A child must meet the legal definition of dependent child under migration law. This can involve age, marital status, and dependency tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For minors:\n– consent from non-accompanying parent may be required\n– court orders may override or replace consent\n– best interests of the child are relevant<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australian immigration law generally recognizes same-sex parents\/partners where legal parentage and required evidence are established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because this visa is for dependent children, work is not the main purpose. For older dependent children:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study is generally consistent with the purpose of the visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable as a main purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For older children, any income-earning activity should be checked against visa conditions and age\/work law rules in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genuine unpaid volunteering is usually less problematic than paid work, but it should still not conflict with visa conditions or labor laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even with a granted visa, final entry is still subject to Australian border clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carry:\n– passport\n– visa grant notice\n– copy of parent\u2019s visa details\n– birth certificate\n– custody\/consent documents if relevant\n– contact details for parent in Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually the core issue for this visa, but travel planning should still be sensible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the child gets a new passport, update the passport details with Home Affairs so the electronic visa remains properly linked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel should be consistent with the passport details recorded in the visa system. Check any update requirements before boarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not in the normal \u201crenewal\u201d sense usually seen with temporary visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main pathway is for the child to be considered in relation to the parent\u2019s permanent Partner visa<\/strong> stage, if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible in some circumstances, but highly case-specific. The better route depends on:\n– age\n– dependency\n– whether the child qualifies for a Child visa\n– whether the parent\u2019s partner pathway is still active<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a further application is made in Australia, bridging visas may become relevant. Check individual circumstances carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Potentially yes. Its main value is that it can place the child in a position to be considered for permanent residence through the parent\u2019s permanent partner stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no direct citizenship route from Subclass 445 alone. The child would first need to become a permanent resident and later meet citizenship rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If:\n– the parent\u2019s permanent partner stage fails\n– the child no longer meets dependent child criteria\n– the family does not complete the correct next-step process<\/p>\n\n\n\n For minor children, tax is usually not a major visa issue. For older children with income:\n– Australian tax rules may apply\n– visa permission to work must still exist<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overstaying can seriously affect future visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No broad nationality-based eligibility exception is commonly published for Subclass 445 itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Core applicant group for this visa. Custody and best-interests evidence are critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Provide:\n– court orders\n– notarized consent if appropriate\n– evidence of legal custody<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adoption documents must clearly establish legal parent-child relationship and compliance with Australian recognition standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually acceptable if the underlying parent partner pathway and legal parentage are properly evidenced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible, but identity documentation becomes more complex. Official guidance should be checked carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Case-specific. Family migration interaction may be more complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure all identity records are aligned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Must be declared honestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Australia uses electronic visas, passport updates are very important. A valid visa linked to an old passport may still need passport-detail updates before travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Provide name-change certificate, marriage certificate, court order, or other legal evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If documents differ, include a brief explanation and legal record where available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applicant receives a refusal notice explaining:\n– reasons\n– legal basis\n– whether review rights exist\n– review deadline, if any<\/p>\n\n\n\n Review rights depend on:\n– where the application was made\n– who applied\n– migration law settings at the time\n– whether the decision is reviewable<\/p>\n\n\n\n If review is available, it may be through the Administrative Review Tribunal<\/strong> framework in force at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A fresh application may be possible if:\n– the refusal reasons can be fixed\n– the applicant still qualifies\n– no bars prevent reapplication<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visa application charges are usually not refunded<\/strong> after refusal unless a specific exception applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n |