Australia Dependent Visa

Australia Dependent Visa: Reuniting Families in Australia

Australia offers dependent visas to allow family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their relatives in Australia. These visas are primarily designed for spouses, children, and, in certain cases, dependent parents or grandparents.

Types of Dependent Visas

1. Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100):

   • Subclass 309 (Provisional): Allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to enter and stay in Australia temporarily while awaiting the decision on their permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) application.
   • Subclass 100 (Migrant): Provides permanent residency to the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

2. Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 101):

   • Allows a child under 18 years of age, who is outside Australia, to migrate to Australia to live with their parents.
   • The child must be unmarried and dependent on their Australian-based parent.

3. Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445):

   • Enables the child of a permanent Partner Visa applicant to remain in Australia until a decision is made on their parent’s permanent Partner Visa application.
   • The child must be sponsored by the same person and meet age or dependency criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

• Relationship to Sponsor: Applicants must be the spouse, de facto partner, child (unmarried and under 18), or dependent parent/grandparent of an eligible Australian sponsor.
• Sponsor Eligibility: Sponsors must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
• Financial Support: Dependents must be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia.
• Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character standards set by the Australian government.

Application Process

• Partner Visas: Applicants can be either inside or outside Australia when applying. The process involves a temporary visa (Subclass 309) leading to a permanent visa (Subclass 100).
• Child Visas: Applicants must be outside Australia at the time of application and decision.

Recent Changes

As of January 1, 2024, most international students are no longer permitted to bring their dependents to Australia. However, those on spouse or partner visas do not require additional funds for their dependent children. citeturn0search3

Benefits of Dependent Visas

• Work and Study Rights: Dependents may have the right to work and study in Australia, depending on the visa subclass.
• Healthcare Access: Visa holders may be eligible for Australia’s public health care system, Medicare.

Considerations

• Processing Times: Visa processing times can vary, and applicants should be prepared for potential delays.
• Documentation: Comprehensive and accurate documentation is crucial for a successful application.

For personalized advice and assistance with the application process, consulting with a registered migration agent or legal expert is recommended.