(Subclass 445) · Partner, family and parent visas
Dependent Child visa
A child of someone who holds a temporary partner visa (820 or 309), so the child can be added to the family before the permanent stage is decided.
- Stay
Temporarily, until we have decided the permanent visa application of the parent of the child.
- Government charge
From AUD4,040.00 (concessions apply in limited circumstances)
- Visa type
Temporary
Notice from the Department
From 23 July 2025, applicants for Child visa subclasses 101, 102, 802, 445, 117 and 837 can import their paper application into ImmiAccount. Some existing applications made outside of Australia before 1 April 2020 cannot be imported into ImmiAccount.
For more information, see Update to ImmiAccount — new online services for paper-based Child, Other Family, Former Residents, and New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa applications.
Official information from the Department of Home Affairs
The material below reproduces English-language information from the Department of Home Affairs about this visa. Requirements may have changed since it was added to this website. Use the source link to check the latest information; I can explain relevant provisions in Vietnamese or English during a consultation.
Reading asFor Applicants
Overview
Stay
Temporarily, until we have decided the permanent visa application of the parent of the child.
Government charge
From AUD4,040.00 (concessions apply in limited circumstances)
Cost concessions
From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application. See About this visa.
Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
With this visa the child can
- move to or stay in Australia until we decide on their parent's permanent Partner visa application
- travel to and from Australia
- work and study in Australia
- attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program, if eligible.
The child must
- be a dependent child of the visa-holding parent
- be sponsored by the nominator or sponsor of the visa-holding parent.
Help with your visa
If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on who can help with your visa application.
About this visa
With this visa the child can
- move to or stay in Australia until we decide on their parent's permanent Partner visa application
- travel to and from Australia
- work and study in Australia
- attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program, if eligible.
Once the child has been granted this visa, they must apply to be added to their parent's permanent Partner visa application.
When an application to add the child to their parent's permanent Partner visa application has been submitted, the child can enrol in Australia's public healthcare scheme, Medicare.
How long the child can stay
This is a temporary visa. It starts on the date we grant the visa.
The child can stay until we decide their parent's permanent Partner visa application or their parent withdraws their permanent Partner visa application.
Stay longer
The child can't stay in Australia longer by extending this visa. Explore your visa options.
Include other children
Each of the child's siblings must apply for this visa separately.
The child's dependent children can be included on their application when they apply or at any time before we decide the application.
Dependent children of the child who apply for the visa must meet our health requirement.
Family members who are not coming to Australia might also have to meet our health requirement.
Newborn child
Find out what to do if your child is born after you apply.
Cost
The visa costs AUD4,040.00 for the main applicant.
There is also a charge for each dependent child who applies for the visa with the main applicant.
There might also be other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
To work out what the visa will cost, use the Visa Pricing Estimator.
The estimator does not consider the other costs.
Cost concessions for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste visa applicants
From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application.
We will charge eligible applicants the lower visa application cost during the application process. We will recognise eligible applicants when they apply with a valid passport from one of the specified countries.
Family members are also eligible for the lower visa cost. We base this on the passport of the primary applicant (or visa holder who satisfies the primary visa criteria).
The primary applicant must hold a valid passport issued by one of the following countries:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Apply from
The child can be in or outside Australia when the visa application is submitted.
Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
The application can take longer to process if:
- it is not filled in correctly
- it does not include all required documents or we need more information
- it takes us time to verify your information
- you do not make full payment at the time of initial lodgement.
We cannot process the application if you do not pay the correct visa application charge. If this happens, we will let you know and may return your application.
You should receive an acknowledgement of your application (and advice of any associated bridging visa) within approximately one (1) month after lodgement.
We will contact you using your authorised method if we need more information. Otherwise, we will contact you with the outcome of your application.
The child's obligations
The child must enter Australia before the date specified in their grant letter. The first entry date is generally set at 12 months from the date of visa grant.
The child and any of their family members who are granted the visa must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws.
See what conditions might be attached to this visa on our visa conditions page.
Once the child has been granted this visa, they must apply to be added to their parent's permanent Partner visa application.
Travel
The child can travel to and from Australia as often as they wish while the visa is valid.
Time spent outside Australia does not extend the visa.
Visa label
We will digitally link the visa to the child's passport. They will not get a label in their passport.
Eligibility
You must meet all of the following eligibility criteria to be eligible for this visa.
Be dependent on a parent who holds a certain visa
The child must be dependent on a parent who holds a:
- Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309)
- Partner visa (subclass 820)
- Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
The child must apply to be added to their parent's permanent Partner visa application when they have been granted this 445 visa.
If the child is in Australia, they can't hold another visa that has a ‘No further stay’ condition.
Citizenship by Descent
The child may apply for Australian citizenship by descent instead of a visa to travel to Australia, if:
- the child was born outside Australia
- one of their parents was an Australian citizen at the time of their child’s birth.
Have a sponsor
The child must be sponsored by the same person who sponsored or nominated their parent's permanent Partner visa application.
We must approve the sponsorship before the visa can be granted.
If the sponsor and/or their spouse or de facto partner (if any) have a pending registrable offence charge, we will refuse the sponsorship and visa application.
If the sponsor and/or their spouse or de facto partner (if any) have a registrable offence conviction, we can only approve the sponsorship in very limited circumstances.
Learn more about measures for the protection of children.
Be this age
The child must be either:
- under 18 years
- over 18 years and financially dependent on the parent who has the temporary Partner or Dependent Child visa
Meet the health requirement
The child and any of their dependent children who apply for the visa with them must meet our health requirement.
Family members who are not coming to Australia with the child might also have to meet our health requirement.
Meet the character requirement
If the child is aged 16 years and over they must meet our character requirement.
We might also ask that other dependent children who apply for the visa meet the requirement.
Sign the Australian values statement
If the child is 18 years of age or older, they must:
- have read, or had explained to them, the Life in Australia booklet
- sign an Australian Values Statement that confirms they will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws
Have paid back debt to the Australian Government
If the child owes the Australian Government money you must have it paid it back or have a formal arrangement to pay it back.
Have consent to travel to Australia
We will only grant this visa to a child younger than 18 years if either:
- the child has the written consent of everyone who can legally decide where they live, or
- the laws of the child’s home country allow them to leave their home country, or
- it is consistent with any Australian child order about the child
Best interests of the child
We might not grant this visa if it is not in the best interests of an applicant under 18.
Meet all these criteria? Check how to apply in our step by step guide
Step by step
Follow this step by step guide.
1Before you apply
Check the child's passport is valid. Tell us if someone is acting on the child's behalf.
Get help with your application
Only some people can help you with your application. If you appoint someone to give you immigration assistance they must be:
You can appoint anyone to receive documents on your behalf relating to your visa matter.
2Gather your documents
Complete the forms and get the photos, documents and translations you need.
Provide accurate documents
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide true information.
Identity documents
Provide the pages of the child's current passport showing their photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.
Also provide:
- a national identity card, if the child has one
- proof of change of name
Documents that prove a change of name include:
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Photographs
Provide 4 recent passport-size photos (45mm x 35mm) of the child and of any other dependent child included in the application.
Photographs must be:
- passport-size (45mm x 35mm)
- less than 6 months old
- good quality colour. We don't accept laser copies
- a view of your full face
- taken against a plain light-coloured background
The child can wear untinted prescription glasses. If the child wears a head covering for religious reasons, they can show only their face.
Character documents
Children over 16 years must provide a police certificate from every country they have spent 12 months or more in the last 10 years since turning 16.
We only accept National Police Certificates applied for under Code 33 – Immigration/Citizenship. The Australian Federal Police issue these certificates. We don't accept standard disclosure certificates or certificates issued by Australian state or territory police.
For immigration purposes, police certificates are valid for 12 months from the issue date.
If anyone included in the application served in the armed forces of any country, they must provide military service records or discharge papers.
Children over 16 years must complete and provide Form 80 Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment.
Child's relationship to the parent
Provide evidence the child is related to the parent, such as:
- a birth certificate
- a marriage certificate
- an adoption certificate
- a family status certificate or family book, if officially issued and maintained
Financial documents
If the child is over 18 when the application is made, provide evidence they are dependent on their parent who holds the temporary Partner or Dependent Child visa for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing, and how long this support has been provided. Evidence could include:
- bank statements
- money transfers
- rent receipts
Dependants under 18 documents
For every dependent under 18 years old who is applying with the child, provide:
- identity documents
- proof of their relationship with the applicant, like a birth certificate
- character documents, if applicable
Parental responsibility documents
You must get consent for any applicant under 18 years of age to migrate to Australia from anyone who has a legal right to decide where the child lives.
They must complete either:
- Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years
- a statutory declaration giving their consent for the child to stay Australia on this visa
Include an identity document with the signature and photo of the person who completed the form or declaration, such as a:
- passport
- driver’s licence
Alternatively, you can show us:
- an Australian court order that allows your child to migrate to Australia, or
- that the laws of the child's home country allow them to leave their home country
Applicants over 18 with disability
Provide evidence from a qualified medical practitioner that the applicant has a total or partial loss of mental or body function that stops them from working.
Tell us you are getting help
To nominate someone to:
- receive your correspondence, use Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
- provide immigration assistance, use Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.
Send written notification or your forms with your paper application.
Prepare your documents
Translate
Have all non-English documents translated into English.
Provide original and translated documents in your application.
Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Translators outside Australia do not have to be accredited. But on each translation, they must include their:
- full name
- address and telephone number
- qualifications and experience in the language they are translating
These details must be in English.
Certify
Provide each supporting document as a certified copy. This includes:
- non-English documents
- English translations
Photographs of the applicant and any of their dependent children included in the application must also be certified.
Keep
Keep a copy of the completed application.
Send
Send us:
- certified copies of all documents
- as much information as possible to help us decide the application
- each document only once, even if you are using to show more than one thing
- all documents with the application, if you can
3Apply for the visa
You must apply for this visa on paper.
Provide accurate information
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide true information.
Apply on paper
Complete the following form.
Form 918 Application for a subclass 445 (temporary) visa by a dependent child (453KB PDF)
Send it by post or by courier to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. You must include correct prepaid postage.
You must pay the application charge before you post your application. See how to pay.
We will not process your application until you pay the application charge. Your application should also include:
- proof you have paid the application charge, and
- all relevant supporting documents.
You must complete the forms in English.
If you submit your application at any other office or in any other way, it will not be valid. We will not consider invalid applications further. You cannot submit applications for this visa in person.
By post:
Department of Home Affairs
Child and Other Family Processing Centre
Locked Bag 7
NORTHBRIDGE WA 6865
AUSTRALIA
OR
By courier:
Department of Home Affairs
Child and Other Family Processing Centre
Wellington Central
836 Wellington Street
WEST PERTH WA 6005
AUSTRALIA
If any of the above steps are incomplete, your application may be invalid. We do not process invalid applications. We will notify you if this is the case, and if requested, return your application.
Do not send original documents with your application, only send certified copies. Keep a copy of your completed application for your own records, including any supporting documents.
4After you apply
We will tell you when we have received the application and documents. See what you can and must do after you apply.
Importing your paper application
After you or someone else has submitted your paper application, import it into your ImmiAccount. You can do this after you get your acknowledgement letter.
Importing your application into ImmiAccount gives you access to online services, making it easier to manage your application.
You can use our online services in ImmiAccount to:
- attach supporting documents to your application
- view messages
- update your details
- view your application status
- apply for a Bridging Visa (BV)
- withdraw your application.
Follow these steps to import your application:
- Create a new ImmiAccount or log into your existing ImmiAccount. Our website has instructions on how to use ImmiAccount.
- Once you log in, import your application by entering your:
- application ID
- date of birth
- identity document number (Passport, ImmiCard or Titre de Voyage number).
For more information, see Apply and Manage your application in ImmiAccount.
You can import any new and existing applications for this visa made in Australia.
Status updates
We can't provide updates on the progress of the application within global visa processing times. We will tell you if we need anything further.
Travel
If you applied while the child was onshore, and the child wants to travel overseas during visa processing, they need a valid visa to return to Australia.
Learn about visa expiry.
Health exams
We will tell you when to arrange the child’s health examinations.
Biometrics
We might ask for biometrics. We will tell you if you need to provide them.
Send more information
If you did not include all necessary documents when you applied, provide them as soon as you can.
We might also ask you to provide more information.
If you have imported your application into ImmiAccount, to provide any additional documents upload them into ImmiAccount.
If you can’t use ImmiAccount, to provide any additional documents attach them to a completed Child and Orphan Relative Visa Processing Centre online form.
Stay lawful
If the child was in Australia when the application was submitted, make sure they stay lawful by holding a valid visa while we process it.
When a child applies for this visa in Australia, they are granted a bridging visa. If their current visa expires before we decide their application, the bridging visa will start. The child can stay in Australia on the bridging visa while we process their new visa application.
Learn more about visa expiry.
Add family members
You can add the dependent children of the child to the application at any time before we decide the application.
Newborn children
Find out what to do if your child is born after you apply.
Mistakes on your application
Let us know as soon as you can.
Complete Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers.
If you have imported your application into ImmiAccount, you can use it to upload the completed form.
If you can’t use ImmiAccount, attach the completed form to a completed Child and Orphan Relative Visa Processing Centre online form.
Help with your application
Let us know if you no longer want someone to:
- receive your correspondence - complete Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
- provide immigration advice - complete Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.
For more information see Who can help you with your application.
If you have imported your application into ImmiAccount, you can use it to upload the completed form.
If you can’t use ImmiAccount, attach the completed form to a completed Child and Orphan Relative Visa Processing Centre online form.
Tell us if things change
Things you need to let us know about include:
- changes to the child's phone number, email, address or passport
- changes to the child's relationship status
- the birth of a child
- you want to withdraw the application.
See how to tell us if your situation changes.
5Visa outcome
The child can be inside or outside Australia when we make our decision.
We will tell you our decision in writing. Keep a copy of the decision
If we grant the visa, we will tell you:
- the visa grant number
- the date the visa starts
- any visa conditions
If we refuse the visa, we will tell you:
- why we refused the visa
- whether there is a right to a review of the decision
We will not refund the application fee if we refuse the application.
When you have this visa
What you must do when you have this visa
Once we grant the child this visa, they must apply for the same permanent Partner visa as their parent.
A Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa holder must apply to be added to their parent’s permanent Partner visa application. They must do this before we decide their parent’s application.
Complete and lodge the visa application in ImmiAccount Form 1002 - Application by a subclass 445 dependent child for a permanent partner visa.
Submit the form before we decide the permanent Partner visa application of the child's parent. This ensures the child remains lawful in Australia.
To be added the Parent’s permanent Partner (subclass 100) visa application, the Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa holder can be in or outside Australia. They must be members of the family unit.
To be added the Parent’s permanent Partner (subclass 801) visa application, the Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa holder must be in Australia.
Lodge the application by using one of the methods below:
ImmiAccount
Upload the application to the parent’s Partner visa application in ImmiAccount.
After you have attached the form to ImmiAccount, tell us using the Partner Processing Enquiry Form.
Online form
If you cannot upload this application to the parent’s Partner visa application in ImmiAccount, upload the completed form to the Partner Processing Enquiry Form.
Coming to Australia
Before the child travels
Check travel documents
The child must have:
- a valid visa to enter Australia
- a valid passport or other travel document.
At the border
Complete an Incoming Passenger Card
All people arriving into Australia must complete the Incoming Passenger Card.
Leaving the airport faster
We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport. Children aged 16 or over might be able to leave the airport faster using SmartGate.
In Australia
The child and family members who apply with them must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws.
You can check visa details and conditions in VEVO.
Tell us if things change
Things you need to let us know about include:
- changes to the child's passport
- the birth of a child
- changes of name.
See how to let us know if there is a change in your situation.
What you can do on your visa
Check your visa conditions and expiry
See the child's visa expiry, conditions and work and study entitlements in VEVO.
See how long you can stay
This is a temporary visa. The child can stay until we decide their parent's permanent Partner visa application.
To see when the child must leave, use VEVO.
Travelling on your visa
The child can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
Proving you have a visa
To prove you have a visa and show your conditions to someone, use VEVO.
Request your international movement records to get proof of your travel in and out of Australia.
Work and study
The child might be able to work or study in Australia from the date we grant this visa. If the child works they are protected by Australian workplace law. See their workplace rights and entitlements.
Bringing a family member
You can't add a dependant after we have decided the application.
To find a visa for a family member, explore visa options.
Leaving Australia
Before you leave
Check your travel documents
The child must have a valid passport or other travel document to leave Australia.
At the border
Leaving the airport faster
We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport. You might be able to leave the airport faster if you use SmartGate.
After you leave
Prove the child has been to Australia
Request your international movement records to get proof of your travel in and out of Australia.
Reading asFor Sponsors
Overview
Stay
Temporarily. The applicant can stay until we decide their parent's permanent Partner visa application.
Government charge
AUD nil to apply. But you have financial responsibilities if we grant the visa.Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
With this visa the child can
- travel to and from or stay in Australia until we decide their parent's permanent Partner visa application
- apply for a permanent visa
Things to note..
- You are responsible for the costs to the Australian Government of the child living in Australia
- You must ensure the child complies with any visa conditions
- If the child works in Australia, you must ensure the work complies with workplace legislation and awards
About this visa
Scope
This visa allows you to sponsor a child to move or stay in Australia, while we decide their parent's permanent Partner visa.
Cost for the sponsor
There is no cost to apply for sponsorship. However, as a sponsor you will have financial obligations.
Sponsor obligations
As the sponsor, you agree to:
- be responsible for the cost to the Australian Government of the child living in Australia
- ensure the child complies with their visa conditions
- if the child works in Australia, you must ensure they comply with workplace legislation and awards
How long your sponsorship obligations last
Your sponsorship obligations last from the date we grant the visa until we decide on their parent's permanent Partner visa application.
Eligibility
You must meet all of the following eligibility criteria to be eligible for this visa.
Be suitable to sponsor
You can sponsor a child for this visa if you sponsored their parent's Partner visa application.
If you and/or your spouse or de facto partner (if any) have a pending registrable offence charge, we will refuse your sponsorship and visa application.
If you and/or your spouse or de facto partner (if any) have a registrable offence conviction, we will only approve your sponsorship in very limited circumstances.
Learn more about measures for the protection of children.
Step by step
Follow this step by step guide.
1Before you apply
Make sure the child is eligible for the visa and you are an eligible sponsor.
2Gather your documents
Provide evidence to support your sponsorship application.
Provide accurate documents
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide true information.
Residence and citizenship documents
Provide evidence that you are a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen such as:
- a birth certificate
- an Australian passport
- evidence you are an Australian permanent resident
- an Australian citizenship certificate
- if you are a New Zealand citizen, evidence to show how long you have lived in Australia and your continued links to Australia
Identity documents
Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.
Also provide a copy of your birth certificate showing both your parents’ names. If you don’t have a birth certificate and you can’t get one, provide a copy of the identification pages of one of these:
- a family book showing both your parents’ names
- government-issued identification
- a court-issued document that verifies your identity
If you have changed your name, provide proof such as:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Police check documents
If the child will be under 18 when we make a decision on the application you must:
- provide an Australian National Police Certificate if you have lived in Australia for any length of time since turning 16
- provide an overseas police certificate from every country, where you spent 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16
We only accept National Police Certificates applied for under Code 33 – Immigration/Citizenship. The Australian Federal Police issue these certificates. We don't accept standard disclosure certificates or certificates issued by Australian state or territory police.
If you have a spouse or de facto partner they must also provide these documents.
For immigration purposes, police certificates are valid for 12 months from the issue date.
Learn more about measures for the protection of children.
Translate
Have all non-English documents translated into English.
Provide original and translated documents in your application.
Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Translators outside Australia do not have to be accredited. But on each translation, they must include their:
- full name
- address and telephone number
- qualifications and experience in the language they are translating.
These details must be in English.
3Apply
You and the applicant apply on the same form.
Complete Form 918 Application for a subclass 445 (temporary) visa by a dependent child.
Submit your sponsorship documents with the visa application.
4After you apply
Wait for our decision
If the child is overseas, don't arrange their travel to Australia until we advise in writing we have granted the visa.
The child's application could take longer if:
- they need character or health checks (including X-rays)
- we need more information
- the application is incomplete
Tell us if things change
Things you need to let us know about after you have applied include:
- changes to your phone number, address or passport
- changes to your marital or de facto status
- the birth of a child
See how to tell us if your situation changes.
Withdraw sponsorship
You can withdraw your sponsorship before we grant the visa. You can't withdraw your sponsorship after we grant the visa.
Write to us at the office where the application was sent if you want to withdraw your sponsorship.
Your request must include your:
- full name and date of birth
- file reference number
- client ID or transaction reference number
5Visa outcome
We will tell the visa applicant our decision in writing.
If we grant the child’s visa, we will tell you:
- the visa grant number
- the date the visa starts
- any conditions attached to the visa
If we refuse the child’s visa, we will tell you:
- why we refused the visa
- whether there is a right to a review of the decision
When you are a sponsor
How long your sponsorship obligations last
Your sponsorship obligations last from the date the child is granted the visa until we decide their parent's permanent Partner visa application.
Your obligations
When you sponsor a child for a subclass 445 visa, you must assist them with accommodation and financial support, as necessary, for the first 2 years. This applies after we grant the visa if the child is already in Australia, or after they first arrive in Australia on the visa.
Withdraw sponsorship
You cannot withdraw your sponsorship after we grant the visa.
Tell us if things change
Official source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. © Commonwealth of Australia. Refer to the source website for its copyright and conditions of use.
Open the official page
Next step
Have a visa question or need help getting started?
A 30-minute consultation gives us time to discuss your circumstances, consider initial options and identify the documents that need checking. Some matters require a further review of the records before I can give a complete assessment.