A Bridge for Children Awaiting Permanent Residency with Their Parent
The Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa allows children of parents who hold a temporary Partner or Prospective Marriage visa to live temporarily in Australia while their parent’s permanent Partner visa is being processed. This visa ensures that children can stay with their parent during the transition to permanent residency.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 445 Visa
✅ Temporary stay in Australia while a parent’s permanent Partner visa is processed
✅ Access to education and healthcare via Medicare (if eligible)
✅ Freedom to travel to and from Australia during visa validity
✅ Can be included in the parent’s permanent Partner visa application
Important Note:
⚠️ This is a temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residency on its own.
⚠️ The child can be in or outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted.
Eligibility Requirements
For the Child (Applicant)
✔ Must be the child (biological, adopted, or step-child) of a temporary Partner visa holder (Subclass 309 or 820)
✔ Must be under 18 years of age OR a full-time student aged 18 to 25 who is financially dependent on the parent
✔ Must be single and not engaged, married, or in a de facto relationship
✔ Must meet health and character requirements
For the Parent (Sponsor)
✔ Must hold a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 309 or 820)
✔ Must be in the process of applying for a permanent Partner visa
✔ Must be willing to sponsor the child
Application Process & Timeline
Lodge Application – the child can be in or outside Australia
Visa Processing – Generally processed within several months
Visa Grant – Allows child to stay in Australia with their parent
Include in Parent’s Permanent Visa – Child must be added to the parent’s ongoing Partner visa application
Why Consider the Subclass 445 Visa?
This visa is essential for keeping families together during the Partner visa process. It ensures that children are not separated from their parent while the permanent visa is under review.
✔ Maintains family unity
✔ Ensures the child’s lawful stay in Australia
✔ Streamlines inclusion in permanent Partner visa application
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Review eligibility for Subclass 445
✅ Prepare and lodge the application correctly
✅ Help include the child in the permanent Partner visa process
✅ Provide ongoing updates and support
Start Your Dependent Child Visa Application
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Official Resources
Home Affairs – Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
Partner Visa Information
Processing times are estimates. Consult a registered migration agent for current advice.
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Subclass 445 — key questions answered
How much does the subclass 445 Dependent Child visa cost?
The Department of Home Affairs lists the subclass 445 visa application charge from AUD4,040.00, with concessions in limited circumstances. From 1 July 2026 a lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Health examinations and document costs are additional. Confirm the current charge with Home Affairs before lodging. Figure verified 14 September 2026.
What does the subclass 445 visa actually do?
It is a temporary visa. It lets the child of someone holding a temporary Partner visa stay in Australia while the Department processes that parent’s permanent Partner visa application. The child can stay until the parent’s permanent Partner visa application is decided. It is a bridge between visas rather than a residence pathway in its own right.
Does a subclass 445 visa lead to permanent residence?
Not by itself. A subclass 445 holder must apply to be added to their parent’s permanent Partner visa application, using Form 1002, and must do so before the Department decides that application. Missing this step is the most common problem with this visa. To be added to a subclass 801 application the child must be in Australia.
What age can a child be for a subclass 445 visa?
The child must be either under 18, or over 18 and financially dependent on the parent who holds the temporary Partner or Dependent Child visa. Dependency needs to be evidenced, not simply asserted. As with other child visas, the Department assesses the child’s circumstances at application and again at decision.
Who sponsors a subclass 445 visa?
The child must be sponsored by the same person who sponsored or nominated the parent’s permanent Partner visa application, and the Department must approve the sponsorship before the visa can be granted. Where a sponsor has a pending registrable offence charge the sponsorship and visa application will be refused.
When should the subclass 445 application be lodged?
As early as practical once the parent holds a temporary Partner visa, and well before a decision is likely on the permanent stage. Because the child must also be added to the parent’s permanent application before it is decided, timing the two together matters. Families in this position often benefit from reviewing both applications side by side.
Related Immigrad pages
Partner visas · Onshore partner visa (subclass 820/801) · Child and relative visas · Speak with Immigrad
General information only, current as at 14 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice and does not take your circumstances into account. Charges and requirements change; always confirm current figures with the Department of Home Affairs. Complex cases should be discussed with a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd. Gaurav Duggal, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1805710.