Subclass 445 · Temporary
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) Australia
A temporary visa for a child to stay in Australia while their parent's permanent partner visa is processed. From AUD4,040.
About the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
The Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) lets a child move to or stay in Australia temporarily while their parent's permanent Partner visa application is processed. It is for children who were not included in their parent's partner visa application.
With this visa the child can
- Move to or stay in Australia until the parent's permanent Partner visa is decided
- Travel to and from Australia
- Work and study in Australia
- Attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program
The child must
- Be a dependent child of the parent holding the temporary partner visa
- Be sponsored by the parent's partner visa sponsor
- Meet health and character requirements
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant; other costs and concessions may apply. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About the Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
- Move to or stay in Australia until the parent's permanent partner visa is decided
- Work and study in Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
AUD4,040 for the main applicant, plus a charge for each of the child's own dependent children. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
Each brother or sister must lodge their own separate application.
The child can be in or outside Australia when the application is lodged.
If the child is outside Australia when the visa is granted, they must enter Australia before the date on their grant letter.
Eligibility
What the child needs.
The child must be dependent on a parent who holds a temporary partner visa, such as the subclass 820 or 309.
The child must be sponsored by the same person who sponsored the parent's partner visa.
Under 18, or 18 or over and financially dependent on the parent, or dependent because of a disability.
For a child under 18, everyone with legal rights to decide where the child lives must consent, or Australian law must allow the move.
Children aged 18 or over must read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement.
The child and any dependants applying with them must meet the health requirement. Children aged 16 or over must meet the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Any debts owed to the Australian Government by the child or their family must be repaid or arranged.
The visa may be refused if it is not in the child's best interests.
Step by step
How the application works.
Before you apply
Check the child's eligibility and that the sponsor is eligible.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Prepare the child's identity documents, proof of the relationship, consent from other parents where needed, and the sponsor's documents.
Apply
Lodge the application with the sponsorship and pay the visa cost.
After you apply
Respond to requests for health checks or more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Visa outcome
Home Affairs tells you the decision in writing.
When the child has this visa
What happens next.
The child and family members must meet all visa conditions, obey Australian laws and tell Home Affairs about changes such as a new passport.
This visa cannot be extended. It lasts until the parent's permanent partner visa is decided.
About sponsoring a child
Your role and obligations.
There is no fee to sponsor, but you take on financial obligations.
You agree to be responsible for any costs to the Australian Government related to the child, from the visa grant until the parent's permanent partner visa is decided.
You do not need to be in Australia when the visa application is lodged.
Sponsor eligibility
Who can sponsor this child.
The person who sponsored the parent's partner visa.
Sponsors may need to provide police checks, and sponsorship is limited for people convicted of certain offences involving children.
Step by step for sponsors
How to sponsor the child.
Before you apply
Make sure the child is eligible for the visa and that you can meet your sponsor obligations.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Provide accurate information and prove your identity, ideally with your application or as soon as possible after.
Apply to sponsor
Lodge your sponsorship online in ImmiAccount, linked to the child's visa application.
After you apply
Home Affairs confirms receipt in ImmiAccount and may ask for more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Outcome
Home Affairs tells the visa applicant about the decision in writing.
After the visa is granted
Your support continues.
You agree to be responsible for any costs to the Australian Government related to the child, from the visa grant until the parent's permanent partner visa is decided.
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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Dependent children of people holding a temporary partner visa (such as the 820 or 309) who were not included in that application.
Until their parent's permanent Partner visa application is decided.
From AUD4,040, with concessions in limited circumstances.
The same person who sponsored the parent's partner visa.
Reunite Your Family in Australia
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