Apply for

Dependent Child Visa

A temporary visa for children dependent on their parent's visa status, allowing them to stay in Australia while their parent's permanent partner visa is processed.

White background with embossed pattern of overlapping rounded diamond shapes.
Dependent child standing indoors with a backpack while being embraced by an adult.
Subclass 445
Overview

Dependent Child Visa – Subclass 445

Cost: From AUD 3,235.00

Temporary visa for children awaiting a permanent visa

The Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) is a temporary visa that allows children to remain in Australia while their permanent visa application is processed and also, the applicant may be eligible for a temporary visa, such as a Child visa (Subclass 101) or an Adoption visa

 Live, study, and stay lawfully in Australia

Once granted, the Subclass 445 allows children to stay lawfully in Australia and live, study, and access some of the same rights as other temporary visa holders, including the ability to remain in Australia while waiting for their permanent visa.

Supports children with dependent visa status

The Subclass 445 is typically used by children who are dependent on their Australian-based parent’s visa status. If you are a parent awaiting a decision on your permanent partner visa, the Subclass 445 ensures that your child can stay with you in Australia during the process.

Eligibility

Dependent Child Visa – Subclass 445

Criteria
Description
Citizenship / Sponsor

The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must be dependent on the sponsoring parent, and this dependency must be supported by clear documentation.

Location at the Time of Application

The child can be in Australia or outside Australia

Location at the Time of Grant

The child must still be in Australia when the Dependent Child visa is granted. If the child leaves Australia during processing, travel plans and bridging visa conditions need to be managed accordingly.

Age & Dependency

Applicants under 18 must have adequate welfare arrangements for the period in Australia.The child must be under 18 or, if 18–25, must be a full-time student and financially dependent on the parent. Children over 18 must not be married, engaged or in a de facto relationship to qualify.

Health & Character

The child must meet health requirements, which includes a medical examination, and may need character assessments, depending on the child’s age and the countries they’ve lived in.

Proof of Relationship

The child must be the biological, adopted or step-child of the sponsoring parent. Proof of the parent-child relationship must be provided (birth/adoption certificates, step-parent relationship documentation, etc.).

Testimonials

We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts

Excellence speaks for itself—our clients’ emotions tell the story.

Aleeha and Nirav at Knowbal Migration demonstrated outstanding guidance, persistence, and professionalism in securing a Visitor Visa Family Stream for a sister, successfully navigating earlier difficulties to achieve the outcome. Their dedication and genuine care throughout the process were truly appreciated.

Sanjay Vaswani
Senior Executive People Operations

Very good experience with Knowbal Migration. Nirav and Aleeha provided great support throughout my visa process and helped achieve a positive outcome. Thank you to the team for their assistance.

Parth Chauhan
How to apply

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m on a student visa and my child is here with me on a Visitor visa. Can we apply for the Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) while I wait for PR?

Yes, you can apply for the Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) while parent is waiting for a decision on their permanent partner visa application. This visa is specifically for children who are already in Australia and financially dependent on a parent whose permanent partner visa application is still being processed. We recommend discussing your PR timeline and visa conditions to ensure smooth processing during this waiting period

My child is on a Bridging Visa, and we want to apply for the Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445). Will this affect the application or its processing time?

No, holding a Bridging Visa won’t affect your child’s eligibility for the Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) as long as their current visa allows them to stay in Australia lawfully. However, we need to ensure that the Bridging Visa doesn’t have restrictions that might interfere with their long-term stay or travel plans. If you’re looking to travel, we can assist in applying for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if needed.

My child’s birth certificate has a name mismatch with their passport. Will this delay our Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) application?

Name mismatches are a common issue that can cause delays in the application process. It’s important to correct any discrepancies before lodging the visa application. We recommend getting a new birth certificate or a statutory declaration explaining the difference. We’ll help you streamline the documentation so there are no delays once you submit the application.

Can my child travel while the Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) is being processed?

Travel can be tricky while waiting for the visa to be granted. If your child is on a Bridging Visa, they may need a Bridging Visa B (BVB) for travel. If they leave Australia without the proper visa, the application could be invalidated. We recommend discussing travel plans in advance to ensure that they have the right visa for re-entry and that their stay is not disrupted

If my child has a health issue, will that affect their Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) application?

Yes, the child will need to meet health requirements for the visa. Depending on the nature of the health issue, it could delay the application or require additional documentation. We recommend getting a health assessment before applying to understand any potential concerns and plan accordingly. If a medical condition is detected, we can guide you on how to proceed to avoid delays.

If my child is older than 18 but still dependent on me, can we apply for the Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445)?

Yes, if your child is 18 to 25 years old and still a full-time student who is financially dependent on you, they can still be eligible for the Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445). However, the child must not be married or in a de facto relationship. We can help you gather the required documentation, such as evidence of the dependency and student enrolment, to ensure the application is successful.

Can I include my child’s Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) application in my partner or skilled migration visa application?
  • In most cases, dependent children must apply separately for the Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445). However, if you’re applying for a Partner visa or Skilled visa and have children, we can discuss options to combine your applications for convenience. It’s important to carefully assess the timing and ensure the child is lawfully in Australia while you apply for the permanent visa and navigate the Dependent Child visa process. We help you with a customised strategy that ensures everything is handled seamlessly.

Still Curious?

Ask more
Smiling young woman with short brown hair wearing a rust-colored jacket and white shirt against a white background.
Young woman with short brown hair wearing a white top and an unbuttoned brown shirt smiling slightly.

Book a call with our Expert

12+ dedicated consultant

We will provide you full PR pathway, does not matter how complex your case is. Just fill out the enquiry form here!

Contact us
Contact us