482 Subsequent Entrant Visa: Bringing Your Partner or Children Later
A family member does not always have to lodge at the same time as the primary Skills in Demand subclass 482 applicant. Home Affairs allows certain family members of subclass 482 and former subclass 457 holders to apply separately as a 482 subsequent entrant.
This can be useful where a relationship begins later, a child was not ready to migrate, or family members initially remained overseas.
Who can apply as a subsequent entrant?
The applicant must qualify as a member of the family unit of the primary subclass 482 or relevant subclass 457 visa holder. The relationship must be legally recognised and supported by evidence.
For a spouse or de facto partner, prepare relationship evidence appropriate to the circumstances. For children, identity, relationship and dependency evidence may be required. Adult dependent children can require additional proof of financial dependency.
You cannot simply “add” family after lodgement
Home Affairs states that family members generally cannot be added to an already-submitted 482 application. Instead, certain eligible family members may lodge their own subsequent entrant application while the primary case is pending or after the primary visa has been granted.
Evidence for a partner
A partner application may include:
- marriage or relationship registration documents where applicable;
- joint financial evidence;
- evidence of shared household arrangements;
- social evidence and communication records;
- travel history together; and
- a clear relationship chronology.
The fact that the primary visa holder is already in Australia does not remove the need to demonstrate the family relationship.
Evidence for children
For children, provide birth certificates, passports and custody or consent documents where relevant. Adult dependent children should be assessed carefully because the definition of member of the family unit is narrower than ordinary family usage.
Health and character requirements
Subsequent entrants must meet the health and character requirements that apply to the visa. Police certificates and health examinations can therefore be part of the application even though the principal worker has already been granted a visa.
Check the primary holder’s visa and employment position
Before lodging, confirm that the primary 482 visa remains valid and that the sponsorship and employment position is current. If the primary worker has changed employer, ceased employment or moved onto another visa pathway, the family strategy may need to be reconsidered.
See our guide on changing employers on a 482 visa if the primary worker’s employment has changed.
What if the relationship started after the 482 grant?
A later marriage or de facto relationship can require careful evidence about when the relationship began and whether the person satisfies the family-unit definition at the relevant time. Do not backdate a relationship simply to match the primary visa history.
What visa length will the family member receive?
A subsequent entrant’s stay is tied to the visa granted under the 482 framework. The primary holder’s remaining visa period should therefore be considered when deciding when to apply.
Planning for permanent residence
If the primary worker is considering subclass 186 permanent residence, family members should be included in the long-term strategy. A subsequent entrant application and a future permanent application are separate legal steps.
Our 482 to permanent residency guide explains common employer-sponsored PR pathways.
Prepare the family history consistently
Home Affairs can compare the primary applicant’s earlier forms with the later family application. If a spouse, partner or child was not previously declared where they should have been, obtain advice before lodging.
If you want to bring a partner or child to Australia after a 482 application or grant, contact Emigrate Lawyers for an assessment of the subsequent entrant requirements.
Related guide: what happens after a 482 nomination refusal is relevant if the primary holder’s sponsorship arrangement is under challenge.
Official resource: Home Affairs subclass 482 information.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Madhab Kharel
Principal Lawyer & Director, Emigrate Lawyers
Madhab Kharel is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers, an Australian law firm assisting clients across Australia and internationally. His migration law practice includes Partner Visas, Protection Visas, visa refusals and cancellations, Administrative Review Tribunal matters, health and character issues, Schedule 3, Section 48, sponsorship limitations and employer-sponsored migration. He regularly advises clients with complex immigration histories and matters requiring detailed legal submissions and evidence strategy.
Reviewed by Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer
Date reviewed: 19 September 2026
