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Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

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What is the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)?

The Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) is a temporary visa for children in Australia. It allows the child of a parent with a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 309 or 820) to live in Australia. This is while their parents’ permanent Partner visa application (Subclass 100 or 801) is being processed. This visa helps families stay together during the partner visa process. It allows children to live, study, and travel in Australia with their parents.

This visa is for biological, adopted, or stepchildren. It helps keep families together during the migration process. Once granted, the child can later be included in the parents’ permanent Partner visa application. If you have a temporary Partner visa, you might need a Subclass 445 visa. This is a good option if your child is not included in your permanent application.

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    Who Can Apply?

    To apply for the Subclass 445 visa, the child must meet the rules of the Department of Home Affairs. This visa is for dependent children of people who have a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 309 or 820). These individuals are waiting for their permanent visa application results.

    To be eligible, the child must:

    1. Be the biological, adopted, or legally recognised stepchild of a temporary Partner visa holder
    2. Be under 18, or over 18 and financially dependent on the parent (e.g. due to full-time study or medical condition)
    3. Be single – not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship
    4. Be sponsored by the same person sponsoring the parent
    5. Meet health and character requirements, including a medical exam and police clearances (if aged 16 or older)

    This visa allows families to remain together in Australia while progressing through the Partner visa pathway. It offers children emotional stability and a chance to build their lives alongside their parent.

    Mother and child reunite at airport, symbolizing family unity under Subclass 445 visa.

    What This Visa Allows

    The Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) is a temporary visa. It gives important benefits and rights to children. This is while their parents’ permanent Partner visa (Subclass 100 or 801) is still being processed.

    Once granted, this visa allows the child to:

    1. Live in Australia Temporarily – The child can legally reside in Australia for the duration of the visa. This means they can stay with their parent while the family waits for the Partner visa application decision. It helps avoid separation during a critical transitional period and provides stability for the child in a new environment.
    2. Study While in Australia – Children holding a Subclass 445 visa can attend primary, secondary, or tertiary education in Australia. This enables them to integrate into the Australian education system and continue their learning without disruption.
    3. Travel Freely In and Out of Australia – This visa lets the child enter and leave Australia many times. They can travel internationally without needing a separate travel visa. This is very helpful if the child needs to visit family abroad or attend important events. They can still keep their visa status in Australia.
    4. Be Added to the Parents’ Ongoing Permanent Partner Visa Application – Once the Subclass 445 visa is granted, the child can be added to the parents’ permanent Partner visa application. This step is essential for the child to eventually be granted permanent residency in Australia alongside their parent.

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    Speak with our expert migration lawyers for clear advice and tailored solutions on the Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa. Call us now at 1300 807 134!

    Application Process for Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

    Applying for the Subclass 445 visa involves several important steps. Here’s a clear breakdown of the process to help families navigate the application smoothly:

    Here’s how to apply for a Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445):

    Confirm the child meets age, dependency, and relationship criteria.

    Prepare key documents, including:

    1. Child’s passport and birth certificate
    2. Parents’ temporary Partner visa
    3. Sponsorship documents
    4. Evidence of financial dependency (if child is over 18)
    5. Health exams and police clearances (if required)

    Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs portal.

    The child must complete health examinations and, if over 16, provide police certificates.

    Once granted, the child can be formally included in the parents’ Subclass 801 or 100 application.

    Processing Time for Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa

    The average processing time for the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) typically ranges from 20 to 24 months. However, the exact timeframe can vary based on individual circumstances and the quality of the application submitted.

    It’s important to know that every case is different. The Department of Home Affairs looks at each application individually.

    Common Causes of Delays:
    1. Missing or incomplete documents
    2. Custody or parental consent issues
    3. Additional background or character checks
    4. High volume of applications
    How to Avoid Delays:
    1. Submit a decision-ready application
    2. Ensure all health and character checks are completed promptly
    3. Provide clear and accurate documentation about the child’s eligibility and relationship

    Preparing your application properly can help speed up the process and reduce the risk of delays.

    Child arrives in Australia to reunite with parent through Subclass 445 visa.
    Mother reading a book with her young daughter, symbolizing family support under the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

    Key Visa Conditions

    The Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa comes with specific conditions that must be followed while the child lives in Australia. These ensure the child remains eligible and maintains their visa status.

    1. Temporary Visa: Subclass 445 is not a permanent visa. It lets the child stay in Australia while the parents’ permanent Partner visa is being processed.
    2. Must Remain Dependent: The child must continue to depend on the parent financially or emotionally.
    3. No Work Rights: This visa does not permit the child to work in Australia.
    4. The child must be added to the parent’s Subclass 801 or 100 visa application before a decision is made.

    How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help

    At Emigrate Lawyers, we focus on family migration. We understand how important it is to reunite families and keep them together.

    We provide:

    1. Comprehensive eligibility assessments
    2. Guidance on collecting all necessary documents
    3. Preparation and submission of a complete, decision-ready application
    4. Direct communication with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf
    5. Assistance in adding your child to your ongoing permanent Partner visa
    6. Quick document turnaround times
    7. Transparent, fixed-fee pricing with no hidden charges

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Can I apply for the Subclass 445 visa from outside Australia?
    Yes. The child can be either in Australia or overseas when the Subclass 445 visa application is lodged. However, visa grant conditions may vary based on where the child is located at the time of the decision. It’s important to follow the correct procedure to avoid delays or complications.
    Can more than one child apply for the Subclass 445 visa?
    Yes. If you have more than one qualifying dependent child, each child needs to submit their own Subclass 445 visa application. The parent must have a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 309 or 820). Each child must be sponsored by the same person as the parent.
    Does the Subclass 445 visa grant permanent residency?
    No, the Subclass 445 visa is a temporary visa. However, it is very important for the child to live in Australia for a short time. This occurs when they are included in the parents' ongoing permanent Partner visa application. This application can be either Subclass 100 or Subclass 801. This can lead to permanent residency.
    What happens after my child is granted the Subclass 445 visa?
    Once you get the visa, you must tell the Department of Home Affairs. You should ask to include the child in the permanent Partner visa application. It is important to consider the child for permanent residency with the parent. This should happen when reviewing the Subclass 100 or 801 visa.