The Dependent Child (Subclass 445) visa allows a child to stay in Australia temporarily during processing of a parent’s Partner visa.
Read our general information and document checklists in relation to the Dependenc Child visa below. Contact us directly for specific advice.
Overview
Dependent Child (Subclass 445) visa
In broad terms only, the Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) is for the child of a parent where they were not included on the parent’s application for a temporary Partner visa, that visa has already been granted, and a decision has not yet been made on the parent’s permanent Partner visa application.
Refer to our Child visa page for more visa options.
Target Market
- it is intended for the dependent child of a visa-holding parent in circumstances where:
- the child was not included on the parent’s application for a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 309 or Subclass 820);
- that temporary Partner visa has already been granted to, and is still held by, the parent;
- a decision has not yet been made on the parent’s permanent Partner (Subclass 100 and 801) visa application;
- once granted, the Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) holder will need to be added to their parent’s permanent Partner visa application
Visa types
- Dependent Child (Subclass 445)
- please refer to this page for visa options for children in other circumstances (including Child visas, Adoption visas, or Orphan Relative visas)
Eligibility
Dependent Child (Subclass 445) visa
In broad terms only, the Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) is for the child of a parent where they were not included on the parent’s application for a temporary Partner visa, that visa has already been granted, and a decision has not yet been made on the parent’s permanent Partner visa application.
For further information, feel free to book a consultation or contact us for general information.
Sponsor requirements
- the applicant must be sponsored by the same person who is the sponsor or nominator of the visa-holding parent
- there is no separate sponsorship form for the Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) . Instead, the sponsor completes parts of the Form 918, to confirm their sponsorship of the applicant
Visa requirements
- must be a dependent child;
- must have a visa holding parent;
- must be sponsored.
Dependent child
- they are the child or step-child of that person; AND
- they are not engaged to be married, married or in a de facto relationship; AND
- either:
- they have not turned 18; OR
- they have turned 18 and are dependent on that person, or they are incapacitated for work due to total or partial loss of their bodily or mental functions.
Visa holding parent
- a parent of an applicant is a visa-holding parent if they hold any of the following visas: Subclass 309 (Spouse (Provisional)), Subclass 310 (Interdependency (Provisional)), Subclass 445 (Dependent Child), Subclass 820 (Partner) or Subclass 826 (Interdependency)
Documents
Depending Child (Subclass 445) visa
The actual documents you require for a Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) will depend on your particular circumstances including (but not limited to) your family members, your health and character, and your identity. Your Hannan Tew advisor will provide you with a link to the Hannan Tew portal which will set out the specific documents required.
Identity
- copy of passport bio data page
- proof of name change (if relevant)
- passport sized photographs
- police clearances from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years since turning 16
Forms
Relationship to sponsor
- evidence of relationship to sponsor (e.g. birth certificates, family trees, marriage certificates)
- proof that the sponsor is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen (e.g. citizenship certificate, passport)
Evidence of visa holding parent
- parents visa grant and acknowledgement letters
Pricing
Depending Child (Subclass 445) visa
The actual fees for a Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) will depend on the circumstances of the individual matter. You can refer to updated costings for government lodgement fees here. You can also refer to our estimated pricing guide for professional fees here. Further fees will apply for disbursements such as translations, character assessments, and / or health assessments.
Pricing (estimated)
- Professional fees: $4,000+
- Government fees: AUD3,235 (as of July 2025)
- Other disbursements such as translations, medicals, character assessments etc.
Dependent Child Visas
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Dependent Child visas for?
In broad terms only, the Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) is for the child of a parent where they were not included on the parent’s application for a temporary Partner visa, that visa has already been granted, and a decision has not yet been made on the parent’s permanent Partner visa application.
What’s the processing time for a Dependent Child visa?
The Department publish processing times on their website.
How long can you stay in Australia with a Dependent Child visa?
The Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) is a Temporary visa permitting the holder to travel to, enter and remain in Australia within the visa period.
Dependent Child (Subclass 445) visa applicants will need to apply to be added to their parent’s permanent Partner visa application after the Dependent Child (Subclass 445) visa is granted.
Who is considered a dependent child for this visa?
A dependent child means the child or step-child of the person who is not yet married or has a spouse or de facto partner and either:
- has not turned 18; or
- has turned 18 but is dependent on that person or is incapacitated for work due to the total or partial loss bodily or mental functions.
Can a Dependent Child visa holder or study in Australia?
The Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) is not issued with any conditions which means that the holder has unrestricted work and study rights in Australia.
Can a Dependent Child visa be lodged from onshore or offshore?
The Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) can be applied for onshore or offshore.
Disclaimer
The information contained here is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or give rise to an attorney-client relationship between you and our firm. The information: (i) must be regarded as a practical guide for general information and not a process guide for determining the specific immigration requirements of the countries covered, (ii) should not be a substitute for a more indepth analysis of applicable facts and circumstances conducted by competent professionals, and (iii) does not represent an opinion from Hannan Tew or any of its agents with regard to the laws of any of the jurisdictions concerned. The information does not guarantee the outcome or approval of any particular immigration application.
What can we do for you?
With an extensive private client practice, our staff have experience advising in relation to all aspects of the Dependent Child visa (also known as the Subclass 445 visa) process, including determining whether other visa categories may be more appropriate for you. For further information in relation to Australian visa options for children, please refer to this page (including Child visas, Dependent Child or Orphan Relative visas).
The latest Dependent Child visa
blogs, written regularly
How to fill a Form 888 (with examples) (Updated on: 3 June 2026)
Child custody for an Australian Visa: Do I Need a Form 1229? (Updated on: 1 June 2026)
Partner visa document checklist (Updated on: 1 June 2026)
