MARA Registered Migration Agent
Australia Immigration
Australia Dependent
Visa
Complete Guide
Sponsor your spouse, children, or parents to join you in Australia through various dependent visa pathways.
97%
Approval Rate
15K+
Successful Visas
10+
Years Experience
Get Free Visa Consultation
1M+
Australia's family visa system
About This Visa
Reunite with Your Loved Ones in Australia
Australia offers a wide range of dependent and family visas designed to keep families together. Whether you are a student, skilled worker, or permanent resident, you can sponsor eligible family members to join you through various visa pathways.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs manages these programs with a strong emphasis on family reunification — allowing spouses, children, and parents to live, work, and study in one of the world’s most liveable countries.
Understanding which visa category applies to your situation is the critical first step — and with the right guidance, the path to reuniting your family is achievable and clear.
Family Reunification
Live, Work & Study Rights
World-Class Healthcare & Education
Pathway to Permanent Residency
High Quality of Life
Multiple Eligible Dependents
Australia
Why Choose an Australia Dependent Visa?
Visa Categories
Team Members
Visa Process
Our Success Rates
Visa Categories
Australia Dependent Visa Types
Pathway to Subclass 100 (Permanent)
Subclass 309 – Partner Provisional Visa
- Temporary visa leading to permanent residency
- Allows living in Australia while permanent visa is processed
- Travel flexibility & Medicare access
- Work and study rights included
Permanent Residency
Subclass 100 – Partner Visa (Permanent)
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Full work and study rights
- Access to social benefits
- Eligibility for Australian citizenship
For Children Outside Australia
Subclass 101 – Child Visa
- Permanent residency for children
- Must be dependent and unmarried
- Sponsored by an eligible parent
- Access to education and healthcare
Regional Skilled Work
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
- Valid for 5 years
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Include eligible family members
- Live and work in regional Australia
Multiple Categories Available
Parent Visas
- Contributory Parent Visa (faster processing)
- Sponsored Parent Visa – Subclass 870 (temporary)
- Non-Contributory Parent Visa (lower cost)
- Balance of Family Test required
How to Apply for a AustraliaDependent Visa
The Australia dependent visa application is submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs portal. Each step must be completed accurately — errors cause delays and refusals.
Determine Eligibility
Assess your relationship to the primary visa holder and identify the correct visa subclass. Consider the sponsor's visa type — student, skilled worker, or PR holder — as this determines which dependent visa pathways are available.
Choose the Right Visa Subclass
Select the correct subclass based on your relationship and circumstances: Subclass 309/100 for partners, Subclass 101 for children, Subclass 870 or contributory/non-contributory for parents, or Subclass 491 for skilled regional dependents.
Prepare All Documentation
Gather all required documents — identity, relationship proof, financial documents, health checks, and police clearances. Ensure all non-English documents are certified by a NAATI-accredited translator before submission.
Complete the Health Examination
All applicants must undergo a medical examination through the HAP (Health Assessment Portal) at an approved panel physician. Results are submitted directly to the Department of Home Affairs. Book early — waiting times can be long.
Submit Your Online Application via the Department of Home Affairs
Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs portal and submit your complete application online. Upload all supporting documents in the required format. Pay the visa application charge (VAC) at this stage.
Provide Biometrics (if required)
Some applicants are required to provide biometrics at a designated visa application centre. You will be notified if this applies to you after submission. In India, biometrics can be submitted at VFS Global centres.
Wait for the Visa Decision
Processing times vary significantly by visa type: partner visas take 12–24 months, child visas 6–12 months, and parent visas can take several years for non-contributory options. Track your application status via ImmiAccount.
Travel to Australia Upon Approval
Once your visa is granted, you will receive a visa grant letter. Carry all supporting documents when you travel. Upon arrival, ensure you understand the conditions of your visa — including any work and study restrictions that may apply.
Determine Eligibility
Assess your relationship to the primary visa holder and identify the correct visa subclass. Consider the sponsor's visa type — student, skilled worker, or PR holder — as this determines which dependent visa pathways are available.
Choose the Right Visa Subclass
Select the correct subclass based on your relationship and circumstances: Subclass 309/100 for partners, Subclass 101 for children, Subclass 870 or contributory/non-contributory for parents, or Subclass 491 for skilled regional dependents.
Prepare All Documentation
Gather all required documents — identity, relationship proof, financial documents, health checks, and police clearances. Ensure all non-English documents are certified by a NAATI-accredited translator before submission.
Complete the Health Examination
All applicants must undergo a medical examination through the HAP (Health Assessment Portal) at an approved panel physician. Results are submitted directly to the Department of Home Affairs. Book early — waiting times can be long.
Submit Your Online Application via the Department of Home Affairs
Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs portal and submit your complete application online. Upload all supporting documents in the required format. Pay the visa application charge (VAC) at this stage.
Provide Biometrics (if required)
Some applicants are required to provide biometrics at a designated visa application centre. You will be notified if this applies to you after submission. In India, biometrics can be submitted at VFS Global centres.
Wait for the Visa Decision
Processing times vary significantly by visa type: partner visas take 12–24 months, child visas 6–12 months, and parent visas can take several years for non-contributory options. Track your application status via ImmiAccount.
Travel to Australia Upon Approval
Once your visa is granted, you will receive a visa grant letter. Carry all supporting documents when you travel. Upon arrival, ensure you understand the conditions of your visa — including any work and study restrictions that may apply.
Dependents
Dependents for Different Visa Types
Student Dependents
- Spouse can work limited hours
- Children can study in Australia
- Must be included in the primary visa application
Post-Study Work Dependents
- Spouse enjoys full work rights
- Children can continue education
- Same visa validity as the primary applicant
Work Visa Dependents
- Spouse typically gets full work rights
- Access to healthcare benefits
- Children can study in Australian schools
Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria
Student Dependents
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a child who is an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible New Zealand citizen (for parent visas)
- Meet the Balance of Family Test (for parent visas)
- Have an approved sponsor
- Meet health and character requirements
- Show financial capability or assurance of support
- Provide proof of genuine relationship (for partner visas)
Costs & Timeline
Processing Time & Fees
Processing Time
Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
12–24 Months
Child Visa (Subclass 101)
6–12 Months
Subclass 870 — Sponsored Parent
Several Months
Contributory Parent Visa
Faster (than non-contributory)
Non-Contributory Parent Visa
Several Years
Subclass 491 Dependents
Varies (with primary visa)
Student Dependents
Same as Primary Visa
Key Visa Conditions to Note
Work Rights — Student Dependent
Limited (course-level dependent)
Work Rights — Post-Study Dependent
Full (unrestricted)
Work Rights — Work Visa Dependent
Full (typically)
Work Rights — Parent Visa (870)
❌ Not Permitted
Health Insurance Required
Yes (most categories)
Medicare Access
PR holders & some temporaries
Same-Sex Partners
Recognised & Eligible
Why Choose Hodophiles?
Hodophiles Xplore Visas stands out with personalized guidance, expert consultants, and a proven success rate in immigration services. We simplify complex visa processes, ensuring hassle-free experiences.
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Frequency Ask Questions
We understand that the visa and immigration process can be complex. To help you get started, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our clients ask.
