All About the Australia Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

What is the Australia Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)?

The Australia dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 is a temporary visa designed to reunite children with their Australian parents. If you’re a parent living in Australia and you want your child to join you, the Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 is an opportunity for you to make this dream a reality. It allows the child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily while they wait for their permanent visa to be processed. This visa provides a perfect opportunity for families to be together during a crucial period in their lives.

The child can apply for the visa whether they are currently in Australia or outside the country.

Australia Dependent Child Visa Eligibility Criteria

The Australia Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 has the following Eligibility criteria:

1. To be eligible for the Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445, the child must either be under 18 years of age or, if they are over 18, they must be financially dependent on the parent who holds the temporary partner or dependent child visa.
2. Both the child and any of their dependent children who are applying for the visa with them must meet the health requirements set by the Australian authorities.
3. To be eligible for the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445), the child must rely on a parent who holds one of the following visas: the Partner Provisional Visa (Subclass 309), the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820), or the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) itself. Once the child is granted the 445 visas, they must apply to be included in their parent’s permanent partner visa application. Importantly, if the child is currently in Australia, they cannot have another visa with a ‘No further stay’ condition.
4. The child in question must have a sponsor, and the sponsor must have been screened and accepted by the Australian immigration authority. Sponsorship for Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 may be declined if the sponsor or their partner has faced charges or been convicted of child-related offenses.
5. When applying for this visa, a child aged 16 or older must satisfy the character requirement specified by the Australian immigration authority.
6. For children aged 18 or older applying for the visa, they must do two things:
   • Read the “Life in Australia” booklet or have its contents explained to them.
   • Sign an Australian Values Statement, which confirms their commitment to respecting the Australian way of life and adhering to Australian laws.
7. To grant a Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 to a child under 18, certain conditions must be met:
   • The child must possess written consent from all individuals legally responsible for determining their place of residence.
   • The child can be granted the visa if the laws of their home country permit them to leave their home country without hindrance.
   • The visa may also be approved if it aligns with any existing Australian child custody orders pertaining to the child.
8. The visa may be denied to applicants under 18 if it is deemed not to be in their best interests.

Costs for the Australia Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445)

The Australia Dependent Child Visa costs AUD3,055.00. While there could be extra expenses for health assessments, police certificates, and biometrics, when necessary, it is important to note that there could be additional charges if there is more than one child seeking the visa. Every one of the child’s siblings must apply for the visa individually.

*Costs are accurate as of October 2023.

How long does the Australian Dependent Child Visa 445 take to be processed?

To estimate visa processing times, utilize the visa processing time guide tool This tool displays recent processing times for applications. However, it’s important to note that this information serves as a general guide and may not pertain specifically to your application.

How Long is an Australia Dependent Child Visa 445 valid for?

The validity of an Australia Dependent Child visa 445 for Australia extends until a determination is reached on your permanent visa application. Typically, this decision occurs approximately two years after the initial visa application.

Australia Dependent Child Visa 445 – Document Checklist

1. Proof of payment for the visa application charge.
2. A completed Form 918 application for a Subclass 445 visa for each child (if multiple), but with a single fee if applying together.
3. Two recent passport-sized color photographs of the applicant.
4. A certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
5. Evidence that the parent holds one of the specified visas: Partner (Temporary) Subclasses 820 and 826, Partner (Provisional) Subclasses 309 and 310, or Extended Eligibility (Temporary) Subclass 445.
6. Proof that the sponsor is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, such as citizenship certificates or passport copies.
7. Penal clearance certificates (police clearance certificates) are required for all applicants aged 16 or older. These certificates are required from every country you’ve resided in for a cumulative period of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since turning 16. Please note that you must provide the original certificates, as certified copies are not accepted.

For a Child Under the age of 18:

1. Penal Clearance Certificates: The sponsor and their partner must provide a police clearance for every country they’ve resided in for a total of 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16. This includes time spent in Australia.
2. Consent for Child Migration: All individuals with custody of the child must grant full consent for the child to move to Australia. This includes:
3. A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, displaying the parents’ names.
4. Certified authorization from the parent not accompanying the child, allowing the child’s permanent migration to Australia.
5. A copy of the passport identification pages or other identity documents bearing the signature of the non-traveling parent.

For a Child Over the age of 18;

1. Form 80 – Personal Particulars for Character Assessment: Applicants aged 18 or over must complete and sign this form, ensuring all questions are answered. Failure to provide this completed form can lead to significant delays in processing your application.
2. Evidence of Dependency: You need to demonstrate that you are financially dependent on your sponsor for essential needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Supporting evidence may include bank statements, money transfers, rent receipts, etc. Additionally, evidence of your current enrollment in educational studies, supported by transcripts or certificates, is required.
3. Medical Examination: All applicants seeking permanent entry to Australia must undergo a medical examination conducted by an approved panel doctor. Those aged over 11 years must also undergo a chest x-ray.
4. Consent for Information Sharing: If your sponsor, migration agent, or any third party seeks information regarding your application, written consent from you is necessary for us to communicate with that person. You can provide this consent as needed.

Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

FAQs for the Australia Dependent Child Visa 445;

Q: What are the age requirements for this visa?

Ans: Children must either be under 18 years of age or, if over 18, financially dependent on the parent holding the temporary partner or dependent child visa.

Q: How long is the processing time for this visa?

Ans: Processing times vary, but an estimate can be obtained using the visa processing time guide tool. Delays may occur if information is incomplete or if additional verification is needed.

Q: Is there an age limit for dependent children?

Ans: Yes, dependent children must meet the age requirements outlined in the visa criteria. Children aged 18 or older should demonstrate financial dependence.

Q: What is the cost of the Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445?

Ans: The primary applicant’s visa fee is AUD3,055. Additional charges apply for dependent children. Extra costs may be incurred for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

Q: Can the child be in Australia or overseas when applying for this visa?

Ans: Yes, the child can be inside or outside of Australia when submitting the visa application.

Q: Is the visa automatically granted after the initial application?

Ans: No, this visa is temporary and remains valid until a decision is made regarding the permanent partner visa application, generally around 2 years from the initial application date.

Q: What happens after Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 is granted?

Ans: Once granted, the child can live, study, and work in Australia while waiting for the permanent subclass 100 partner visa to be processed, which usually occurs after their arrival in Australia.