A dependent visa in Australia allows immediate family members, such as a spouse, partner, or child, to join or accompany a primary visa holder, such as a skilled worker, student, or permanent resident. This visa helps families stay together while the main applicant lives, works, or studies in Australia. Depending on the visa subclass, dependents may also be allowed to work or study. Each visa type has specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
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Australia offers several dependent visa options that allow family members to accompany or join a primary visa holder. The visa type depends on the main applicant’s visa category and the nature of the relationship.
Here are the main types of Australia Dependent Visas:
| Category | Visa Subclass | Visa Name |
| Partner and Spouse Visas | 820 / 801 | Partner Visa (Onshore) |
| Partner and Spouse Visas | 309 / 100 | Partner Visa (Offshore) |
| Partner and Spouse Visas | 300 | Prospective Marriage Visa |
| Child and Dependent Child Visas | 445 | Dependent Child Visa |
| Child and Dependent Child Visas | 101 / 802 | Child Visa |
| Child and Dependent Child Visas | 117 / 837 | Orphan Relative Visa |
| Other Family Visas | 114 / 838 | Aged Dependent Relative Visa |
| Other Family Visas | 116 / 836 | Carer Visa |
| Visa Holder Dependent Entrants | 482 (Subsequent Entrant) | Temporary Skill Shortage Dependent Visa |
| Visa Holder Dependent Entrants | 491 (Subsequent Entrant) | Skilled Regional Dependent Visa |
| Visa Holder Dependent Entrants | 500 (Dependent) | Student Dependent Visa |
The benefits of applying for an Australian Dependent visa are as follows:
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To qualify for an Australia Dependent Visa, applicants generally must meet the following criteria:
The list of documents required for an Australian Dependent visa is as follows:
You can follow the below steps to apply for an Australian Dependent visa:
Step 1: Check your eligibility based on the primary visa holder’s subclass and your relationship status.
Step 2: Gather all required documents, including proof of relationship, financial evidence, and health and character documents.
Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount on the official immi.homeaffairs.gov.au website.
Step 4: Complete the appropriate online visa application form for dependents under your applicable visa stream.
Step 5: Attach all required supporting documents and ensure translations are certified (if applicable).
Step 6: Pay the visa application fee using a valid payment method.
Step 7: Submit the application through your ImmiAccount and await confirmation.
Step 8: Attend biometrics and health examinations if instructed.
Step 9: Track your application status via ImmiAccount and respond to any further requests from the Department.
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The table below has details of the average processing time for different types of Dependent visas in Australia:
| Visa Subclass | Average Processing Time |
| 820 / 801 | 820 (Temporary): 12–29 months |
| 801 (Permanent): 8–26 months | |
| 309 / 100 | 309 (Temporary): 14 months |
| 100 (Permanent): 9–20 months | |
| 300 | 11–31 months |
| 445 | 6–12 months |
| 500 (Dependent) | Varies; typically 4–8 weeks |
| 482 (Dependent) | Varies; typically 4–6 months |
| 491 (Dependent) | Varies; typically 6–9 months |
| Other Family Visas | Several years (subject to cap) |
The table below has details of the dependent visa types along with the processing fee for each:
| Visa Subclass | Visa Type | Fee (AUD) |
| 820 / 801 | Onshore Partner Visa (Temporary + Permanent) | AUD 9,365 |
| 309 / 100 | Offshore Partner Visa (Temporary + Permanent) | AUD 9,365 |
| 300 | Prospective Marriage Visa | AUD 9,365 |
| 445 | Dependent Child Visa | No separate fee |
| 500 (Dependent) | Student Dependent Visa | AUD 1,225 (spouse), AUD 400 (child) |
As the leading overseas immigration consultancy in the UK, Y-Axis has been providing dedicated immigration assistance to its customers for more than 25 years. Our team of visa and immigration experts will give end-to-end guidance for all your immigration needs:
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Yes, UK residents can apply for any Australian Dependent Visa, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and are related to a primary visa holder (e.g., spouse, de facto partner, child). Applications are submitted online via ImmiAccount, and biometrics or documentation may be required through Australian Visa Application Centres in the UK.
Australia offers several dependent visa categories, including:
Yes. Whether you’re in the UK or another country, you can apply online for Australian Dependent Visas via ImmiAccount. If you’re offshore, you'll apply for the relevant visa subclass (e.g., 309, 300) via the offshore stream. Online submission ensures your application is lodged with the Department regardless of your location.
Individuals eligible to apply for an Australian Dependent Visa include:
Note: All applicants must be sponsored by a family member who holds or is applying for an eligible Australian visa (e.g. skilled, partner, student).
Applicants typically need to submit the following documents:
You can follow the below steps to apply for a Dependent visa in Australia:
Step 1: Check your eligibility and identify the correct dependent visa subclass (e.g., 309, 820, 500).
Step 2: Create an account on the official ImmiAccount portal.
Step 3: Complete the online visa application form relevant to your visa type.
Step 4: Upload all required supporting documents and certified translations, if applicable.
Step 5: Pay the visa application fee online in AUD.
Step 6: Submit the application and follow any further instructions for biometrics or health checks.
Step 7: Track your application progress through your ImmiAccount dashboard.
The average processing time for an Australian Dependent Visa from the UK may take around 5-29 months and may vary depending on the visa subclass and the applicant's circumstances.
You can refer to the below table to get an Australian Dependent visa:
| Visa Subclass | Average Processing Time (2025) |
| 820 / 801 | 8 to 29 months |
| 309 / 100 | 11 to 25 months |
| 300 | 11 to 31 months |
| 445 | 6 to 12 months |
| 500 (Dependent) | 3 to 6 months |
| 482 / 491 (Dependent) | 3 to 8 months |
| Carer / Aged Dependent | Several years (due to migration caps) |
The cost of an Australian Dependent Visa varies by visa subclass and applicant type. The table below has details of the Australia dependent visa:
| Visa Subclass | Base Application Fee (AUD) |
| 820 / 801 | AUD 9,365 |
| 309 / 100 | AUD 9,365 |
| 300 | AUD 9,365 |
| 445 | AUD 3,055 |
| 500 (Dependent) | AUD 1,225 |
|
| AUD 400 |
| 482 / 491 (Dependent) | Varies (typically included in main application) |
| 836 / 838 | AUD 4,990 |
Generally, you cannot sponsor your sister under Australia’s dependent visa categories, as these are limited to spouses, de facto partners, children, carers, and aged dependent relatives. However, there is a limited pathway through the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 or 835), which allows Australian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their last remaining close relatives, such as a sibling, if they have no other close family members outside Australia. This visa is highly restricted, with long processing times and very few places allocated annually, often resulting in multi-year queues. Alternative migration pathways may be more practical.
