Who this may suit
Families whose child needs to join the permanent Partner pathway after the parent has obtained a qualifying temporary or provisional visa.
Key considerations
- Subclass 445 is temporary. It relates to a qualifying visa-holding parent and the pending permanent Partner stage, rather than providing a general dependent-child visa for every family.
- Home Affairs lists qualifying parent visa subclasses 309, 820 and 445. Check the actual grant notice and the permanent-stage application; a pending application or bridging visa alone should not be assumed sufficient.
- The child can apply for 445 in or outside Australia and can be in either location at decision. An onshore child’s current conditions, including No Further Stay, need review.
- After 445 grant, the child must apply to be added to the parent’s permanent Partner application before that application is decided.
Two linked steps to plan
First, establish eligibility for subclass 445 and the required sponsorship. The child is sponsored by the person who sponsored or nominated the visa-holding parent. Prepare the current Form 918 and supporting material using the published lodgement instructions.
Second, after grant, complete the permanent-stage addition using Form 1002. Track this as a separate task with the parent’s application. A 445 grant does not automatically complete the child’s permanent visa process.
The permanent stage has its own location rules
- For addition to a subclass 100 application, the child can be in or outside Australia and must satisfy the relevant family-unit requirements.
- For addition to a subclass 801 application, the child must be in Australia.
- Form 1002 must reach Home Affairs before the parent’s permanent application is decided. Check current upload and notification instructions and retain proof of submission.
Prepare evidence of dependency and care
The dependency assessment matters particularly for a child aged 18 or over. The application form asks about reliance on the visa-holding parent for essential living costs, the duration of that support and any other sources of support. Disability-related dependency has its own evidence requirements. Marriage, engagement or a de facto relationship affects whether a child meets the definition.
- Record the child’s relationship to the visa-holding parent and any adoption or stepchild history.
- Gather the parent’s temporary visa grant, permanent-stage reference and sponsor details.
- Prepare relevant evidence of financial support and current personal circumstances.
- For a child under 18, resolve parental responsibility and consent documentation. Check applicable health, character and child-protection requirements.
Coordinate changes across both applications
Keep the child’s and parent’s records consistent. Tell the adviser promptly about travel, a new passport, a relationship change or a change in the parent’s Partner application. If a permanent-stage decision appears imminent, seek advice promptly rather than waiting for a routine follow-up.
How we can help
Discuss eligibility, dependency evidence and coordination between the child’s application and the parent’s Partner stage. Agree responsibility for the post-grant Form 1002 step before lodging.
Questions to consider
Will 445 automatically turn into permanent residence?
A separate permanent-stage addition is required after grant, using Form 1002 before the parent’s decision. Permanent visa requirements still need to be met.
My parent has only applied for a Partner visa. Is that enough?
Check which visa the parent actually holds. The 445 pathway requires a qualifying visa-holding parent. Whether the child can instead be included in the existing Partner application needs separate assessment.
What if the parent’s permanent Partner visa has already been granted?
The addition must occur before the parent’s application is decided. Seek advice about any available alternative based on the child’s circumstances; do not assume a late Form 1002 will resolve it.
Can one application cover all siblings?
Each sibling needs a separate 445 application. Coordinate the family’s documents and permanent-stage steps so no child is overlooked.
Your next step
Contact Ausdirect with the parent’s grant notice, permanent Partner application reference and the child’s current location and status. Mention any recent request or decision notice from Home Affairs.