Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : What this Dependent Child visa lets you do

This Dependent Child visa allows the child to:

• travel to and from, or stay in Australia with their parents until a decision in made on the parent’s permanent visa application
• work and study in Australia
• travel to and from and stay Australia while the temporary visa is valid. The visa is valid while the parent’s temporary Partner visa or Dependent Child visa is valid.

A Dependent Child visa holder is eligible to enrol in Medicare once they have lodged an application for a permanent Partner visa. Medicare is Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses.

A Dependent Child visa holder can apply for a permanent Partner visa by using:

Form 1002  Application by a subclass 445 dependent child for a permanent Partner visa (178 kB pdf).

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 :No further stay condition

You cannot apply for this Dependent Child visa if you already hold another visa that has a ‘No further stay’ condition.

Contact the department of immigration and border protection if you are not sure whether your current visa conditions prevent you from applying for a further visa while you are in Australia.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Cost

The visa application charges are listed in Fees and charges.

Other costs

You might have to pay other costs, such as the costs of health assessments, police certificates, or any other certificates or tests. You are responsible for making the necessary arrangements.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Who could get this Dependent Child visa

A child applying for this Dependent Child visa must be the dependent child of a parent who holds a temporary Partner visa or a Dependent Child visa. A parent usually lodges the application on behalf of the child.

The child must be:

• a biological child, stepchild or adopted child of the parent
• sponsored by the same person sponsoring their parent with limited exceptions
• able to meet health and character requirements
• single (the child cannot be married, engaged to be married, or in a de facto relationship)
• younger than 18, or else be one of the following:
  • financially dependent on the parent holding the temporary Partner visa
  • incapacitated for work due to the total or partial loss of bodily or mental functions.

The child’s parent

To be granted this Dependent Child visa, the child’s parent or step-parent must already hold one of the following temporary Partner visas:

• Temporary Partner visa (subclass 309  or  subclass 820)
• Dependent Child visa (subclass 445).

For a child who is under 18 to be granted this Dependent Child visa, each person who can legally decide where the child can live must give permission for the child to be granted this Dependent Child visa. If another parent or person can make that decision, they must also give their permission.

Information on how to meet this requirement can be found in the  Document checklist.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 :Parental responsibility

This Dependent Child visa can be granted only if you can show one of the following for a child younger than 18 years of age:

• you have the written consent of each person who can legally decide where the child lives
• the laws of the child’s home country  permit the removal of the child
• it is consistent with any Australian child order.

The documents checklist lists you the documents you must provide with your application to support this claim.

Best interests of the child

This Dependent Child visa will not usually be granted if it is against the best interests of a child younger than 18 years of age.

Measures for the Protection of Children  has more information.

Health requirements

The child must meet certain  health requirements. The results are usually valid for 12 months. This also applies to any  member of your family unit included in your application, whether they are migrating or not.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 :Character requirements

A child older than 16 years of age must meet certain  character requirements. They will need to provide a police certificate from each country they have lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years after they turned 16 years of age. Do not arrange for police certificates until the department of immigration and border protection ask you to.

This also applies to all members of the family unit included the application who have turned 16 years of age.

Debts to the Australian Government

The child must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged to repay any outstanding debts to the Australian Government.

Provide biometrics

The child might be asked to provide biometrics (a scientific form of identification) as part of the application.  Countries and visa subclasses included in the biometrics program  has more information.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Including family in the application

The child can include their own dependent children in this application.Your dependent child must also be able to show that they meet Australia’s  health  and  character  requirements.

These dependent children must meet the requirements for  including family members in your application. The application must include documentary evidence of their relationship to the child.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : How to apply

This information explains what you need to do to apply for a Dependent Child visa (subclass 445).

Prepare your documents

You need to provide documents to prove the claims you make in the application. The documents are listed in the Document checklist.

Some documents could take some time to obtain. You should have them ready when you lodge the application to reduce any delays in processing.

Lodge your application

The child and the sponsor must complete the one application form:

• Form 918 Application for a subclass 445 (temporary) visa by a dependent child(315 kB pdf)

The form must be completed in English. You must provide all relevant documents and pay the visa application charge when you apply.

You cannot lodge this application in person if you are applying in Australia. You must post or courier your application to the  Perth office  in Western Australia – marked: attention to Child and Other Family Processing Centre.

You can pay by credit card, bank cheque or money order made payable to the Department of Home Affairs (www.homeaffairs.gov.au).

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : More information

You can provide more information to the department of immigration and border protection, at any time until a decision is made on the application.  If you want to correct information you provided, use:

• Form 1023 –  Notification of incorrect answer(s) (99KB PDF)

The department of immigration and border protection could also ask you for more information. You will have to respond by a set date. After that date, they can make a decision about your application using the information that they have.

If another person gives the department of immigration and border protection information that could result in you being refused a visa, the department of immigration and border protection will  usually give you the opportunity to comment on the information.

You might also be interviewed. If you are asked to attend an interview in person, bring your passport or other identification and any requested documents to the interview.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : After you have applied

Wait for a decision

The department of immigration and border protection have  visa processing times  for each visa.

Your application could take longer if you need character or health checks (including x-rays), if you need to provide more information, or if your application is incomplete.

Provide more information

You can provide more information to the department of immigration and border protection, at any time until a decision is made on the application.  If you want to correct information you provided, use:

• Form 1023 –  Notification of incorrect answer(s) (99KB PDF)

The department of immigration and border protection could also ask you for more information. You will have to respond by a set date. After that date, they can make a decision about your application using the information that they have.

If another person gives the department of immigration and border protection information that could result in you being refused a visa, the department of immigration and border protection will  usually give you the opportunity to comment on the information.

You might also be interviewed. If you are asked to attend an interview in person, bring your passport or other identification and any requested documents to the interview.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Report changes in circumstances

You must tell the department of immigration and border protection if your circumstances change. This includes a new residential address, a new passport, or a pregnancy, birth, divorce, separation, marriage, de facto relationship or death in your family.

Please report changes in your circumstances via ImmiAccount. If you are not able to use ImmiAccount, you can use the following forms:

• Form 929 – Change of address and/or passport details (86KB PDF)– if you move to a new address or change your passport
• Form 1022 – Notification of changes in circumstances (77KB PDF)– if there are other changes in your circumstances.

If you do not provide the department of immigration and border protection with the details of any new passport issued to you, you could experience significant delays at the airport and may be denied permission to board your plane. ​​

Withdrawing your application

​You can withdraw the application at any time before the department of immigration and border protection make a decision about it. To do this, send the department of immigration and border protection a letter or email to ask for the withdrawal. Your request must include your full name and date of birth. You should also include your file reference number, client ID, or a Transaction Reference Number.

​​​All applicants 18 years of age or older, wishing to withdraw, must sign the request for withdrawal.​

The department of immigration and border protection will not usually refund the visa application charge.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Visa decision

If the visa is granted, the department of immigration and border protection will let you know:

• when you can use the visa
• the visa grant number
• any conditions attached to the visa.

If the visa is not granted, the department of immigration and border protection will let you know:

• why the visa was refused
• your review rights (if any). Where applicable, your sponsor can apply for the decision to be reviewed
• the time limit for lodging an  appeal.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Document checklist

You need to provide documents to support your application for this Dependent Child visa. The department of immigration and border protection can make a decision using the information you provide when you lodge your application. It is in your interest to provide as much information as possible with your application.

Provide certified copies of original documents. Do not include original documents unless the department of immigration and border protection specifically ask for them. Police certificates should be original documents. Documents not in English must be accompanied by accredited English translations.

Use this checklist to make sure your application is complete.

Forms

Complete the application form:

• Form 918 Application for a subclass 445 (temporary) visa by a dependent child(325 kB pdf).
• For each member of your family unit (child) included in the application who is 16 years of age or older:
  • Form 80 – Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment (373KB PDF).

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Receiving assistance

• ​If someone gives you advice or lodges your application for you, that person completes:
  • For​m 956Advice by a migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance (135KB PDF)(the agent or exempt person completes the form and you must sign it).
• If you would like someone to receive correspondence from the department of immigration and border protection on your behalf, that person completes:
  • Form 956a Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (120KB PDF)(the recipient completes the form and you must sign it). ​

Charges

• Pay the visa application charge.

Character requirements

• Police checks for everyone included in the visa application who is 16 years of age or older:
  • an Australian National Police Check for anyone who has spent a cumulative total of 12 months or more in Australia since turning 16 years of age
  • police certificates from each country in which anyone in your application has spent a cumulative total of 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16 years of age.

Provide the original certificates and keep a copy for yourself.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Documents for the child

• Two recent passport-sized photographs (45 mm x 35 mm) of the child (four photos if health examinations have not been completed).
  • These photographs should be of the head and shoulders only against a plain background.
  • Print the name of the child on the back of each photograph.
• Certified copy of the child’s birth registration showing both parents’ names. If you cannot get this document, provide a certified copy of the identification pages of at least one of the following documents:
  • passport
  • family book showing both parents’ names
  • identification document issued by the government
  • document issued by a court that verifies the child’s identity.
• If the child’s name has changed or the name of anyone included in the child’s application has changed: a certified copy of evidence of the name change.
• If any dependent child included in the application is adopted: certified copies of the adoption papers.
• If the child is a stepchild of the parent who holds the temporary Partner visa, documents to show all of the following:
  • the child’s parent is the former partner of the sponsoring step-parent
  • the child’s biological or adoptive parentage
  • the step-parent  (the parent who holds the temporary Partner visa) has legal parental responsibility for the child
  • the child is younger than 18 years of age.
• If the child is under 18 years of age, evidence that the visa holding parent has the legal right to decide where the child is to  live, such as:
  • certified copies of official legal documents, such as a court-issued custody, access or guardianship order
  • a statutory  declaration  from each person with a legal responsibility to the child stating that they have no objection to the child’s migration
  • Form 1229Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years(125 kB pdf).   If you use Form 1229 or a statutory declaration, you will have to attach a certified copy of the other parent’s government-issued identification document (such as a passport or drivers licence) with their photograph and  signature.
• If anyone included in the application has served in the armed forces of any country: certified copies of their military service record or discharge papers.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Additional documents for a child over 18

• Evidence that the child is financially dependent on the parent who holds the temporary Partner visa for their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, and how long this support has been provided. Evidence could include:
  • bank statements
  • money transfers
  • rent receipts.
• If the child is claiming to be incapacitated for work due to the total or partial loss of the child’s bodily or mental functions, they need to provide evidence from a qualified medical practitioner and this stops them from working.

Documents for the sponsor

• Evidence that the sponsor is over 18, such as a birth certificate or passport.
  • o Evidence that the sponsor is a settled  Australian citizen,  Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Evidence can include a certified copy of:
    • a birth certificate
    • an Australian passport or foreign passport containing evidence of permanent residence
    • an Australian citizenship certificate
    • for New Zealand citizens, evidence of length of residence in Australia and of continuing links with Australia.
  • Photocopies of one of the following documents to show the sponsor’s employment during the past two years:
    • an Australian income or overseas tax assessment notice
    • a letter from the sponsor’s employer confirming length of employment and annual salary payslips
    • if the sponsor is self-employed or self-funded from other sources, business documents or a letter from the sponsor’s accountant.
  • If the child is younger than 18 years of age, the sponsor and their partner (if any)  must both provide:
    • AFP National Police Checks, if the sponsor or their partner has spent a cumulative  total of 12 months or more in Australia since turning 16 years of age
    • police certificates from each country in which the sponsor or their partner have spent a cumulative total of 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16 years of age.

Provide the original certificates and keep a copy for yourself.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : How long the visa lasts

The child’s visa is valid while the parent’s temporary Partner visa or Dependent Child visa is valid. Usually a Dependent Child visa will be valid until a decision is made on the child’s permanent Partner visa application.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : What this Dependent Child visa lets you do

This Dependent Child visa allows the child to:

• travel to and from, or stay in Australia with their parents until a decision in made on the parent’s permanent visa application
• work and study in Australia
• enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses
• travel to and from and stay Australia while the temporary visa is valid. The visa is valid while the parent’s temporary Partner visa or Dependent Child visa is valid.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : The child’s obligations

You and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

This Dependent Child visa will expire when a decision is made on the parent’s application for a permanent Partner visa, or when the parent’s visa application is withdrawn.

It is very important that the child applies for a permanent Partner visa before the parent’s permanent Partner visa is decided. If they do not do this, they could become unlawful and have no other permanent visa options available to them.

• Form 1002Application by a subclass 445 dependent child for a permanent partner visa(178 kB pdf)
• If they do not do this, they could become unlawful and have no other permanent visa options available to them.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Report changes in circumstances

You must tell the department of immigration and border protection if your circumstances change.  This includes a new residential address, a new passport, or a pregnancy, birth, divorce, separation, marriage, de facto relationship or death in your family.

Please report changes in your circumstances via ImmiAccount.  If you are not able to use ImmiAccount, you can use the following forms:

• Form 929 Change of address and/or passport details (86KB PDF)– if you move to a new address or change your passport
• Form 1022 Notification of changes in circumstances (77KB PDF)– if there are other changes in your circumstances.

If you do not provide the department of immigration and border protection with the details of any new passport issued to you, you could experience significant delays at the airport and may be denied permission to board your plane.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Who can sponsor a child

In most cases, to sponsor a child for this Dependent Child visa you must:

• already be sponsoring the child’s parent for a permanent partner visa
• be prepared to provide support for the child and  members of their family  unit  included in the application.

If the child is under 18, you and your partner (if any) will also need to provide a police certificate from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years after you turned 16. Do not arrange for police certificates until the department asks you to.

Parental responsibility

This Dependent Child visa can be granted only if you can show one of the following for a child younger than 18 years of age:

• you have the written consent of each person who can legally decide where the child lives
• the laws of the child’s home country  permit the removal of the child
• it is consistent with any Australian child order.

The documents checklist lists you the documents you must provide with your application to support this claim.

Best interests of the child

This Dependent Child visa will not usually be granted if it is against the best interests of a child younger than 18 years of age.

Measures for the Protection of Children  has more information.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Character requirements

You must meet certain  character requirements. You must be prepared to provide a police certificate from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years after you turned 16 years of age. Do not arrange for police certificates until the department of immigration and border protection ask you to.

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : How long the sponsorship lasts

As a sponsor you must provide accommodation and all the financial support that the child needs for two years:

• after they enter Australia (if the child applies outside Australia)
• after the visa is granted (if the child applies in Australia).

Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445 : Sponsor obligations

As a sponsor you must be willing to provide support for the child members  of their family unit included in the application.

This means you must:

• be responsible for the costs to the Australian Government that the child might incur while living in Australia
• provide adequate accommodation and enough financial support to meet the child’s reasonable living needs for the child’s first two years in Australia
• help the child settle in Australia
• support the child to attend any required English language classes.

You must advise the department of immigration and border protection in writing if circumstances change in a way that could affect the child’s eligibility for a Dependent Child visa, or your eligibility to sponsor the child.

Source: The Australian Department of Home Affairs (www.homeaffairs.gov.au). Please visit www.border.gov.au to get updated information.

Visa Help Australia Pty Ltd and Skilled Migration Consultants Pvt Ltd are specialists in study, skilled, work and family visas. Our qualified Australian registered migration agent can help you with all types of Australian visas.

Please visit our testimonials page to see what our clients have said about our quality service.