Did you know that as an international student or professional in Australia, you can bring your family members along with you? Dependent visa allows you to include your spouse, family member or children below 18 years on your student visa (subclass 500).
Well, there is more to a dependent visa that we will discuss in the following blog. From understanding the true meaning of the visa to knowing its different types, application process, and more. We will guide you through the dependent visa Australia.
Understanding Dependent Visa for Australia
In Australia, dependent visas are known to encourage unity within families by providing children under 18 years, spouses, and even parents with a great opportunity to join the primary visa holder. Dependent visas allow family visits, which further better the immigration experience for the applicants. Dependent visas pave the way for being united abroad and start a better life together.
Types of Dependent Visas in Australia
The following is a list of different types of dependent visas in Australia:
Partner Visa Child Visa Student Visa- Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864/884)
- Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)
- Permanent Skilled Visas (Subclass 186/189/190)
- Career Visa (Subclass 836/116)
- Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835/115)
- Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837/117)
How to Apply for a Dependent Visa in Australia
To know how you can apply for a dependent visa in Australia, continue reading:
- First and foremost, you have to make sure that you satisfy all the key requirements to apply for a dependent visa. If in case, you failed to meet these requirements, your visa is likely to be rejected.
- Next, collect all the necessary documents in digital format.
- Before you apply for the visa, ensure you have a valid account on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the application process.
- After creating an account, you can start the process of applying for the visa online on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- After applying, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and wait for the response.
Dependent Visa in Australia for Siblings
In Australia, a sibling is generally not considered a dependent. The term ‘dependent’ for most visas means a spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child. So, can your siblings unite with you in Australia? Yes, they can! You can sponsor your sibling under the family stream, and they can apply for the remaining relative visa.
Pros of having a Dependent Visa in Australia
You must be thinking whether there is any benefit in applying for a dependent visa in Australia. To your surprise, there are many benefits. Some of the important ones are listed below:
- You can work in Australia.
- You can study in Australia.
- You can travel in and out of Australia multiple times.
- You are allowed to sit for English classes for unlimited hours.
- You can also enjoy Australia’s best healthcare system through OSHC or OVHC.
These reasons are enough to apply for a dependent visa in Australia and live your dream of settling abroad with your family.
Dependent Visa in Australia: Key Requirements
Earlier we mentioned that you must satisfy certain dependent visa Australia requirements for the application process. Enlisted are the important requirements:
- A valid identity proof of the primary visa holder along with the proof of relationship with the family member
- Valid passport of your native country
- Proof of financial support to ensure you do not find difficulty living in Australia
- Health certificate
- Character certificate
- Health cover – OSHC or OVHC
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of English proficiency exam
Dependent Visa Australia Processing Time
The processing time for a dependent visa in Australia can vary a lot depending on the type of dependent visa you apply for.
- Partner visas are among the longest and can take more than two years to process.
- Child and student dependent visas are usually decided within several months.
- Parent visas can stretch into decades unless you are applying for contributory options that move faster.
- Skilled visa dependents can be approved, ranging from a few months to just over a year.
Dependent Visa Cost in Australia
The cost of bringing dependents to Australia also differs widely by visa.
- Partner visas are the most expensive — starting at over AUD 9,000, with extra fees for children or secondary applicants.
- Child visas cost between AUD 2,500–3,000. Adoption and orphan relative visas cost slightly less.
- Parent visas are split into two categories. The standard visas have lower upfront charges but long wait times, and contributory visas with much higher fees (over AUD 40,000) but quicker processing.
- Student visa dependents are comparatively affordable, with fees starting from a few hundred dollars for children.
- The costs for Skilled dependent visas depend on the visa stream. The costs start from about AUD 1450 and go over AUD 4800.
Summary
Applying for a dependent visa in Australia will demand careful planning and complete conformity to current immigration rules. Rest; by seeking professional guidance and support, you can easily go through the application process of a dependent visa in Australia.
Asia Pacific Group is the people’s choice when it comes to Australian migration needs. Get in touch with our expert migration agents in Melbourne today to get started with your journey as a dependent in Australia.
