Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445): Children of Partner Visa Applicants

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445): Children of Partner Visa Applicants

The Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa is specifically for children born to, or adopted by, people who are currently partner visa applicants. If you're waiting for your partner visa to be processed and you have a baby, the child can be granted a Subclass 445 visa that links them to your partner visa application. When your partner visa is granted permanent status, the child is also included. The visa costs $3,085 and ensures newborns and newly adopted children aren't left without visa status.

Quick Facts

When Is the 445 Needed?

The 445 visa is needed when:

• A baby is born in Australia to a partner visa applicant (holding a bridging visa or the temporary partner visa)
• A child is born overseas to an offshore partner visa applicant
• A child is adopted during the partner visa processing period
• A step-child becomes part of the family unit during processing

Important misconception: A baby born in Australia is NOT automatically an Australian citizen unless at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. If the partner visa applicant gives birth in Australia, the baby needs their own visa status.

How It Works

1. The parent is a current partner visa applicant (820/801 or 309/100)
2. A child is born or adopted
3. The parent applies for a Subclass 445 visa for the child
4. The 445 visa is granted, linking the child to the parent's partner visa
5. When the parent's permanent partner visa (801 or 100) is granted, the child is included and receives permanent residence

The 445 serves as a bridge — it gives the child lawful status in Australia until the parent's permanent partner visa comes through.

Requirements

• The parent must be a current partner visa applicant
• The child must be a dependent child of the applicant
• The child must meet health and character requirements (health examination for the child)
• The other parent must consent (if applicable)

Application Process

1. Notify the Department of Home Affairs of the birth/adoption
2. Add the child to the parent's partner visa application
3. Lodge a separate Subclass 445 application for the child
4. Provide birth certificate, passport (if obtained), and health examination results
5. Pay $3,085
6. Wait for processing (4-12 months)

The 445 application should be lodged as soon as possible after the child's birth to avoid any period where the child is technically without a visa.

What Happens at Each Stage

Understanding how the 445 interacts with the parent's partner visa timeline is crucial. Here's a detailed walkthrough of the most common scenario — a baby born in Australia to a partner visa applicant:

Stage 1: Birth to Application

When the baby is born, they have no visa status. You have a short window — technically, you should apply as soon as possible after birth. In practice, parents need to first register the birth with the state Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and obtain a birth certificate. This can take 2-6 weeks depending on the state.

While waiting for the birth certificate, notify the Department of Home Affairs in writing that a child has been born. You can do this through ImmiAccount or by contacting the processing office handling your partner visa. This notification doesn't replace the formal 445 application, but it puts the Department on notice.

Stage 2: During 445 Processing

Once the 445 application is lodged, the child is typically granted a bridging visa that allows them to remain lawfully in Australia. The bridging visa conditions generally mirror those of the parent's visa — so if the parent has work rights, study rights, or Medicare access, the child typically gets the same.

The child will need a health examination. For infants, this is a basic check done by an approved panel physician. The Department may also request evidence of the child's identity and relationship to the partner visa applicant.

Stage 3: After 445 Grant

Once the 445 is granted, the child has a temporary visa linked to the parent's partner visa. The child can travel (check the specific conditions), access Medicare, and live in Australia. But the 445 itself is temporary — it doesn't become permanent until the parent's permanent partner visa is granted.

Stage 4: When the Parent Gets PR

When the parent's permanent partner visa (801 or 100) is decided, the Department considers whether the child should be included. If the child is still a dependent and was added to the application, they receive permanent residence at the same time as the parent. The 445 ceases, replaced by the permanent visa.

Documents Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a baby born in Australia automatically a citizen?

No. Australian citizenship by birth only applies if at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth. If both parents are on temporary visas, the baby needs their own visa.

Can the child travel on a 445 visa?

The 445 visa typically allows the child to travel in and out of Australia. Check the specific conditions on the visa grant notice.

What if the partner visa is refused?

If the parent's partner visa is refused, the child's 445 visa also ceases. The child would need another visa to stay in Australia.

Does the 445 convert to permanent residence?

Not directly. When the parent's permanent partner visa (801/100) is granted and the child is included, the child receives permanent residence at that time.

Can older children also get a 445?

Yes, if they become dependent during the partner visa processing period — for example, a step-child who joins the family unit after the partner visa application was lodged.