Last Updated: November 01, 2026
 

Australia Dependent Visa from the UK: Requirements, Types and Process

An Australian dependent visa allows eligible family members, such as a spouse, partner, or child, to join or accompany someone living in Australia. The right visa depends on the main applicant's status.

Partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for a Partner visa (subclass 820/801 from within Australia or 309/100 from outside Australia). The visa application charge is AUD 11,710 for most applicants, as listed by the Department of Home Affairs. Partners and children of skilled workers or students may be included in the main visa application or apply later as subsequent entrants, if their visa subclass allows it.

*Want to migrate to Australia? Get in touch with experts at Y-Axis to guide you with the steps.
 

Why Apply for an Australia Dependent Visa?

• Live with your family: Join your spouse, partner, or eligible family member in Australia.
• Work or study: Depending on your visa subclass, you may be allowed to work or study in Australia.
• Access healthcare and education: You may be eligible for certain healthcare services and educational opportunities, depending on your visa and circumstances.
• Explore permanent residency options: Some family visas provide a pathway to permanent residency, depending on your eligibility.
• Enjoy family life in Australia: Build a life together in a country known for its diverse communities, outdoor lifestyle, and quality of life.

• Understand the family migration program: For 2026–27, Australia has set a planning level of 52,460 places for the Family stream, including 41,500 Partner visa places and 3,500 Child visa places. These are government planning figures, not a guarantee of visa approval.
   

Australia Dependent Visa Types

Australia offers different visa options for partners, children, and other eligible family members. The correct option depends on your relationship with the sponsor, their visa status, and whether you apply from inside or outside Australia.
 

Important: Not every family member qualifies for every visa. Some family members can be included in the main application, while others may need to apply separately.
 

Benefits of Applying for an Australian Dependent Visa

The main benefits of an Australian dependent visa include:

• Live with your family: Join your partner, parent, or eligible family member in Australia.
• Work or study: Your work and study rights depend on your visa type and its conditions.
• Healthcare and education: You may access certain healthcare services and education benefits if you meet the eligibility rules.
• Permanent residency options: Some dependent visa holders may qualify for permanent residency through an eligible visa pathway.
• Family life in Australia: Live with your loved ones and enjoy Australia's safe communities and multicultural lifestyle.

*Want to apply for Australia PR? Let Y-Axis help you with the procedure.
 

Eligibility Criteria for an Australian Dependent Visa

To apply for an Australian dependent visa, you generally need to meet these requirements:

• Relationship requirement: You must be an eligible spouse, de facto partner, child, or other family member allowed under the relevant visa subclass.
• Main visa holder: Your sponsor must hold or apply for a visa that allows eligible family members to join them.
• Genuine relationship: Partners must provide evidence that their relationship is genuine. This may include marriage certificates, joint financial records, or proof of living together.
• Health requirement: You must meet Australia's health requirements. Medical examinations may be required.
• Character requirement: You may need to provide police certificates or other documents to meet Australia's character requirements.
• Age and dependency for children: The rules depend on the visa subclass. For example, under the subclass 482 rules, a dependent child is generally under 23 and must not be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship. A child aged 23 or older may qualify in certain cases if a physical or mental disability makes them fully or mostly dependent on their parent. Other visa subclasses may have different rules.
• Financial dependency: If required for your visa type, you must show that you depend on the main visa holder for financial support.

*Check your eligibility through Australia Immigration Points Calculator
 

Documents Required for an Australian Dependent Visa

The documents you need depend on your visa subclass and relationship with the main applicant. Common documents include:

• Valid passport: A copy of your current passport.
• Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or evidence of a de facto relationship.
• Main applicant's visa details: Visa grant letter or application information.
• Health documents: Medical examination results, if requested.
• Character documents: Police certificates, if required.
• Financial evidence: Documents showing financial dependency, where applicable.
• Additional forms: Any forms required for your specific visa subclass.
• Photographs: Passport-style photographs, if requested.
   

Steps to Apply for an Australian Dependent Visa

Step 1: Check your eligibility based on your relationship and the main applicant's visa subclass.

Step 2: Gather the required documents, including identity, relationship, financial, health, and character evidence.

Step 3: Create or sign in to your ImmiAccount.

Step 4: Select the correct visa application for your situation.

Step 5: Complete the application and upload the required documents. Provide English translations for documents in other languages.

Step 6: Pay the applicable visa application fee.

Step 7: Submit your application and save the confirmation details.

Step 8: Complete biometrics or health examinations if requested.

Step 9: Check your ImmiAccount regularly and respond to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
 

*Want to apply for Australia PR? Y-Axis can help you understand the application process.
 

Australia Dependent Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an Australian dependent visa depends on the visa subclass, the documents provided, and the number of applications being assessed.
 

Australia Dependent Visa Fees

The following table shows the updated visa application charges from 1 July 2026. The final cost depends on the visa subclass and the number and ages of family members applying.
 

For Partner visa applications, the additional applicant charge is AUD 5,860 for an applicant aged 18 or over and AUD 2,935 for an applicant under 18, where applicable. For subclass 445, additional dependent children may also incur charges: AUD 2,020 for an applicant aged 18 or over and AUD 1,015 for an applicant under 18.
 

How can Y-Axis help you?

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:

• Analysing your profile and suggesting the best-suited visa options for you
• Gathering the correct set of documents required for a successful visa application
• Advising on your overseas immigration
• Get you updates and follow-ups on your visa application process
• Advising you on getting permanent residency in the country in you desired country