Dependent Visa Australia: Spouses, Students & Families Guide 2025

Want to take your loved ones to Australia when you work or study? You’re in the right place. This guide aims to familiarise you with everything you should know about the Australian Dependent Visa in 2025. If you’re considering bringing your spouse, partner, or kids, this comprehensive guide has all the details you need. From different types of visas depending on who can apply and when, what documents you need, and a step-by-step procedure, you’ll find everything you need here. Let’s bring your dream of reuniting with your family in Australia to life.

What is a Dependent Visa Australia?

A Dependent Visa Australia is issued to non-independent persons of main visa holders (including students, skilled workers and PR applicants) with the right to stay in Australia.

Who Can Apply as a Dependent?

Here is a list of those who can apply for the dependent visa Australia:

• Dependent visa Australia for spouse or partner (married or de facto)

• Children under 18

• Dependent children over 18 (if financially reliant)

• In some cases, other family members

They can join you later or apply as part of a combined application.

Also Read: How to Go to Australia from India for Job? Experts Guide

Types of Dependent Visa Australia in 2025

The dependent visa category in Australia varies depending on the primary visa holder’s status. Let’s break it down:

1. Student Dependent Visa Australia (Subclass 500)

The student dependent visa Australia is for international students:

Dependents allowed:

• Dependent visa Australia for spouse or de facto partner

• Children under 18

2. Skilled Migrant Dependent Visa Australia (Subclass 482, 186, 189, 190, 491)

This is for those on work or skilled migration visas.

Eligible dependents:

• Dependent visa Australia for spouse/partner

• Children (usually under 23)

3. Permanent Residency (PR) Dependent Visa Australia

For families of PR holders applying under the Family Stream, like:

• Partner visa (Subclass 820/801, 309/100)

• Child visa (Subclass 101, 802)

4. Tourist Dependent Visa Australia (Subclass 600)

A short-term solution pending the processing of other long-term dependents’ visas.

Latest Eligibility Criteria for Dependent Visa Australia in 2025

Eligibility varies slightly by visa subclass. However, some standard criteria include:

For the Primary Visa Holder:

Here’s the eligibility criteria for the primary visa holder for the dependent visa Australia:

• Should have a valid visa (student, skilled, PR, etc.).

• Requirements regarding their income/funding (particularly for students’ visas) must be met.

• Have to declare dependents in an initial or revised visa application.

For Dependents:

Here’s the eligibility criteria for the dependents as part of the dependent visa Australia:

• Should be a real member of the family unit.

• Should be of good health and with good character.

• If applying later, it had to be listed in the first application or informed to the Department of Home Affairs.

Also Read: How to Move to Australia from India? Jobs & Immigration

Dependent Visa Australia: Rights and Benefits (Updated 2025)

Once granted, dependents enjoy several privileges:

• Be free to live and travel in Australia.

• Studying (school is in many cases free for under-18 citizens)

• Some visa categories limit the hours of work. 

• Student-dependent spouse (postgraduate level): Full-time work rights

• Student-dependent spouse (undergraduate): 48 hours per fortnight

• Dependent on a skilled worker: Often full-time, right?

Latest Required Documents for a Dependent Visa Australia in 2025

Here’s a list of the documents needed for a dependent visa Australia:

• Passport copies (all pages)

• Marriage certificate (or relationship proof)

• Birth certificates (for children)

• Passport-size photos

• Health examination records

• Police clearance certificates

• Financial documents (bank statement, document certifying income, etc.)

• Letter of enrolment/offer/employment from the primary visa holder

Pro Tip: Certified translators should translate documents written in different languages from English.

Experts Step-by-Step Application Process for a Dependent Visa Australia: Updated 2025

The process is more or less the same irrespective of whether one applies from India or another country.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Provide a visa for the dependents on the main visa. Confirm the relationship with the necessary documents.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare and certify all the required documents. Scan and keep backups.

Step 3: Apply Online via ImmiAccount

• Log in or create an ImmiAccount

• Fill in the application form

• Upload documents

• Pay the visa fee

Step 4: Complete Health & Character Checks

You’ll be given an HAP ID to complete medicals at authorised clinics.

Step 5: Await Visa Decision

You’ll be notified via email when the visa is granted.

Dependent Visa Australia Fees in 2025: Updated

Here’s a quick look at the approximate visa fees for a dependent visa Australia:

Note: Fees can be subject to exchange rates or policy variations. Check the official Australian immigration site for up-to-date information at all times.

Australia Dependent Visa Processing Time in 2025

Here is the typical Australia dependent visa processing time in 2025:

Here are some tips to speed up your Australia dependent visa processing time:

• Submit complete and accurate documents

• Avoid last-minute applications

• Get health and police checks done early

Also Read: Skilled Labour Visa Australia: Latest Process, Jobs, Fees

Can a Dependent Work in Australia in 2025?

Yes, but it depends on the main visa category of the dependent visa Australia:

Student Dependent Visa Australia:

Here are the work-related details for the student dependent visa Australia:

• Postgraduate student’s spouse: Can work full time

• Undergraduate student’s spouse: Up to 48 hours/fortnight

Skilled Visa Dependent:

Here are the work-related details for the skilled dependent visa Australia:

• Typically full-time work rights

PR Dependent (Partner Visa):

Here are the work-related details for the partner dependent visa Australia:

• Work rights are usually granted

Can a Dependent Study in Australia in 2025?

Yes. Most dependents can enrol in schools, colleges, or universities.

School-Age Children:

Here are details about school-age children wanting to study in Australia with a dependent visa Australia: 

• And may study in public and private schools.

• May have to pay international fees (state-dependent rules).

Adult Dependents:

Here are details about adults wanting to study in Australia with a dependent visa Australia:

• Can do short or even long-term courses.

• Requires a student visa for full-time programs

Key Tips for a Successful Dependent Visa Application in 2025

Here are some key tips for a successful dependent visa Australia application:

• Present the information honestly and accurately in the application.

• Add real proof of relationship (pictures, messages, lease agreements, etc.).

• Double-check document translations and notarizations. Save all your correspondence in ImmiAccount.

Also Read: New Requirements By the Australia Government On English Language Test For Visas

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Updated List

Here are some common mistakes to avoid while applying for the dependent visa Australia:

• Exclusion of dependents at the onset of an initial visa application

• Incomplete documents

• Failure to update changes (marriage and childbirth, etc).

• Applying with incorrect relationship proofs

Dependent Visa Australia for Spouse India: Special Updated Notes 2025

Many Indian nationals have a dependent status as a student or skilled worker.

To remember what to do, here are the things:

• Get certified translations for documents in the regional languages.

• Carry out complete medicals only at authorised panel physicians.

• Student visas’ income requirements are under a magnifying glass.

Latest 2025 Updates for Dependent Visa Australia for Spouse

Here are some latest updates about the dependent visa Australia:

• Greater review of the evidence of the relationship for the partner visas

• Biometrics are compulsory for the majority of the applicants.

• Priority in regional visa dependents (Subclass 491)

At all times, utilise official updates from the Department of Home Affairs.

Dependent Visa Australia Rejection Reasons in 2025

Even the suitable applications for a dependent visa Australia can be rejected if:

• The relationship is not deemed genuine

• Inadequate financial proof

• Defects in medical or police tests

• The applicant was not declared earlier

You can always appeal against the decision or reapply using stronger documents.

Also Read: What is the Average Salary in Australia per Month?

Can You Apply for PR as a Dependent in 2025?

Yes. Depending on the principal applicant's route, dependents can switch to the PR pathways.

Common Routes:

Here are some common routes taken by people with a dependent visa Australia to obtain PR:

• Combine as a couple under the Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100)

• Dependent kids can be issued with PR once the principal applies.

• Armed with skilled dependents on 482 and 491, they can apply for PR through sponsored or independent streams.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Dependent Visa to Australia in 2025 is possible only if you comply with some requirements and submit the necessary documents. Whether you are a student, a highly skilled worker, or a permanent resident of Australia, immigration of your loved ones to Australia may be a significant outcome of your life. Ensure that you are updated on the visa rules of your category. Do not be compromised in your application, and be on time to submit the supporting documents. Always give valid and verifiable information to avoid delays or rejections. Keep up to date with the current changes and the requirements of immigrants. If you are faced with a task requiring help or professional advice, contact TerraTern. Our team can help you sail through the process as hassle-free as possible, and your family can come and stay with you.