How Long Does the Dependent Child Visa Last & Can It Lead to Permanent Residency?

Bringing your child to Australia under the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) is an important step in keeping your family together while your migration journey is underway. But many parents often ask — how long does the dependent child visa last, and can it lead to permanent residency in Australia?

In this article, we’ll cover the validity period of the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445), how it works with your partner visa application, and how your child can transition to permanent residency.

What is the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)?

The Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) is a temporary visa for the dependent child of a person who holds a provisional partner visa (Subclass 309 or Subclass 820).

It allows the child to:

• Live in Australia temporarily

• Study in Australia

• Travel in and out of Australia freely

However, it is important to remember that this visa is not permanent — its validity is directly linked to the parent’s partner visa application.

How Long Does the Dependent Child Visa Last?

The Dependent Child Visa is valid until a decision is made on the parent’s permanent partner visa application.

This means:

• If the parent is granted a permanent partner visa (Subclass 100 or 801), the Subclass 445 visa will expire.

• The child must be included in the parent’s permanent partner visa application to continue staying in Australia and obtain permanent residency.

• The visa does not have a set expiry date like a tourist visa — its duration depends entirely on the processing of the parent’s partner visa.

What Happens When the Parent’s Permanent Partner Visa is Granted?

Once the parent’s permanent partner visa (Subclass 100 or 801) is granted:

• If the child is linked to the application, they may also be granted permanent residency.

• The child’s Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa will cease as it is replaced by a permanent visa grant.

• The child will then have access to Medicare, education benefits, and permanent residency rights in Australia.

Can the Dependent Child Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

✅ Yes — But Only If You Take the Right Steps

The Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) can indeed lead to permanent residency, but it does not automatically convert into a permanent visa.

What you must do:
1️⃣ Link the child to the parent’s pending permanent partner visa application by lodging the required forms with the Department of Home Affairs.
2️⃣ Pay any applicable visa processing fees.
3️⃣ Ensure all required health and character checks for the child are completed.

If these steps are done correctly, your child will be considered for permanent residency alongside the parent.

What If You Don’t Link Your Child to Your Partner Visa Application?

If you fail to add your child to your permanent partner visa application:

• The child will remain on a temporary Subclass 445 visa, which will cease when your partner visa is granted.

• Your child may then be required to leave Australia or apply for a Child Visa (Subclass 101 or 802) separately — a more complex and potentially lengthy process.

What Rights Does the Child Have on a Dependent Child Visa?

While holding a Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445), your child can:

• Live with you in Australia

• Study (though school fees may apply depending on state policies)

• Travel in and out of Australia freely

• Stay in Australia until the parent’s permanent partner visa decision is made

However, your child may not have access to Medicare or certain government benefits until permanent residency is granted.

Does the Dependent Child Visa Have Work Rights?

Typically, Dependent Child Visa holders can work in Australia, though this is subject to age restrictions under Australian law.

• For school-age children, employment is usually regulated by state labour laws.

• It’s advisable to check specific regulations if your dependent child intends to work.

Why is Linking Your Child Early So Important?

Linking your child to your permanent partner visa application ensures:

• They are assessed for permanent residency at the same time as you

• No need for a separate child visa application later

• Peace of mind knowing your child’s status is secure

Delays in linking the child may result in added costs, longer processing times, or even refusal of permanent residency for the child.

Need Help Navigating the Dependent Child Visa Process?

Applying for a Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) and linking it correctly to your partner visa application requires careful attention to detail.

Working with a registered migration agent in Darwin ensures that:

• Your paperwork is completed accurately

• Your child’s visa pathway is secure

• You avoid costly mistakes that could delay your family’s migration process

Conclusion

The Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) lasts only as long as the parent’s permanent partner visa application remains undecided. It is a temporary visa, but with the right steps — particularly by linking your child to the partner visa application — it can absolutely lead to permanent residency in Australia.