Many visa applicants get confused when they want their partner to join their temporary visa and assume it is a Partner Visa, but it is actually a Subsequent Entrant Visa.
A Subsequent Entrant Visa allows family members to join the primary visa holder in Australia.
This option is available across various visas such as the Skills in Demand sc-482 visa, a student visa sc-500, a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) 494 visa, or a Temporary Graduate sc-485 visa, and many other temporary visas, offering a pathway for dependent family members such as spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children to join the primary applicant's visa.
Subsequent Entrant vs Partner Visa
A subsequent entrant visa is different to a Partner Visa. A Partner Visa is only for those in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
We have videos on Partner visas including the Onshore, offshore and Fiancee Visa on our YouTube channel.
In this blog, we will explain what a subsequent entrant visa which allow you to add your partner and dependent children to some temporary visas.
We will be providing information in relation to:
- who can apply as a subsequent entrant?
- the different situations in which someone may enter Australia as a subsequent entrant
- what is involved in adding people who are already in Australia on a different visa.
Who Can Apply for a Subsequent Entrant Visa?
The eligibility criteria depend on the specific visa subclass but generally apply to:
- Spouses and de facto partners of the primary visa holder
- Dependent children under a certain age (usually under 23)
- Other eligible dependents, such as family members who rely on the primary applicant financially or due to health conditions
Situations Where Someone Can Enter Australia as a Subsequent Entrant
Several visa categories allow for subsequent entrant applications. Below are the most common situations where a person may apply for a subsequent entrant visa.
- Partner and Family Reunification
One of the most common reasons for a subsequent entrant visa is when a primary visa holder moves to Australia and their spouse or dependent children join them later. - New Marriage or Relationship
If a primary visa holder was single at the time of their visa application but later got married or entered a de facto relationship, their new spouse or partner may apply for a subsequent entrant visa. This is very common for many temporary visa holders in Australia who arrived single, met someone, started a relationship, and now want this person to be added to their visa. - Family Members Unable to Apply Initially
Sometimes, family members cannot apply for a visa at the same time as the primary applicant due to personal, financial, or documentation issues. They may still be eligible to apply later. - Newborn Children Born After Visa Grant
If one parent holds a temporary visa at the time of your child’s birth:
The visa holder must inform Department of Home Affairs about the child as soon as possible (even if the baby does not have a passport yet) so Department of Home Affairs can determine if the baby can be added to the current visa or any pending visa applications.
If both parents hold a different substantive visa at the time of birth, the child is taken to have been granted one of each of the visas of the same class and on the same terms and conditions as the parents.
For the 482 visa, the child must be included in the sponsorship.
- Employer-Sponsored Subsequent Entrants
If a person holds a visa under employer sponsorship, their dependents may join them later as subsequent entrants, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Key Requirements for a Subsequent Entrant Visa
While the specific requirements vary by visa subclass, most subsequent entrant applications require:
- Proof of relationship – Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and evidence of a de facto relationship if applicable. The applicant must be a spouse relationship, either married or de facto.
For a de facto relationship must be living together for at least one year or have registered a relationship. If the couple is married or have their relationship registered, it is not mandatory having been living together for at least one year.
- Financial capacity – The primary visa holder must show they can support their dependents financially
- Health and character checks – Standard immigration health and background checks apply
- Visa validity – The primary visa holder must still hold a valid visa at the time of the subsequent entrant’s application
How much will a subsequent entrant visa application cost?
The cost of a subsequent entrant visa application in Australia varies depending on the specific visa subclass. The subsequent entrant will have to pay the same fee as the main applicant.
How much will it cost to add my newborn child to my visa?
In most cases, no costs apply for adding a newborn child to your visa. However, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs, and the baby will be added to your visa.
Can I add a subsequent entrant while I’m waiting for my 491 or 190 visa to be granted?
If you claimed points as single, you cannot add someone to your visa while waiting for it to be granted. However, if you claimed points for having a partner but, for some reason, they did not join your visa at the time of application, you may be able to add them later.
Can I add someone to my 491 visa after it has been granted if I claimed points as single?
Yes, you can, but you must provide evidence that your relationship started after your visa application when you claimed single points.
Contact Work Visa Lawyers
If you need assistance with a subsequent entrant visa application, please contact one of our immigration lawyers our migration agents.
