Subsequent entrant visa: Everything you need to know.

A visa for family members (spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child) of an eligible Australian visa holder is a subsequent entrant visa. Subsequent entrants are considered secondary visa applicants.

As a subsequent entrant (dependant), you can legally live, work, and study (with limits) in Australia.

Note: Future student visa holders (exceptions: PhD students and those from Pacific Islands and ASEAN countries) and 485 visa holders will not be able to bring their dependants to Australia.

Additional note: the primary visa holder must be of the type defined by DOHA.

People primary applicants are allowed to bring as a subsequent entrant are:

• Legal spouse (or de facto partner),
   
• Dependent (unmarried) children under 18, or children aged 18 to 23 if they are financially dependent on you,
   
• Financially dependent parents (could be biological or adopted).
   

There is a vast number of documents required to apply for a subsequent entrant visa, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Valid passports for dependents.
   
• Marriage certificate. If not, documents that prove your relationship with them.
   
• Birth certificate for children.
   
• Your birth certificate, if applying for dependent parents.
   
• Documents that further prove your relationship with your parents (biological as well as adopted).
   
• Others as necessary.
   

A subsequent entrant can typically stay for as long as the primary applicant's visa is valid. If the primary applicant has a permanent visa, dependents can stay in Australia permanently; if the primary applicant has a temporary visa, dependents can stay as long as the visa lasts.

For example, if the primary applicant holds a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) subclass 494 visa, they and, by extension, dependents (subsequent entrants) can stay in Australia for up to 5 years.

The cost of a subsequent entrant visa depends on the primary applicant's visa. Generally, application costs hover around 1,000 AUD and 6,000 AUD per applicant.

For example, if the primary applicant holds a Subclass 491 visa, the application fee for a subsequent entrant visa is 3,070.00 AUD if 18+; 1535 AUD if under 18.

Note: Individuals (and their subsequent entrants) should be aware of document costs and the cost of living in Australia.

The processing time for a subsequent entrant visa depends on workload, application procedure, and the number of dependents. But it is typically processed within 6 to 8 months.

The step-by-step process of applying for a subsequent entrant visa is:

Step 1: Primary applicants need to include secondary applicants (subsequent entrants) on their visa.

Step 2: Gather all the required documents for the subsequent entrant. It may include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, police certificate, employer agreement (if necessary), and more.

Step 3: Apply for the required subsequent entrant visa and wait for the result.

Applicants can apply on their own, but applying through professionals (generally) avoids making mistakes. Navigating the regulatory framework requires professionals who understand laws (and policy changes). That is why reaching out to experts like us may be a good choice.

We are an ethical registered migration agent with a track record of integrity and honesty. Our team includes multiple MARA-registered migration agents and QEAC-certified counsellors. We have over 10 years of experience guiding students toward their dreams and making the process hassle-free. For complete guidance on applying for a subsequent entrant visa (and the implications of policy changes), consult with us.