If you are planning to bring your family to Australia while you hold, or have applied for, a Temporary Graduate Visa, the subsequent entrant visa 485 pathway is the option designed for your partner or dependent child.
This visa lets your family join you in Australia so you can live, work, or study together during your stay. Understanding how it works helps you prepare a smoother application and meet all requirements confidently.
Understanding the Subsequent Entrant Visa 485
The subsequent entrant visa 485 allows your eligible family members to apply separately after your own Temporary Graduate Visa has been lodged or granted.
This is particularly helpful if your family could not include their details in your initial application or if family circumstances changed later on.
Your partner or children can enjoy similar rights to yours, including staying in Australia for the remaining visa period and having access to work and study options.
Key takeaway: This visa lets your partner or children join or remain with you in Australia after your main 485 application is underway or approved.
Who Can Apply as a Subsequent Entrant
To be eligible, the applicant must be a member of your family unit. This generally refers to your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children.
They must show ongoing genuine relationships, financial dependency where applicable, and evidence that they form part of your household. Meeting health and character requirements is also mandatory.
Key takeaway: Only genuine partners or dependent children can apply under this visa, and they must meet health, character, and relationship rules.
Documents You Need for a Strong Application
Your family member will need to provide identity documents, relationship evidence, dependency proof for children, and confirmation that you hold or have applied for a 485 visa.
Depending on your situation, this may include joint financial statements, joint lease agreements, shared responsibilities, or birth certificates. Health insurance that meets Australian standards is also required.
Key takeaway: Collecting the right relationship, identity, and dependency documents early helps your family member avoid delays.
Read also: ACT Invitation Round Updates for Skilled Visa Applicants
How to Lodge the Subsequent Entrant Visa 485
Your partner or child must apply online through the appropriate Australian immigration portal. They will need your visa details and supporting documents before submitting the application.
After lodging, they may be asked for biometrics or additional evidence. Processing times vary, so planning early allows your family member to enter Australia without unexpected waiting periods.
Key takeaway: The application is done online, and timely preparation supports smoother processing.
What Your Family Can Do on the Subsequent Entrant Visa 485
Once granted, your family can enjoy similar conditions to your Temporary Graduate Visa. This includes work flexibility, study options, and the ability to travel in and out of Australia.
The visa will typically end on the same date as yours, meaning your family’s stay is linked to your own visa validity. This makes it easier to make future plans as a family.
Key takeaway: Your family can live, work, and study in Australia with freedoms similar to your main 485 visa rights.
Read also: Everything You Need To Know About Australian Migration Services Onshore
Costs You Should Expect
The visa application fee must be paid for each subsequent entrant, along with possible expenses such as medical exams, biometrics, and document translations.
You may also incur costs for renewing health insurance and preparing updated relationship evidence. Understanding these expenses early helps you manage your overall budget.
Key takeaway: Each applicant pays their own visa fee, and additional costs like health checks or document preparation may apply.
How Long Your Family Can Stay in Australia
The duration of the subsequent entrant visa 485 aligns with the primary visa holder’s subclass and stream. For example, if you were granted an 18-month or two-year stay, your family will typically have the same end date.
If you extend your stay through a different visa option, your family may also need to transition to new visas.
Key takeaway: Your family’s stay is tied to the validity of your own Temporary Graduate Visa.
Strengthening Your Family’s Future Plans
When applying, make sure both you and your family members understand long-term goals.
If you plan to pursue further visas, such as skilled migration or employer sponsorship, keeping your documents updated now will help later.
Family members may also need English tests or skills evidence depending on future pathways.
Key takeaway: Thinking ahead helps you and your family prepare for broader Australian visa opportunities.
Bringing Your Family Journey Together in Australia
The subsequent entrant visa 485 gives your partner or dependent child the opportunity to share your Australian post-study experience.
With clear eligibility rules, well-prepared documents, and an understanding of the process, you can support your family’s move confidently.
Whether they are overseas or already in Australia, this visa helps you stay connected while building your future.
Key takeaway: This pathway keeps your family together as you build your life in Australia.
Ready to Secure Your Family’s Next Step in Australia?
Are you unsure how to move forward with your family’s subsequent entrant visa 485 plans? Unique Education and Migration can provide tailored guidance to help you understand your options clearly and confidently.
Our migration experts support you through every stage of the process, ensuring your partner or child has the strongest possible application.
Whether you need advice on documents, eligibility, or long-term pathways, we are here to make your plans easier to manage.
Reach out today and let us help you bring your family together in Australia with professional, reliable support.
