If you’re applying for a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) to work in Australia, it’s natural to wonder if your family can come with you. The good news is that, in many cases, family members can be included in your visa application. Understanding who can be included, how it works, and what happens if you miss someone can save time and make your move to Australia smoother.
Who Counts as a Family Member?
For the purposes of a 482 visa, family members generally include:
- Your partner – this can be a spouse or a de facto partner of the same or opposite sex. You’ll need to show that your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and meets the criteria under Australian law.
- Your children – this includes your own children, your partner’s children, stepchildren, or adopted children in certain circumstances. Children must usually be under 18, or older but financially dependent due to education or disability.
- Newborn children – if your child is born after you lodge your visa application but before a decision is made, they are automatically included. You just need to notify the Department of Home Affairs with the child’s birth certificate and passport if available.
Family members must also meet Australia’s health and character requirements to be granted a visa.
Including Family Members in Your Visa Application
The main applicant can include eligible family members at the time of lodging the 482-visa application, commonly referred to as “secondary applicants”. Including them from the start ensures they are assessed along with your own visa and avoids the need for separate applications later.
Once the application is submitted, you generally cannot add additional family members, except for a newborn child born while the application is pending. If a family member is not included initially or your circumstances change, they may need to apply separately as a subsequent entrant, which is a new visa application linked to your 482 visa.
Rights of Family Members
Family members granted a 482 visa as secondary applicants or subsequent entrants can:
- Live and work in Australia.
- Study (Note: They will have no access to government financial assistance).
- Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid.
- Potentially apply for permanent residence if eligible.
Keep in mind, the visa is temporary and linked to your visa as the primary applicant. If your 482 visa expires, your family member will need to apply for a new visa to stay.
How SALIA Can Help
At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, we manage the 482-visa application for you and your family members, taking care of the complex immigration processes so you don’t have to. Our team will:
- Assess which family members can be included in your application.
- Prepare and lodge the visa application with all required evidence and documentation.
- Coordinate with your employer to ensure sponsorship obligations are correctly extended to your family.
- Handle any requests from the Department of Home Affairs, including additional information or documents.
- Keep you updated on the progress of your application until your family’s visas are granted.
By working with us, you can focus on planning your move and settling into life in Australia, knowing your family’s migration needs are being handled professionally and efficiently.
If you’re planning to bring your family with you on a 482 visa, contact SALIA Lawyers & Associates today to ensure your application is smooth and complete.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
