Subsequent Entrant Visa: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide

What is a Subsequent Entrant Visa? 

A subsequent entrant visa is for family members (spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child) of an eligible Australian visa holder. They were not included in the primary applicant’s visa application. If you’re interested in applying it’s because you want to apply for your own visa and wish to join the primary visa holder in Australia. 

What does it mean for family members of students, skilled workers, and regional visa holders?

Once the visa is granted, they are allowed to join the primary Australian visa holder in Australia.

Subsequent Visas for Subclasses

Here’s a breakdown of subsequent entrant visas for the 500, 485, 189, 190, 491, and the 186 subclasses.

Student Subsequent Entrant Visa (500) 

The visa would grant family members (spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children) to join the international student in Australia. 

The application is done online with a two-month buffer period before travel period. The family members can join only after the student’s visa has already been granted.

The requirements would be: 

• Proof of relationship
• Financial evidence 
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) 
• If the student is under 18 years old, a guardian may apply

Confirmation Letter

Include a letter from the student’s education provider or school confirming enrolment and course duration

Validity of Subsequent Entrant Visa

The dependent’s visa is valid aligning with the primary student visa holder’s stay in Australia. 

Genuine Intent

Subsequent entrants must consider the genuine intent of staying temporarily in the country. 

Cost

AUD 2,000 – For those aged 18 and above

AUD 400 – For those aged under 18 

Additional Costs

• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
• Medical Exams
• Biometrics
• School Fees (if applicable)

Tip: An Application Checklist document is available for download on the Immigration’s official website. 

Learn more: Educate to Migrate Pathway Programs

Graduate Subsequent Entrant Visa (485)

The visa would grant family members (spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children) to join the international graduate in Australia. 

The application is done online while the main or primary visa holder is in Australia. 

The requirements would be: 

• Proof of relationship
• Dependency evidence for children
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) 
• Meeting the health and character requirements

Cost 

AUD 880 – Base application fee

AUD 440 – Additional applicant 18 and above

AUD 225 – Additional applicant below 18

Read on: Post-graduate work

Skilled Independent Subsequent Entrant Visa (189)

The visa would grant family members (spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children) to join the skilled worker in Australia with a possibility of applying for permanent residency.

Family members can be included in the primary visa holder’s application or apply subsequently after their visa has been granted. 

The requirements would be: 

• Proof of relationship
• Meeting the health and character requirements 
• English language proficiency

Rights

They may be able to study, work or live in Australia and get access to Medicare

Cost

AUD 7,150 – Partner application fee

Children’s applicant fee may vary

Check out: Skilled Independent Visa (189)

Skilled Nominated (190) & Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subsequent Entrant Visa (491)

The visa would grant family members (spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children) the ability to join the skilled worker in Australia. 

The requirements would be: 

• Proof of relationship
• Meeting the health and character requirements 
• English language proficiency

Cost

Starts at AUD 4,115 – Base application fee

Applicants 18 or above with less proficient English skills may have additional fees

Additional Costs

• Medical Exams
• Police Checks

Deep dive into: What are EOI and ROI in State Nominations?

Employer Sponsored Subsequent Visa (186)

The visa would grant family members (spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children) the possibility of joining the sponsored employee in Australia. 

The requirements would be: 

• Proof of relationship
• Meeting the health and character requirements 
• English language proficiency

The employer sponsoring the employee would usually extend the support to the sponsored employee’s family member in the nomination.

Cost 

AUD 2,385 – For those 18 and above

AUD 1,190 – For those below 18 years old

Those with with less proficient English skills may have additional fees

Discover more about: Looking for Employer Sponsorships

An Overview of the Subsequent Entrant Visas

Steps for a Subsequent Entrant Visa Application

1. Being included in the Primary Visa Holder’s Application

Before applying, the primary Australian visa holder  will include you as a family member in their visa application. 

For family members with an Employer Sponsored Visa (186)

Attach a written letter from the work sponsor (employer) to include you as a family member of the nominated employee

2. Gathering the Documents

Include all the necessary documents and paperwork which would include your identity, character, health, and English language proficiency.

3. Applying for the Visa

Just like how the sponsor has applied for their visa, you can also do this through the ImmiAccount. 

4. Waiting for the Visa Outcome

Immigration receives and assesses the application. 

If they grant the visa, they will tell you: 

• Your visa grant number 
• The date your visa starts 
• Your visa conditions

   

If they refuse the grant, they will tell you: 

• Why they refused the visa 
• Whether or not you have a right to a review of the decision 

The Subsequent Entrant Visa Process

Applying subsequently does come with its own complexities, but with the right help, you’ll be able to navigate the process better and more efficiently. That’s the kind of support we want to offer you. If you’re interested in applying for a subsequent entrant visa, book a consultation and have a conversation with one of our expert advisers — our migration agents who’ll gladly assist you through all of this.