Bringing family on a visa 482: partner, children, work and study
One of the things that makes the visa 482 appealing is that you can bring your family with you. But “who counts as a dependant” and “what they are allowed to do in Australia” are details worth understanding from the start, so you prepare correctly and budget accurately.
Who counts as a dependant
Dependants typically include a spouse (including a de facto partner) and children who meet the conditions on age and dependency. Each group has its own way of proving the relationship — for example, evidence of a spousal relationship, or a child’s birth certificate. Preparing the right relationship documents from the outset helps avoid having to add them later.
Rights to work and study
This is the point many people are unsure about: dependants accompanying a visa 482 holder are generally permitted to work and study in Australia, though the specific scope may depend on the conditions. Children attending school may incur costs depending on the level of schooling and the state. Check the current conditions for your family’s particular situation.
Costs for dependants
Each dependant carries an additional charge on top of the main application charge (4,015 AUD for the primary applicant), differing between people aged 18 years and over and those under 18. For a family of several people, the total cost can be considerably higher than for you alone — so calculate it for the actual number of people on the application.
When the family file is complex
If the relationship needs careful proof (a de facto partner, a stepchild) or a dependant is in a special situation, that is the moment to ask a registered migration agent (MARA). Preparing the dependant file correctly from the start keeps the whole family moving in step, avoiding the situation where one person is approved while another waits.