Sponsoring Dependants on a Subclass 482 Visa: Detail and Limits
Who counts as a dependant on a subclass 482 visa
The subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa allows the primary sponsored worker (the nominee, or primary applicant) to bring family members to Australia as dependants (secondary applicants). This is one of the important advantages of the 482 visa compared with some other work visas.
Under the current rules, eligible dependants include:
Spouse or de facto partner: A person in a legally recognised marriage with the nominee, or living in a genuine and stable de facto relationship. For a de facto relationship, evidence of a relationship of at least 12 months before lodgement is generally required, unless there is a child of the relationship.
Dependent children: Biological children, legally adopted children, or step-children of the nominee or partner, generally under 18 years old. Children aged 18 to 22 may still be eligible if they are unmarried and financially dependent on the nominee parent. Children aged 23 and over may be considered if a disability prevents them from supporting themselves.
The sponsor does not separately sponsor dependants
An important point to understand: the business sponsor sponsors only the primary nominee — the worker who will be employed by them. The sponsor does not need to, and is not required to, “sponsor” dependants as a separate legal entity.
Dependants are included in the nominee’s visa application (in the same application, or as a secondary application after the nominee already holds a visa). They receive the 482 visa as a secondary holder, automatically tied to the primary nominee’s visa.
No separate nomination is needed for dependants. The nomination applies only to the primary nominee — the person who will fill the sponsored position.
Work rights of dependants
Dependants on a subclass 482 visa are granted full work rights in Australia. Specifically:
- No restriction on the number of hours worked each week
- They may do any job and are not tied to a particular employer or occupation
- They may run their own business (ABN) if they wish
This is a notable difference from the student visa (500), where dependants may only work within certain limits. On a 482 visa, dependants have completely unrestricted work rights.
Study rights
Dependants may study in Australia on a 482 visa. However:
- There is no free tuition at public schools (except in some states with specific arrangements)
- For children in primary and secondary school: international student fees usually apply at public schools, or they may attend a private school at the corresponding fee
- Some states have policies allowing children of temporary work visa holders to attend public school at concessional fees — the sponsor and nominee should check the policy of the specific state
Health insurance: OVHC is mandatory
Dependants on a 482 visa are not entitled to Medicare (except New Zealand citizens and nationals of certain countries with a reciprocal agreement with Australia). Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) — health insurance for overseas visitors — is therefore mandatory for the entire period of stay in Australia.
OVHC must be held for both the primary nominee and all accompanying dependants. The cost depends on the insurer and the number of family members. This is a visa condition, not an optional choice.
Visa duration for dependants
A dependant’s visa will be granted for the same period as the primary nominee’s visa, or shorter if the documents establishing the relationship or dependency are only valid to a certain point.
If the primary nominee extends their 482 visa or is granted a new visa, the dependant must also lodge a separate application. A dependant’s visa does not automatically extend with the primary nominee.
Limits and important notes
- The nominee’s parents are not eligible as dependants on a 482 visa
- Siblings are not eligible
- Dependants must show they meet the Department’s health requirement and character requirement
- If the spousal or de facto relationship ends while the visa is still valid, the dependant may lose the legal basis for their visa and will need to find an alternative visa solution
The 482 visa, with its flexible dependant arrangements, is an appealing option for families who want to move together during a period of work in Australia. Understanding the entitlements and the limits helps both the nominee and the family prepare for the journey.