Reunite Your Family in Australia with the 482 Subsequent Entrant Visa

Moving to Australia for work is exciting — but leaving your family behind? That's the hardest part. The good news is, you don't have to do it alone for long. The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Subclass 482 Subsequent Entrant is specifically designed to help your spouse, partner, and children join you in Australia, even after your primary visa has already been granted.

Whether your family couldn't travel with you initially or circumstances have changed, this visa pathway makes family reunions possible. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything — from who qualifies as a 482 visa dependent, to the latest 482 subsequent entrant processing time in 2026, and the full breakdown of 482 dependent visa cost. Already holding a Skills in Demand (SID) visa? This guide is written for you.

What Is the 482 Subsequent Entrant Visa?

The 482 subsequent entrant visa is a stream of the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa that allows family members of an existing 482 or former Subclass 457 primary visa holder to enter and live in Australia separately — that is, after the primary applicant has already been granted their visa.

In short, if you're already working in Australia on a 482/SID visa and your family wants to join you, they apply as subsequent entrants. Once granted, they receive a visa with the same expiry date as your primary visa, and enjoy full work and study rights during their stay.

• Valid for the same duration as the primary 482 visa holder's visa
• Full work rights in Australia — no restrictions on employer or occupation
• Full study rights — dependents can enrol in Australian schools and universities
• Access to Medicare (if your home country has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia)
• Pathway to permanent residency if the primary holder transitions to a Subclass 186 (ENS) visa

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Who Can Apply as a 482 Visa Dependent?

Not all family members qualify. The Department of Home Affairs defines who counts as a "member of the family unit" for this visa. Here's who can apply as a 482 visa dependent:

• Spouse or de facto partner — including same-sex partners (must prove a genuine, ongoing relationship with supporting documents)
• Dependent children under 18 — biological, adopted, or step-children who are financially dependent
• Dependent children aged 18–23 — if they are still financially dependent on the primary holder and not married or in a de facto relationship

Sponsor Consent Is Required

Your Australian employer (the sponsor) must provide written consent confirming they are willing to extend their sponsorship obligations to cover your family members. This is a mandatory step that many applicants overlook — and it can cause delays if not arranged early.

482 Subsequent Entrant Processing Time 2026

One of the most common questions we hear is: "How long will it take for my family to get their visa?" The honest answer is — it varies. But based on the latest 2026 data, here's what you can realistically expect for 482 subsequent entrant processing time:

What Affects Processing Speed?

• Completeness of your application — missing documents are the #1 cause of delays
• Health examination results — schedule your HAP (Health Applicant Portal) appointment early
• Police clearance certificates — required from every country of residence for 12+ months in the past 10 years
• Relationship evidence strength — weak relationship proof triggers additional scrutiny
• Current Department of Home Affairs caseload — volumes fluctuate throughout the year

482 Dependent Visa Cost — 2026 Fee Breakdown

Understanding the 482 dependent visa cost upfront helps you budget with confidence. The government fees below are effective from 1 July 2025 (indexed annually to CPI) and apply per person. Note that the sponsoring employer covers their own sponsorship and nomination fees — these are your application costs only.

Additional Costs to Budget For

• Health examinations: AUD $300–$500 per person (chest X-ray + medical via panel clinics)
• Police clearance certificates: AUD $50–$100 per country
• Health insurance (OVHC): AUD $500–$1,500 per year — mandatory while in Australia
• Translation of documents: Varies — certified translations required for non-English documents
• Migration agent fees: Varies — professional help can save time and reduce refusal risk

How to Apply for the 482 Subsequent Entrant Visa — Step by Step

The application process is entirely online through ImmiAccount. Here's how it works:

1. Confirm Eligibility

   Verify that the primary 482 visa holder is still actively on their visa, that sponsor consent can be obtained, and that the family member meets all health and character requirements.

2. Obtain Sponsor Consent

   Contact the primary applicant's Australian employer (sponsor) and request written confirmation that they agree to extend their sponsorship obligations to the subsequent entrant(s).

3. Gather All Documents

   Collect identity documents, relationship evidence (marriage certificate, joint bank statements, shared lease), dependent children's birth certificates, and the primary visa holder's visa grant details.

4. Complete Health Examinations

   Book and complete medical examinations through an approved panel physician. Obtain your HAP ID before lodging your application online.

5. Obtain Police Clearance Certificates

   Get certificates from every country where you (or your dependent) have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. If you've spent 12+ months in Australia, an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check is also needed.

6. Lodge via ImmiAccount

   Create or log into your ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au, complete Form 1066, upload all supporting documents, and pay the Visa Application Charge (VAC).

7. Respond Promptly to Any Requests

   If the Department sends a request for further information (an "s56 request"), respond as quickly as possible. Delays in responding are a leading cause of processing time blowouts.

Key Benefits & Important Tips

⚡ Top Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Start health exams and police checks before lodging — these often take the longest
• Provide multiple forms of relationship evidence — the more, the better (photos, travel history, financial statements, communication records)
• Ensure the primary visa holder's occupation is still active and the employer sponsorship is current
• Consider using a registered migration agent, especially if there are complexities in your relationship history or past visa refusals
• Don't submit a partial application hoping to add documents later — a complete, decision-ready application processes faster

Bringing Your Family Together — Final Thoughts

The 482 subsequent entrant visa is a genuine lifeline for skilled workers in Australia who want their families by their side. With Australia continuing to actively attract talented professionals in high-demand fields like nursing, engineering, construction, aged care, and technology — the demand for subsequent entrant applications is growing steadily in 2026.

The process is manageable when you're well-prepared. Know your costs, get your documents in order early, secure sponsor consent upfront, and lodge a complete application. If your situation involves any complications — a de facto relationship, children from a previous relationship, or prior visa history — professional migration advice can make a significant difference to your outcome.

Your family deserves to be with you. Don't let paperwork stand in the way.