Family on the 485 Visa: Bringing Dependents and Building a Life in Australia

Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) opens the door for international students to stay back, gain work experience, and even bring their families to live with them. But how exactly can you include your dependents, what are their rights, and how can you manage life together as a household?

This guide answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the 485 dependent visa, helping you plan your family’s next chapter in Australia – confidently and compliantly.

Understanding the 485 Visa and Dependent Eligibility

The 485 visa allows international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. Under this visa, you can include immediate family members-commonly referred to as dependents.

Who can you bring on your 485 visa?

You can include:

• Your spouse or de facto partner
• Children (biological or adopted) under 18 years
• Dependent children over 18 (if they meet dependency criteria)

Dependents can either be included at the time of applying or added later after the primary visa holder has been granted their 485 visa.

Work and Study Rights for 485 Dependents

One of the biggest advantages of this visa is the flexibility it offers your family members.

• Partners (spouses/de facto) enjoy full work rights, meaning they can work in any occupation and for any employer in Australia.
• Children can attend school, and depending on the state, may be eligible for government schooling with standard international fees.

How to Apply for a Dependent 485 Visa?

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Make sure your family members meet relationship and documentation requirements (marriage certificate, dependency proof, etc.).

Step 2: Gather supporting documents

Commonly required documents include:

• Marriage or birth certificates
• Health and character certificates
• Proof of funds
• Passport and identity documents

Step 3: Apply via ImmiAccount

Dependents can be added online using the Department of Home Affairs portal. If they are outside Australia, apply for a subsequent entrant visa.

Health Insurance Requirements for Dependents

Every 485 visa holder – including dependents – must maintain adequate health insurance to meet visa condition 8501.

If your family is joining you later, they’ll need to show proof of health cover before visa approval.

Visit GetMyPolicy.online – a trusted comparison platform that helps you compare and buy Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) from top Australian insurers like Bupa, Medibank, NIB, AHM, Allianz Care, and AIA in minutes.

You can filter by family, couple, or single coverage and instantly receive quotes – no agent fees, no confusion.

Managing Family Life in Australia

Adjusting to life as a household in Australia can be both exciting and challenging. Here are key aspects to plan for:

Accommodation

• Opt for family-friendly suburbs close to public transport, schools, and workplaces.
• Websites like realestate.com.au or domain.com.au help you compare rent prices.

Cost of Living

• On average, a family of three may spend between AUD 3,500-5,000 per month, including rent, food, utilities, and schooling.

Schooling

• School-aged dependents can study in Australian public or private schools. Rules and fees vary by state and territory.

Employment for Partners

• Partners can work full-time – a major advantage of the 485 visa. Many find employment in healthcare, hospitality, education, and IT sectors.

Can You Add Family Members Later?

Yes. If your family didn’t accompany you initially, you can still apply for a subsequent entrant 485 visa for them.

The process includes:

• Submitting the subsequent entrant application
• Maintaining compliant health insurance

Preparing for the PR Pathway

Many 485 visa holders use this time to strengthen their Permanent Residency (PR) prospects. Having your family with you can make the journey more fulfilling but also requires better planning.

Steps to Prepare:

• Enhance your English proficiency – take or improve your PTE score. Explore PTE Tutorials for mock tests, AI scoring, and practice materials.
• Skill Assessment – Make sure your work experience and qualification are assessed by the relevant authority.
• Occupation Search – Use OccuSearch App to track which occupations lead to PR in your region.
• Stay visa-compliant – Maintain health insurance and adhere to work conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I bring my family on a 485 visa after it’s granted?

Yes, you can bring your spouse or children later by applying for a subsequent entrant visa under Subclass 485. They’ll need to submit documents proving your relationship, along with valid health insurance and other required evidence to join you in Australia.

Q2. What type of health insurance do dependents need?

Dependents of 485 visa holders must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) to meet visa condition 8501. You can easily compare and purchase family OVHC plans from top Australian insurers like Bupa, Medibank, and NIB via GetMyPolicy.online.

Q3. Can my spouse work full-time on a 485 visa?

Yes, partners of 485 visa holders have full and unrestricted work rights in Australia. This allows them to gain valuable local work experience or contribute to the household income while accompanying you.

Q4. Can children attend public school?

Yes, dependent children can attend public or private schools across Australia. However, school fees may vary by state and visa subclass, so it’s advisable to check local education department guidelines before enrollment.

Q5. What’s the best way to prepare for PR?

To strengthen your PR pathway, ensure your skills are assessed by a relevant authority and improve your English proficiency through PTE Tutorials. You can also explore potential PR-eligible occupations in your field using the OccuSearch App, designed to simplify your migration planning.

Final Thoughts

Bringing your family on your 485 visa is not just about paperwork – it’s about building a life together in Australia. From health insurance and job opportunities to schooling and permanent residency planning, every step can shape your family’s journey.

If you’re ready to reunite your loved ones or need expert guidance on the process, Aussizz Group is here to help.

With 180,000+ visas granted, Aussizz Group stands as one of Australia’s most trusted migration and education consultancies.

Book a consultation today – and let’s make your Australian dream a family reality.