Secondary Applicants on Australian Visa Applications: Complete Guide

When applying for an Australian visa, understanding the concept of secondary applicants is crucial for families planning to migrate together. A secondary applicant refers to family members who are included in the same visa application as the primary applicant, allowing them to migrate to Australia under the same visa grant.

Who Can Be Included as Secondary Applicants?

Spouse or De Facto Partner

Your spouse or de facto partner can be included as a secondary applicant on most Australian visa applications. For married couples, you'll need to provide a marriage certificate as evidence of your relationship. For de facto relationships, you must demonstrate that you've been in a genuine and continuing relationship for at least 12 months before applying. This requires substantial evidence including joint financial commitments, shared living arrangements, and proof of your ongoing commitment to each other.

Dependent Children

Dependent children can also be included as secondary applicants. A dependent child is typically defined as: - Under 18 years of age - Unmarried and under 23 years of age, and financially dependent on the primary applicant - Over 23 years of age with a disability that prevents them from working and being financially independent

Step-children and adopted children may also qualify as dependents, provided the relationship meets specific criteria outlined in migration regulations.

Rights and Benefits of Secondary Applicants

Secondary applicants generally receive the same visa conditions and rights as the primary applicant. This means they can: - Live, work, and study in Australia for the duration of the visa - Access Medicare (for permanent visas) - Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible) - Include their own dependent children in future applications

However, it's important to note that the visa conditions apply to all applicants. If the primary applicant's visa is cancelled or expires, secondary applicants are typically affected in the same way.

Health and Character Requirements

All applicants, including secondary applicants, must meet Australia's health and character requirements. This is non-negotiable and applies regardless of whether they intend to travel to Australia immediately.

Health Requirements

Secondary applicants must undergo medical examinations conducted by approved panel doctors. The extent of medical testing depends on: - The applicant's country of origin - The type of visa being applied for - The intended length of stay - The applicant's age and health condition

Common medical examinations include chest X-rays, general medical examinations, and specific tests for conditions like tuberculosis or HIV.

Character Requirements

All secondary applicants aged 16 and over must meet character requirements. This involves: - Providing police certificates from countries where they've lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years - Declaring any criminal history - Demonstrating they pose no risk to the Australian community

If you're unsure about which visa pathway suits your family situation, consider using a pathway checker to explore your options and understand the requirements for including secondary applicants.

Cost Implications

Including secondary applicants significantly impacts the total application cost. Visa application charges are structured with separate fees for: - Primary applicant (highest fee) - Secondary applicant aged 18 and over (substantial fee) - Secondary applicant under 18 (reduced fee)

Additional costs include: - Medical examinations for each applicant - Police certificates - Document translation and certification - Potential migration agent fees for complex applications

For example, a skilled migration visa might cost around $4,640 for the primary applicant, plus additional charges for each secondary applicant. These fees are subject to regular increases, so it's essential to check current pricing before applying.

Important Considerations

Timing of Inclusion

It's generally more straightforward and cost-effective to include all family members in the initial application rather than adding them later. Adding secondary applicants after the initial application can be complex and may require a new application altogether.

Alternative Options

In some cases, it might be more beneficial for family members to apply for their own visas. This is particularly relevant for adult children who might qualify for independent skilled migration or partners who have their own qualifying skills.

Before making decisions about including secondary applicants, it's worth exploring all available options. Professional guidance can help navigate these complex decisions and ensure you choose the most appropriate pathway for your family's circumstances.

For personalized assistance with your visa application strategy, including decisions about secondary applicants, consider accessing professional migration services through Visafold to ensure your application is properly structured and compliant with current requirements.

--- Information only, not migration advice. Not affiliated with Home Affairs, OMARA, or Australian Government. Verify with Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.