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If you're living and working in Australia on a Skills in Demand visa (formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa), your eligible family members may be able to join you through the 482 subsequent entrant pathway. This option allows partners and dependent children to apply after the primary visa has been granted, making family reunification more flexible. Understanding the subsequent entrant visa 482 process is essential, as eligibility, required documents, costs, and 482 subsequent entrant visa processing time can vary. This guide covers everything you need to know, including who can apply, application requirements, fees, processing times, and the steps involved, based on current Australian Government guidance.
The 482 visa subsequent entrant pathway allows eligible family members of a Skills in Demand visa holder (which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 visa) to apply to join them in Australia after the primary visa has already been granted. It is commonly used when a partner or dependent child does not apply with the primary applicant or becomes eligible after the original visa grant.
For example, a worker may move to Australia first after receiving a Skills in Demand visa, while their spouse remains overseas to complete work or family commitments. Once they are ready to relocate, they may be able to apply as a 482 subsequent entrant, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Similarly, dependent children who become eligible after the primary visa is granted may also be able to apply through this pathway if they satisfy the relevant migration requirements.
It is important to note that a 482 subsequent entrant is not a separate visa subclass. Instead, it is an application pathway that allows eligible members of the primary visa holder's family unit to obtain a visa linked to the primary holder's existing employer-sponsored visa. Each application is assessed individually against the requirements set out by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Family circumstances can change after a visa has been granted, and not all eligible family members are able to relocate to Australia at the same time as the primary visa holder. The 482 subsequent entrant pathway allows eligible members of the family unit to apply later, provided they meet the relevant visa requirements.
Common situations where this pathway may be used include:
A spouse or partner remains in their home country to complete employment or personal commitments.
Children finish a school term before relocating.
A marriage or de facto relationship begins after the primary visa is granted.
A dependent child becomes part of the family after the original visa application.
Family members decide to join the primary visa holder at a later stage.
Each application is assessed individually, and applicants must satisfy the applicable eligibility, health, character, and documentary requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
A 482 subsequent entrant application is generally available to eligible members of the family unit of a person who holds a Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa).
In most cases, eligible applicants include a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. However, every application is assessed individually under Australian migration law, and applicants must meet the relevant visa requirements.
If you are legally married to the primary visa holder, you may be eligible to apply as a 482 subsequent entrant, provided you meet the definition of a member of the family unit under Australian migration law.
As part of the application, the Department of Home Affairs must be satisfied that your relationship is genuine and continuing. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide supporting evidence such as:
Marriage certificate
Joint bank account statements or other shared financial documents
Evidence of living together or maintaining a shared household
Photographs from different stages of the relationship
Communication records if you have lived apart temporarily due to work, travel, or other reasons
The Department assesses the relationship based on the overall evidence provided, rather than relying on a single document such as a marriage certificate. Submitting clear, consistent, and well-organised supporting documents can help demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship during the assessment process.
You may also be eligible to apply as a 482 subsequent entrant if you are in a genuine and continuing de facto relationship with the primary visa holder, even if you are not legally married.
To support your application, you should provide evidence that demonstrates the nature and duration of your relationship. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
Evidence of living together or a reasonable explanation for any temporary periods of separation
Joint bank accounts or shared financial responsibilities
Lease or mortgage documents showing a shared residence
Utility bills or other correspondence addressed to both partners
Evidence of mutual commitment, such as insurance policies, beneficiary nominations, or shared assets
Statements from family or friends, where appropriate, to support the relationship
No single document proves a de facto relationship. Instead, the Department of Home Affairs assesses the application as a whole, considering the quality, consistency, and credibility of the evidence provided to determine whether the relationship is genuine and continuing.
Eligible dependent children may also be included in a subsequent entrant visa 482 application if they meet the definition of a member of the family unit under Australian migration law.
Depending on the child's age and individual circumstances, applicants may be asked to provide:
Birth certificate
Valid passport
Evidence of dependency, where applicable
Adoption or legal guardianship documents, if relevant
Parental consent or custody documents where required
In some cases, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional documents to verify the child's eligibility or dependency. Providing complete and accurate documentation at the time of application can help minimise processing delays.
Before lodging a 482 subsequent entrant application, it's important to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements under Australian migration law. Every application is assessed individually by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, and meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee visa approval.
To apply as a subsequent entrant visa 482 applicant, you must qualify as a member of the family unit of the primary Skills in Demand visa holder, as defined under the Migration Regulations 1994. This generally includes:
A spouse or de facto partner
A dependent child of the primary visa holder or their partner
For partner applications, you must demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and continuing. Depending on your circumstances, supporting evidence may include a marriage certificate, joint financial records, shared residential documents, photographs, travel records, or other evidence showing your ongoing commitment. The Department considers the overall evidence provided rather than relying on a single document.
To apply as a 482 subsequent entrant, the primary applicant must hold a valid Skills in Demand visa (which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa). Your application is linked to the primary visa holder's status, so they must continue to meet the relevant visa requirements at the time your application is assessed.
If the primary visa holder's visa has expired, been cancelled, or otherwise ceases to be valid, it may affect your eligibility to be granted a subsequent entrant visa. If you're unsure how changes to the primary visa holder's circumstances may impact your application, it's advisable to seek professional migration advice or refer to the latest guidance from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Applicants must meet Australia's health requirements if requested by the Department of Home Affairs. The health assessments required depend on factors such as your age, country of residence, medical history, the type of visa you're applying for, and your intended length of stay in Australia.
You may be asked to complete:
A medical examination
A chest X-ray
Additional health assessments, if required
The Department will advise you if health examinations are needed after you lodge your application. To avoid delays, complete any requested medical assessments within the specified timeframe and follow the instructions provided through your ImmiAccount.
Applicants aged 16 years or older may be required to satisfy Australia's character requirements as part of their 482 subsequent entrant application.
Depending on their individual circumstances, applicants may need to provide:
Police clearance certificates from countries where required by the Department of Home Affairs
Details of any criminal convictions or pending legal matters, where applicable
Any additional information or documents requested during the assessment process
The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually. Providing complete, accurate, and truthful information is essential, as incorrect or incomplete disclosures may delay processing or affect the visa decision.
The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application based on the information and supporting evidence provided. Missing, inconsistent, or inaccurate documents may lead to requests for further information, which can extend the overall processing time.
Before lodging your application, ensure all required documents are current, clearly legible, and consistent with the information entered in your application. Depending on your circumstances, the Department may also request additional evidence during the assessment process. While submitting a complete and well-organised application cannot guarantee a faster decision, it can help avoid unnecessary delays caused by incomplete documentation.
Preparing a complete application with the correct supporting documents can help reduce processing delays. The exact documents required for a 482 subsequent entrant application depend on your relationship to the primary visa holder and your individual circumstances.
The table below outlines the documents commonly requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Documents issued in a language other than English generally need to be accompanied by an English translation that meets the Australian Government's translation requirements. Applicants should also ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, complete, and consistent with the information provided in their application.
The cost of a 482 subsequent entrant application includes the Australian Government's visa application charge as well as any additional expenses that may apply to your individual circumstances.
In addition to the visa application charge, applicants should budget for costs such as:
Health examinations (if required)
Police clearance certificates
Biometrics, where applicable
Certified translations for documents that are not in English
Document certification or other supporting documentation, if requested
The total amount you pay will depend on factors such as the number of applicants included in the application and the supporting requirements for each applicant.
As visa application charges are subject to change, it is important to check the latest fees on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website before lodging your application. You should also consider any third-party costs, as these are generally separate from the government visa application charge.
There is no fixed or guaranteed processing time for a 482 subsequent entrant application. Each application is assessed individually by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, and processing times can vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and the information provided.
Several factors may influence the 482 subsequent entrant visa processing time, including:
Whether the application is complete and all required documents have been submitted
The time taken to complete health examinations, if required
Character assessments, including police clearance certificates
Verification of relationship or dependency evidence
The complexity of the individual case
The Department of Home Affairs' current application workload
Submitting a complete application with accurate supporting documents may help minimise unnecessary delays. However, processing times can change over time, and previous processing trends do not guarantee how long a future application will take.
Because visa decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, applicants should avoid booking non-refundable flights or making irreversible travel arrangements until they have received their visa grant notice.
Applying as a 482 visa subsequent entrant is generally completed online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount. While the exact process may vary depending on your circumstances, most applications follow these steps.
Before lodging your application, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. In general:
The primary applicant holds a valid eligible employer-sponsored visa (such as the Skills in Demand visa).
You are an eligible member of the family unit, such as a spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child.
You can meet Australia's health and character requirements.
If you're unsure about your eligibility, refer to the Department of Home Affairs guidance before applying.
Gather all supporting documents before starting your application. Depending on your circumstances, these may include:
A valid passport
Identity documents
Relationship evidence (for partner applications)
Birth certificates for dependent children
A copy of the primary visa holder's visa grant notice
Police clearance certificates (where required)
Health examination information, if requested by the Department
Submitting complete and accurate documents at the time of application may help reduce processing delays.
Lodge your 482 subsequent entrant applications online using ImmiAccount, the Australian Government's secure visa application portal.
Before submitting, check that:
All personal details are accurate.
Supporting documents are complete and clearly scanned.
Information is consistent across all forms and documents.
Any inconsistencies may result in requests for additional information.
After your application is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs may ask you to complete additional requirements, such as:
Health examinations
Police certificates
Biometrics (if applicable)
Requests for further supporting documents
Not every applicant will be asked to complete all of these steps. If additional information is requested, responding promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Once your application has been fully assessed, the Department of Home Affairs will notify you of the outcome.
If your application is approved, you'll receive a visa grant notice outlining:
Your visa grant details
Visa conditions
Travel validity
Work and study rights (where applicable)
Before making travel arrangements, carefully review your grant notice to understand the conditions attached to your visa.
Every 482 subsequent entrant applications are assessed individually by the Department of Home Affairs. Delays or refusals may occur if the applicant does not meet the visa requirements or if additional information is needed during assessment.
For partner applications, applicants must demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. A marriage certificate alone may not be sufficient. Supporting evidence such as joint financial records, shared accommodation documents, travel history, photographs, and communication records can help strengthen the application.
Applications may be delayed if required documents are missing, outdated, or incomplete. Before lodging your application, ensure all identity, relationship, health, and character documents are accurate, clear, and uploaded correctly.
Applicants must satisfy Australia's health and character requirements where applicable. Additional medical examinations or delayed police clearance certificates may extend processing times.
A 482 visa subsequent entrant application depends on the primary visa holder maintaining an eligible visa. If their visa status changes while the application is being processed, it may affect the outcome.
Yes. In most cases, family members granted a 482 subsequent entrant visa can live, work, and study in Australia while the primary visa holder's eligible visa remains valid. They may also travel in and out of Australia during the visa's validity period.
However, visa conditions vary depending on individual circumstances. Always check your visa grant notice to confirm your specific work and study rights.
Even genuine applications can face delays if key requirements are overlooked. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
A marriage certificate alone may not be enough. The Department of Home Affairs generally expects additional evidence to show that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Missing, expired, or incorrect documents can delay processing. Check that all required identity, relationship, and supporting documents are complete before lodging your application.
Police clearance certificates can take time to obtain in some countries. Applying for them early may help avoid unnecessary delays.
Ensure all scanned documents are clear, complete, legible, and uploaded in the correct format. Poor-quality files may lead to requests for replacement documents.
The 482 subsequent entrant visa processing time varies from case to case. It's generally advisable to wait for your visa approval before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
A 482 subsequent entrant is an eligible family member of a Skills in Demand visa holder (which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa) who applies to join the primary visa holder after the original visa has already been granted.
Eligible applicants generally include a spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children who meet Australia's migration, health, and character requirements.
There is no fixed processing time. The 482 subsequent entrant visa processing time depends on factors such as document completeness, health assessments, character checks, application complexity, and the Department of Home Affairs' current workload.
In many cases, yes. Family members granted the visa generally receive permission to work in Australia, subject to the conditions specified in their individual visa grant notice.
Many applicants are required to complete health examinations. The exact requirements depend on factors such as age, country of residence, and personal circumstances.
Unlike many skilled migration pathways, there is generally no standalone English language requirement specifically for a 482 subsequent entrant application. However, applicants must satisfy all other applicable visa requirements.
Yes. Eligible dependent children may be included if they meet the requirements under Australian migration law and provide the necessary supporting documents.
Yes. Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, applications may be lodged from either inside or outside Australia. Applicants should check the current legislative requirements that apply to their situation.
Changes in relationship circumstances may affect visa status in some cases. It is important to notify the Department of Home Affairs where required and seek appropriate migration advice if your circumstances change.
Using a registered migration agent is optional. However, applicants with complex family circumstances, previous visa issues, or uncertainty about eligibility may benefit from professional advice. If you need guidance with your application, AUM Global can assist you in understanding the process and preparing the required documentation.
Applying as a 482 subsequent entrant enables eligible family members to join a loved one already living and working in Australia under an employer-sponsored temporary work visa. Although the application process is generally straightforward, success depends on meeting legislative requirements, providing accurate information, and submitting strong supporting evidence.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, prepare comprehensive relationship and identity documents, complete any required health and character checks, and ensure all information is consistent before lodging the application.
Because Australian migration policies, visa application charges, and processing arrangements can change, always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs guidance before submitting your application. Where your circumstances are more complex, obtaining advice from a registered migration professional may help you understand the requirements that apply to your situation.
