Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) - Agent Training Manual

1. Overview

Know these facts cold before the first client conversation - they are also what the exam below tests. Bridges to PR when added to the parent's permanent Partner visa (801/100).

Visa typeTemporary

LodgementOnshore or offshore

StayUntil the parent's permanent Partner visa is decided

Work rightsYes

Study rightsYes

Government charge~$3,115

Processing time~12-20 months

2. Process flow

The handling sequence for a 445 file, from first consultation to decision. Each step assumes the one before it is genuinely finished - not "mostly done".

Check the parent's stage
The 445 only exists while the parent holds a provisional partner visa (820/309) and the permanent stage is undecided. If the 801/100 is close, sequencing is everything.
Evidence dependency
Age, custody and financial dependency on the partner-visa parent.
Lodge and link
Lodge promptly and then add the child to the parent's permanent-stage application.
Decision and briefing
The 445 travels with the parent's outcome - keep both files aligned.

3. Eligibility checklist

Every box must be confirmable with evidence, not the client's say-so, before you advise that the 445 is viable.

A dependent child of a person holding a provisional Partner visa (820/309)The parent's permanent Partner visa not yet decidedDependency on the parentHealth and character requirements

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4. Document checklist

The lodgement pack. Aim for decision-ready: a case officer should be able to grant without asking for anything further.

Valid passport biodata page for every applicant - check expiry against expected processing timeCertified identity documents: birth certificate, national ID, any change-of-name evidencePolice certificates for every country the client lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years (since turning 16)Health examinations with an approved panel physician when requested (record the HAP ID)Form 956 appointing you as the registered agent, signed before you deal with the DepartmentThe parent's provisional partner visa grant detailsChild's birth certificate and custody/consent documentsEvidence of financial dependency on the parent

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5. Cost checklist

Quote the full stack, in writing, before the client signs. Surprise costs are the fastest way to lose a client's trust (and earn a complaint).

Item	Indicative amount
Base visa application charge (2025-26, indicative)	~$3,115
Health examinations (per person)	~$300-500
Police certificates	~$42-150 each
Relationship registration (where used)	State fees vary
Your professional fee	Per your agency's schedule - quote in writing before Form 956
Rule of thumb	Government charges usually change every 1 July - re-quote any file that lodges after 30 June

6. Qualification checklist

Run this in the first consultation, before taking a retainer. It screens the client, not the visa: history, hard stops and honesty come first.

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7. Case studies - eligible cases

Illustrative composites showing what a grantable 445 file looks like in practice.

Grant: Daniel from Egypt

Background: Daniel, a hospitality manager from Egypt. Dependent children of a parent who holds a temporary Partner visa (820/309), to join that parent in Australia.
Why it qualified: (1) A dependent child of a person holding a provisional Partner visa (820/309). (2) The parent's permanent Partner visa not yet decided. (3) Dependency on the parent.
What made the file strong: The agent tested the weakest criterion first and fixed it before lodging, not after a natural-justice letter.
Outcome: Granted within the indicative processing window (~12-20 months).

Grant: Mei from Brazil

Background: Mei, a retired shopkeeper from Brazil. Dependent children of a parent who holds a temporary Partner visa (820/309), to join that parent in Australia.
Why it qualified: (1) A dependent child of a person holding a provisional Partner visa (820/309). (2) The parent's permanent Partner visa not yet decided. (3) Dependency on the parent.
What made the file strong: Dates, names and figures matched across every document - no internal inconsistencies to trigger checks.
Outcome: Granted within the indicative processing window (~12-20 months).

8. Case studies - refusal cases

The same visa, handled badly. Every one of these failure modes is screenable at the first consultation.

Refusal: Amir from South Africa

Background: Amir, a marketing coordinator from South Africa, engaged an agent late and pushed for a fast lodgement of the 445.
What went wrong: Applying after the parent's permanent visa is finalised
Outcome: The case officer decided on the papers without a further request - the file had to stand on its own, and it could not.
Lesson for the agent: Put this issue on the document checklist on day one and refuse to lodge until it is closed out.

Refusal: Ngoc from Mexico

Background: Ngoc, a small-business owner from Mexico, engaged an agent late and pushed for a fast lodgement of the 445.
What went wrong: Dependency not adequately evidenced
Outcome: The refusal went to review: another year, more cost, and no certainty the outcome changes.
Lesson for the agent: Apply the decision-ready test: if you cannot evidence the claim today, the application is not ready to lodge.

9. Self-exam

10 questions drawn from this manual. Pass mark 80%. Answers are graded on the server and your result is recorded against your agent profile - retakes are unlimited and your best score is kept. Log in to the agent portal first so your result is saved to My trainings.

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