482 Visa Subsequent Entrant Stream Australia (2026)
Add Your Partner or Family to a 482 Visa
Last updated: 5 May 2026
If you hold a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), you can bring your partner or children to Australia through the subsequent entrant pathway.
This applies when your family was not included in your original visa application or when your circumstances changed after lodgement or grant.
What Is a Subsequent Entrant?
A subsequent entrant is a family member who applies separately to join a 482 visa holder in Australia.
You must use this pathway if:
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you were not included in the original application, or
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your relationship status changed after lodgement or grant
You cannot add family members to a 482 visa after submission.
Key Facts – Subsequent Entrant Stream (2026)
If you are unsure whether your occupation or salary qualifies, a structured assessment can help identify the correct visa pathway before you apply.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you are part of the family unit of the primary visa holder:
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Partner (spouse or de facto)
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Dependent child
You must link your application to a holder of a subclass 482 visa.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply as a subsequent entrant under the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), you must meet the following requirements.
Relationship to the Primary Visa Holder
You must be a member of the family unit of the primary visa holder.
This includes:
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Partner (spouse or de facto)
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Dependent child
You must provide evidence that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Primary Visa Holder Requirement
The primary applicant must:
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Hold a valid subclass 482 or 457 visa, or
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Have a visa application that is still being processed
You must link your application to the primary visa holder.
Sponsor Agreement (Critical Requirement)
The sponsoring employer must agree to include you.
You must provide:
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A written letter from the sponsor confirming they extend their nomination to include you
Without this, your application does not meet visa requirements.
Health Requirement
You must meet Australia’s health requirements.
Health examinations may be required before or after you lodge your application.
Character Requirement
You must meet character requirements.
This usually includes police certificates for countries where you have lived.
Health Insurance
You must hold adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Visa Status (If Applying in Australia)
If you apply in Australia, you must hold:
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A valid substantive visa, or
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A bridging visa
Compliance With Previous Visa Conditions
If you apply in Australia, you must have complied with the conditions of your current or previous visa.
When Do You Need This Pathway?
You must apply as a subsequent entrant if:
After lodgement
The main applicant already submitted their visa and did not include you
After visa grant
The main applicant already holds the visa and you now want to join them
In both cases, you must lodge a separate application.
Salary and Sponsorship Requirement
This pathway does not require a separate salary assessment for the family member.
However, you still need sponsor involvement:
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The employer must confirm in writing that they extend sponsorship to you
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The nomination must cover all family members
Without this confirmation, the application does not meet visa requirements.
Visa Cost (2026)
Government Visa Fees
For personalised estimates, use the official tool Visa pricing estimator
Additional Costs
Applicants may also need to pay for:
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Health examinations
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Police certificates
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Biometrics
Costs vary depending on individual circumstances. For personalised estimates, use the official visa pricing estimator.
Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on:
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Application completeness
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Sponsor confirmation
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Health and character checks
There is no fixed processing timeframe for subsequent entrant applications.
Processing may take longer if:
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Required documents are missing
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Additional information is requested
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External checks take longer
Applicants can monitor their application through ImmiAccount. For current estimates, refer to the official visa processing time tool.
Permanent Residency Pathway
This visa does not directly grant permanent residency.
However, you may follow the same pathway as the primary visa holder.
In many cases, this includes:
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Eligibility depends on:
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The primary visa holder’s pathway
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Employer nomination
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Meeting visa requirements at the time of application
Application Process (How It Works)
This process links your application to the primary visa holder and their sponsor.
Step 1 – Confirm eligibility
You must be a member of the family unit of the 482 visa holder.
Step 2 – Get sponsor confirmation
The employer must provide a written letter confirming they extend sponsorship to you.
This step is mandatory.
Step 3 – Prepare documents
You must provide:
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Identity documents
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Relationship evidence
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Health and character documents
Step 4 – Lodge visa application
Submit your application online through ImmiAccount.
Step 5 – Respond to requests
Respond quickly if the Department requests additional information.
Important
Your visa cannot be granted unless:
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The sponsor confirms your inclusion
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Your application meets all visa requirements
Common Reasons Applications Are Refused
Applications may be refused if:
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The sponsor does not provide written confirmation
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Relationship evidence is insufficient
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Documents are incomplete or inconsistent
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Health or character requirements are not met
FAQ
Can I add my partner after submitting a 482 visa?
No. You must apply as a subsequent entrant.
Does a subsequent entrant get the same visa conditions?
Yes. You receive the same visa type and validity period.
Can I work in Australia?
Yes. You have work rights.
Do I need a job offer?
No. Your eligibility depends on the primary visa holder.
Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes. You can apply from inside or outside Australia.
Related Pages
Need Help Bringing Your Family to Australia?
Subsequent entrant applications depend on correct documentation and sponsor confirmation.
RACC’s registered migration agents can help you:
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Confirm eligibility
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Prepare relationship evidence
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Coordinate with the sponsor
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Avoid delays and refusal
Book a consultation to get a clear, case-specific assessment before you apply.
Small careless mistakes may result in visa rejection. Book a FREE consultation with Registered Migration Agents will help you get the visa without any headaches.
Why RACC?
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Prepare for your application to the Immigration
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Preparation of Police Check
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Arrange for new Insurance
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Advice on Medical Checkup
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Don't let small careless mistake resulting in a Visa rejection
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You can also apply from outside Australia
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