Subclass 485 Visa Changes 2026 for Family Members

Subclass 485 visa changes 2026 introduce significant new restrictions for partners and dependent children from 13 November 2026.

Under the new rules, family members will generally no longer be able to lodge a separate Subclass 485 visa application after the primary applicant has applied for or been granted the visa.

Eligible family members will generally need to apply at the same time as the primary applicant in a combined application.

What Are The Subclass 485 Visa Changes 2026 for Family Members?

Previously, an eligible partner or dependent child could apply separately as a subsequent applicant after the primary applicant received a Temporary Graduate visa.

For applications made from 13 November 2026:

• separate subsequent-applicant applications will no longer be available;
• eligible family members must generally apply together with the primary applicant;
• the applications must be made at the same time as a combined application; and
• secondary applicants must satisfy the new eligibility requirements.

This makes it important to consider the circumstances of all family members before the primary Subclass 485 application is lodged.

Who May Still Be Included?

A partner or dependent child may still be eligible to apply with the primary applicant where one of the specified categories applies.

These categories cover certain circumstances involving:

• eligible passport holders from specified countries;
• completion of a doctoral degree;
• studies fully funded by a foreign government;
• a child born after the grant of the primary applicant’s relevant Student or Subclass 485 visa;
• a family member who holds or recently held an eligible Student visa as the primary applicant’s dependant; or
• a family member who holds or recently held an eligible Subclass 485 visa as the primary applicant’s dependant.

Meeting one of these categories does not automatically result in a visa grant. The family member must also satisfy the other applicable Subclass 485 requirements.

What About Applications Already Lodged?

A family member who validly lodged a separate Subclass 485 application before 13 November 2026 will generally continue to be assessed under the previous arrangements.

However, if only the primary applicant lodged before 13 November 2026, this does not preserve a family member’s ability to lodge a separate subsequent application after the new rules commence.

Why Applicants Should Check Their Eligibility Early

The new rules may significantly affect couples and families where:

• the partner or child is currently outside Australia;
• the family member has not previously held a Student dependant visa;
• the primary applicant intends to lodge without including family members;
• the secondary applicant is in Australia on another visa;
• the secondary applicant holds a bridging visa; or
• the family intends to apply separately at a later date.

Applicants should not assume that a partner or child can be added after the primary Subclass 485 visa is granted.

Book an Appointment

If you want to know about eligibility of your family member for Subclass 485 visa application or you are preparing a Subclass 485 application and want to include your partner or dependent children, Schedule an appointment with our Registered Migration Agent at Migration Dreamz.

A Registered Migration Agent can review your family members’ visa history, current location and eligibility to determine whether they can be included in a combined Subclass 485 application.