The subsequent entrant visa is a viable option for families to reunite in Australia. This visa enables eligible family members to make individual applications and join the primary visa holder in a smooth process. However, there are a few questions around eligibility, documents and timelines that may create confusion.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear and practical breakdown of how subsequent entrants can enter Australia, who can apply, and what you need to prepare for moving smoothly.
Also Read: How to Stay Ahead of Australian Visa Delays in 2026
Top Subsequent Entrant Visas
There are mainly six types of subsequent entrant visa subclasses, which include subclass 408, 485, 500, 186,189, 190 and 491. Here’s a detailed look at each of them:
Temporary Activity Subsequent Entrant Visa (Subclass 408)
The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) allows individuals to come to Australia on a temporary basis to participate in specific activities such as cultural programs, research, sports, entertainment, or special events.
For subsequent entrants, the main requirements include:
- Meeting health and character requirements
- Proof of relationship with the main applicant
- Having adequate financial support and health insurance
- Complying with visa conditions set under the relevant activity stream
The cost of a 408 subsequent entrant visa includes:
- Visa application charge: from AUD 430
- Additional applicants (family members) incur extra charges depending on age and number of applicants
Graduate Subsequent Entrant Visa (485)
The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 allows international students to live, study, and/or work in Australia after finishing their studies. The main requirement of this visa for subsequent applicants is:
- Dependency evidence for children
- Proof of relationship
- Meeting the health and character requirements
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
The cost of a visa subclass 485 for subsequent entrants is as follows:
- Base application fee: AUD 4,600
- Additional applicant 18 and above: AUD 2,300
- Additional applicant below 18: AUD 1,160
Subsequent Student Visa Subclass 500
This visa allows dependent children and the spouse/de facto partner of international students to join them in Australia. The application is submitted online and has a one or two-month buffer period before the travel period. Family members of the main applicant can only join them after the student’s visa has already been granted. Some of the primary requirements of student visa subsequent entrants include:
- Proof of relationship
- If the student is under 18 years old, a guardian may also need to travel with them
- Financial evidence
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Besides having basic requirements, here are a few more factors connected with the main visa applicant:
- Confirmation Letter: The confirmation letter is retrieved from the education provider of the student.
- Validity of Subsequent Entrant Visa: The family member’s visa is valid, and its duration is the same as the primary student’s visa.
- Genuine Intent: The subsequent entrant must have the genuine intent to stay in the country only temporarily.
For subsequent applicants aged 18 and above, the cost of this visa is about AUD 1,755. For under-18 applicants, the subclass 500 visa will cost around AUD 875.
Read More: Australian Passport Renewal: Step-by-Step Process Explained
Employer-Sponsored Subsequent Entrant Visa (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Visa 186 is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in Australia. For subsequent applicants, the main requirements are:
- Meeting health and character requirements
- Presenting evidence of the relationship with the main applicant
- Demonstrating English language proficiency
The pricing of this visa includes
- Additional adult applicant (partner): approx. AUD 2,455
- Dependent child: approx. AUD 1,230
Skilled Independent Subsequent Entrant Visa (189)
The visa mainly targets skilled workers through the points-tested visa to evaluate the most suitable workforce for the nation. The main requirements for the subsequent entrants of the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 include:
- Meeting the health and character requirements
- Proof of relationship
- English language proficiency
Once the visa has been granted, the subsequent entrant will be able to study, work and live in Australia. They may also get access to Medicare (Australia’s universal healthcare system). This visa costs about AUD 2,455 for the subsequent applicant, and the children’s applicant fee may vary depending on the application.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa that is allocated based on the points system and enables skilled professionals to live and work in Australia after being nominated by the state or territory government.
For the second applicant, the main requirements are:
- Meeting health and character requirements
- Proof of relationship with the main applicant
- Demonstrating English language proficiency
The cost of the subsequent 190 visa Australia visa application includes:
- Additional adult applicant (partner): approx. AUD 2,455
- Dependent child: approx. AUD 1,230
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subsequent Entrant Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491 is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who intend to live and work in particular regional areas of Australia.
For subsequent entrants, the main requirements include:
- Meeting health and character criteria
- Providing proof of relationship
- Demonstrating English language proficiency
The subsequent entrant visa 491 visa costs are as follows:
- Additional adult applicant (partner): approx. AUD 2,455
- Dependent child: approx. AUD 1,230
Learn More: Australian Passport Renewal: Step-by-Step Process Explained
Steps to Apply for a Subsequent Entrant Visa Application
The subsequent visa application is a four-step process. Each of these steps is as follows:
1. Being Included in the Application of the Primary Visa Holder
Before the application, the primary Australian visa holder will include subsequent members as family members in their visa application.
2. For family members with an Employer-Sponsored Visa (186)
Include a formal letter from the company or work sponsor stating that you are a member of the nominated employee’s family.
2. Collect Required Documents
Keep all necessary documents handy, including your identification, character, health, and level of English language skills.
3. Apply for the Visa
You can apply for the visa through the ImmiAccount in the same manner that the sponsor did for their visa.
4. Wait for the Visa Outcome
The application is received and evaluated by the immigration authorities of Australia.
If the visa is approved, they will inform you:
- Your visa grant number
- The start date of your visa
- The terms of your visa
They will inform you if they decline the grant:
- What made them reject the visa?
- Whether you are entitled to a review of the ruling
Final Thoughts
A subsequent entry visa simplifies family reunification by allowing eligible members to join the primary applicant with clarity and structure. It is important to understand visa subclasses, requirements, and time frames to avoid delays and confusion. For expert guidance, consulting a registered migration agent Perth can ensure a smoother, well-informed application process and better chances of approval.
