A subsequent entrant application lets a spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child join a primary applicant in Australia after the primary visa has already been granted — without re-lodging the primary applicant's own evidence. This guide covers what a subsequent entrant application involves and what's required across each visa type VisaPacks supports a checklist for.
What is a subsequent entrant?
A subsequent entrant is a member of the family unit added to a visa after the primary applicant's own visa has already been granted — most commonly a spouse or de facto partner who wasn't included in the original application, or a child born or becoming a dependent after the primary visa was granted.
Who counts as a member of the family unit?
Generally a spouse or de facto partner of the primary applicant, and dependent children (including step-children) who meet the Department of Home Affairs' dependency criteria. [VERIFY: confirm current age and dependency rules — these have specific thresholds and exceptions (e.g. for full-time students or a person with a disability) that should be checked against current Home Affairs policy rather than assumed.]
Lodge-after-grant timing
Because the primary visa must already be granted before a subsequent entrant application is lodged, timing matters — you can't submit both at once. [VERIFY: confirm current guidance on how soon after grant a subsequent entrant application can or should be lodged, and any time limits that apply to specific visa subclasses.]
Evidence themes common to every subsequent entrant application
- Identity — passport, birth certificate, and passport-style photos
- Relationship or dependency evidence — marriage/de facto relationship proof for a partner, or proof of parentage/dependency for a child, plus the primary applicant's passport, visa grant notice, and Transaction Reference Number
- Health — a medical examination through an approved Panel Physician or Health Assessment Portal (HAP) appointment
- Character — police clearance certificates from every country lived in for 12+ months since age 16, and a completed Form 80
Skilled Independent (189) subsequent entrant
Covers a spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child joining a Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa holder. Doesn't require the primary applicant's skills assessment or points test evidence.
Skilled Nominated (190) subsequent entrant
Covers family members joining a Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa holder. Doesn't require the primary applicant's skills assessment, state nomination, or occupation list evidence.
Skilled Work Regional (491) subsequent entrant
Covers family members joining a Subclass 491 visa holder, with an additional optional section for evidence of your own intention to live in a designated regional area.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (191) subsequent entrant
Covers family members joining a Subclass 191 visa holder, with an additional section covering evidence of 3-year regional co-residence if you were physically present in Australia during the primary applicant's provisional visa period.
Skills in Demand (482) subsequent entrant
Covers family members joining a Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa holder. Doesn't require the primary applicant's employer sponsorship, skills assessment, or employment evidence.
Employer Nomination Scheme (186) subsequent entrant
Covers family members joining a Subclass 186 visa holder. Doesn't require the primary applicant's employer nomination, skills assessment, or employment evidence.
Temporary Graduate (485) subsequent entrant
Covers family members joining a Subclass 485 visa holder. Doesn't require the primary applicant's qualifications, study history, or English test results.
Student visa (500) subsequent entrant
Covers family members joining a Subclass 500 Student visa holder. Requires a copy of the primary student's Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and your own Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) — not OSHC, which only covers the enrolled student — for the full duration of your intended stay.
Every subsequent entrant checklist
FAQ
Can I lodge a subsequent entrant application at the same time as the primary applicant?
No — a subsequent entrant application requires the primary applicant's visa to already be granted, so it's lodged separately and afterwards. If you're applying at the same time as the primary applicant before any visa has been granted, you're a secondary applicant instead, not a subsequent entrant.
Do I need the primary applicant's skills assessment or sponsorship documents?
No. A subsequent entrant application only requires your own identity, relationship/dependency, health, and character documents, plus proof of the primary applicant's visa grant — not their occupation, sponsorship, or points-test evidence.
What is Form 80 and why does it come up in every subsequent entrant checklist?
Form 80 (Personal Particulars) is a character assessment form required for applicants aged 16 or over across most visa types, including subsequent entrant applications. See our full Form 80 guide for how to complete it.