Can You Add Your Adult (Non-Minor) Child to Your Australian Visa Application?

Migrating to Australia is an exciting opportunity, but it can also raise important family questions ,  especially for parents whose children are already young adults. One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Can we include our 19 or 20 year-old child in our visa application?”

The good news is that, in many cases, you can. Australia’s immigration law allows adult children to be included in a visa application if they can show that they are still dependent on their parents. This applies to both temporary and permanent visas, including the Subclass 482 Visa.

This guide explains what “dependent” means, when you can include an adult child, and what to do if they don’t meet the criteria.

 Understanding Dependency and Eligibility

Under Australian migration law, a child can be considered dependent on their parents if they rely on them for their main living needs such as food, housing, and education. It’s not about occasional help ,  it’s about regular and ongoing support.

A child may be included in your visa application if they are:

• Under 18 years of age, or
• Between 18 and before the day the child turns 23 years old and financially dependent (for example, significantly dependent on basic needs, studying full-time and supported by you), or
• Over 23 years old but unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.

The Department of Home Affairs will assess dependency carefully and may ask for detailed evidence to confirm that your child genuinely relies on you.

Including an Adult Child on Different Visa Types (Examples below)

Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491)

If you are applying for a skilled visa, your adult child can be included as a dependent secondary applicant if they meet the financial dependency criteria. You will need to prove that your child relies on you for day-to-day living expenses, education, or accommodation.

Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801, 309/100)

Partner visa applicants can include dependent children ,  even those over 18 ,  if they can show that they are still financially supported by the main applicant or their partner.

Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

You can include family members such as a spouse or dependent children in a 482 visa application. The children must be financially dependent, such as full-time students whose main expenses are paid by the visa holder.
Children over 23 can only be included if they are unable to work due to a physical or mental condition.

For the 482 visa, dependents must be declared and added either at the time of the main application or later through a dependent visa application.

Evidence to Show Dependency

To include an adult child, you will need to show consistent and genuine dependency. The Department of Home Affairs may ask for documents such as:

• Birth certificate confirming the relationship
• Proof of full-time study, such as enrolment confirmation or attendance records
• Financial documents showing support, such as bank statements, money transfers, or tuition payments
• Shared living arrangements or bills paid by the parent
• Medical evidence if the child cannot work due to disability
• A statutory declaration explaining how the parent supports the child

It is important that the evidence covers a continuous period, not just isolated examples of financial help.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many families lose valuable time and money because they assume their adult child automatically qualifies as a dependent. Some common mistakes include:

• Not providing enough evidence to prove financial reliance
• Submitting inconsistent information between forms and documents
• Including a child who is working full-time or financially independent
• Forgetting to declare dependency changes before lodging the visa application

The Department looks closely at whether the child’s living costs are genuinely covered by the parent and whether the child is capable of supporting themselves.

Options if Your Adult Child Cannot Be Included

If your adult child does not meet the dependency test, there are still pathways available for them to join you in Australia.

Each option has its own criteria and timelines, and a registered migration professional can help identify the best route for your family’s situation.

Why Professional Advice Matters

Determining dependency ,  especially for temporary visas like the 482 ,  requires careful documentation and understanding of migration law. Every family situation is different, and even small details can affect the outcome of an application.

As Registered Australian Immigration Advisers, we can:

• Assess whether your child qualifies as a dependent
• Advise on the right evidence to prepare
• Recommend the best visa strategy for your entire family

Professional guidance early in the process can prevent delays and reduce the risk of refusal.

Keeping your family together is often one of the biggest priorities during the migration process. While Australian law allows dependent adult children to be included in visa applications, it is important to understand the exact requirements and prepare the right evidence.

If your child is over 18 and you’re unsure whether they can be included in your application, speak with a migration professional before lodging your visa. The right advice can make all the difference.

Contact our team today for a confidential consultation. We can help you assess your options and plan your family’s pathway to Australia with confidence.