Applying for a 485 Visa? New family rules apply from 13 November 2026

Who you can include in your Temporary Graduate (485) visa has changed. Check where you stand before lodging.

The biggest change: everyone applies together

Your family members cannot apply later as subsequent entrants, separate from your application. This applies even if they would have been eligible.

You must be in Australia when applying, but your family can be in or outside Australia, as long as everyone applies at the same time.

This applies to applications lodged from 13 November 2026. Requirements for primary applicants are unchanged.

Who can you include?

You can include family members who were on your previous Student visa or first 485 visa. Otherwise, they must meet one of these requirements:

First 485:

• Currently hold a Student visa as your dependent

• Held a Student visa as your dependent on 2 October 2026

• Held a Student visa as your dependent within the last six months

  
  

Second 485:

• Currently hold a 485 visa as your dependent

• Held a 485 visa as your dependent within the last six months

  
  

Exceptions:

• A Pacific or ASEAN national

• A PhD graduate who studied on a Student visa

• A graduate of a course fully funded by a foreign government, studied on a Student visa

  
  

Newborns

• Born outside Australia (after your most recent Student or 485 visa was granted): include them in your application, applying at the same time.

• Born in Australia to a 485 holder: they automatically hold a 485 as your dependent. You must notify the department of the birth.

  
  

Watch out: ImmiAccount may let you add ineligible family

Being able to add someone in the system doesn’t mean they’re eligible. If they don’t qualify, their application is invalid, affecting their visa status and making it unreviewable.

Before you lodge

1. Confirm if this is your first or second 485.

2. Check each family member against the requirements, or whether you qualify for an exception.

3. Plan for everyone to apply at the same time.

4. Gather evidence of your relationship to each family member.

   
   

Not sure who you can include?

Our team can check your situation before you lodge. Book a consult with us today.

General information only, not migration advice. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak to a registered migration agent about your circumstances.