Subclass 485 family member rules have tightened. Graduates hoping to bring partners or children with them on a Temporary Graduate visa now have far less room for manoeuvre.
What has changed
From 13 November 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has narrowed which family members can be included in a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application. The eligibility requirements for the main applicant haven’t changed. The shake-up is all about who comes along with them.
Who can still be included under the new subclass 485 family member rules
- A family member can now be included only if one of these applies:
- they held a visa as your dependant on your previous Student or Temporary Graduate visa
- you meet one of the specific eligibility criteria below
- they are a qualifying newborn
- Some applicants can include any family members, even new ones who were never their dependants on a previous visa:
- Pacific and ASEAN nationals
- people who completed a PhD while on a Student visa
- people who finished a course fully funded by a foreign government while on a Student visa
- First subclass 485: family members must meet one of these conditions:
- they currently hold a Student visa as your dependant
- they held one as your dependant on 2 October 2026
- they held one as your dependant within the last six months
- Second subclass 485: family members must currently hold a subclass 485 as your dependant, or have held one as your dependant within the last six months. Only the same family members included on your previous visa can be carried over.
Timing, location and newborns
- Family members can’t be added later. Once you’ve lodged, they can’t apply separately as subsequent entrants, even if they would otherwise have qualified for inclusion.
- You must be physically in Australia when you apply. Your family members can be in Australia or overseas, but everyone must apply at the same time.
- A child born outside Australia after your most recent Student or Temporary Graduate visa was granted can be included in your first or second subclass 485 application. They can’t be added once the visa has been granted.
- A child born in Australia while you hold a subclass 485 automatically holds that visa as your dependant. No separate application is needed, but you must tell the department about the birth.
- Applications lodged before 13 November 2026 will be assessed under the rules in place on the date you applied.
A word of warning about ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount may still let you add a family member who doesn’t meet the new rules. That doesn’t mean they’re eligible. Their application will be invalid, which may affect their current visa status. If their visa has already expired, they may be unable to apply for another one. A decision that an application is invalid can’t be merits reviewed.
Who this affects
The new subclass 485 family member rules apply to anyone lodging a Temporary Graduate visa application on or after 13 November 2026 who wants to include family members. Before applying, check that each person meets the requirements and gather evidence of your relationship to them.
Also read: Northern Territory Vehicle Fees: 5 Essential Facts on the New Rules Now in Force
This is general information only, not legal advice. Check the official source, or speak to a registered migration agent, before acting.
Source: Department of Home Affairs Licence: CC BY 3.0 AU.
