If your partner holds a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa and you want to join them in Australia as a subsequent entrant (dependent partner), one of the first questions that comes up is: how long do you need to have been in a relationship? The answer might surprise you — the requirements for subsequent entrants on employer-sponsored visas are different from what you might expect.
What Is a Subsequent Entrant?
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A subsequent entrant is a family member (such as a partner or dependent child) who is added to an existing visa application or granted the same visa after the primary visa holder has already been granted their visa. For the Subclass 482, this means your partner can sponsor you to join them in Australia on the same visa.
Is There a Minimum Relationship Length?
For partner visas (such as the Subclass 820/801), de facto couples generally need to demonstrate that they’ve been in a relationship for at least 12 months (under Regulation 2.03A) unless their relationship is registered or there are compelling and compassionate circumstances.
However, for a Subclass 482 subsequent entrant application, Regulation 2.03A does not apply in the same way. This means there is no minimum relationship length requirement for adding a partner as a dependent on a 482 visa. The previous policy that required a minimum of 6 months has been removed.
What Do You Still Need to Prove?
While there’s no minimum relationship duration, you still need to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department will look at evidence such as:
- Financial aspects: Joint bank accounts, shared expenses, financial support between partners
- Nature of the household: Evidence of living together or plans to live together in Australia
- Social aspects: Recognition of the relationship by family and friends, joint social activities
- Commitment to each other: Evidence of a mutual commitment to a shared life, such as communication records, future plans, or a registered relationship
482 Subsequent Entrant vs Partner Visa
It’s important to understand the difference between adding a partner as a subsequent entrant on a 482 visa and applying for a partner visa:
- 482 Subsequent Entrant: No minimum relationship length, partner gets the same visa as the primary holder, tied to the primary holder’s visa conditions and duration.
- Partner Visa (820/801): Generally requires 12 months of de facto relationship (with exceptions), leads to permanent residency independently, not tied to an employer.
The right pathway depends on your circumstances, your long-term plans in Australia, and the strength of your relationship evidence.
Key Takeaways
- There is no minimum relationship length to add a partner as a subsequent entrant on a 482 visa.
- You still need to prove the relationship is genuine and continuing.
- The evidence requirements are different from a partner visa application.
- Professional advice can help you choose the right pathway and prepare the strongest possible application.
If you’re looking to add your partner to your 482 visa or are unsure which visa pathway is best for your situation, we’re here to help.
Related Articles You May Find Useful
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- Partner Visa 801 Granted But Your Child’s 445 Visa Is Still Pending: What Now?
- Visa Refused? How to Request Expedited Processing at the Administrative Review Tribunal
- Can You Switch From an 870 Sponsored Parent Visa to a 482 Work Visa?
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Visa rules and policies can change, and individual circumstances vary. We recommend booking a consultation with one of our registered migration agents for advice tailored to your specific situation.
Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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