Moving to Australia permanently is an important decision for families, especially parents who want their children to enjoy better educational opportunities, a safe environment, and long-term stability. One of the questions parents often ask is whether their children can move with them when they apply for permanent residency through an employer-sponsored pathway. 
The good news is that eligible children can generally be included in a subclass 186 visa application, allowing families to seek Australian permanent residency together. However, eligibility depends on the child's age, relationship to the applicant, dependency status, and the relevant visa requirements. Parents must also ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.
Understanding these requirements before applying can help families avoid unnecessary delays, additional expenses, and complications during the application process. It is particularly important to know how dependent children are assessed, what happens when a child turns 18, and whether children can be added after an application has already been lodged.
This comprehensive guide explains how the process works, which children may qualify, what documents parents need, and how to prepare a stronger application.
The Subclass 186 Visa
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa, known as the subclass 186 visa, is an Australian permanent residency visa for eligible skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It allows successful applicants to live and work permanently in Australia, subject to the applicable visa conditions and legal requirements.
Unlike temporary work visas, this pathway is designed to provide permanent residence. Eligible applicants may also be able to include members of their immediate family in their application.
The visa has different streams, including the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Direct Entry stream, and the Labour Agreement stream. The requirements vary according to the stream, the applicant's employment circumstances, and the applicable rules.
For families, one of the most important features is the ability to include eligible dependent children. This may allow children to obtain permanent residency alongside their parent, rather than requiring the family to pursue separate migration arrangements.
However, including a child is not automatic. Each family member must meet the relevant requirements, and the Department of Home Affairs may request additional information before making a decision.
Which Children Can Be Included in a Subclass 186 Visa Application?
Australian immigration rules allow eligible dependent children to be included in an application. The child does not always have to be the biological child of the main applicant, but the family relationship must meet the relevant legal definition.
Biological children
A biological son or daughter may qualify if the child meets the dependent-child requirements. Parents should provide documents that establish the relationship, such as an official birth certificate.
If the child's birth certificate contains different names from those on the parent's passport or other records, additional documents may be necessary to explain the difference.
Adopted children
Adopted children may also be eligible, provided the adoption and family relationship satisfy Australian immigration requirements. Parents should prepare adoption orders, legal records, and other documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
An adoption arrangement should not simply be assumed to qualify because the child lives with the applicant. The legal circumstances of the adoption may need to be assessed.
Stepchildren
A stepchild may qualify if the relationship falls within the applicable definition and the child meets the dependency requirements.
For example, an applicant may have a child from a previous relationship, while their current spouse has another child. Depending on the circumstances, both children may be eligible for inclusion.
Parents should provide evidence of the relevant relationships, including marriage or partnership documents where appropriate.
The Department of Home Affairs identifies dependent children and stepchildren among the family members who may be included in an eligible subclass 186 visa application.
Age Requirements for Dependent Children
A child's age is one of the most important factors when determining eligibility. The rules distinguish between children under 18 and older children who must establish dependency.
Children under 18 years old
Children under 18 are generally the most straightforward dependants to include, provided they satisfy the other applicable requirements.
Parents normally need to demonstrate the child's identity and relationship to the main applicant. A birth certificate, passport, and any relevant custody or parental responsibility documents may be required.
The child must also meet applicable health requirements, and character requirements may apply depending on the circumstances.
Parents should not assume that being under 18 automatically guarantees visa approval. The child's family relationship, parental consent, and other relevant legal requirements still need to be addressed.
Children aged 18 to 22
Children who have turned 18 may still qualify, but additional evidence is generally required to establish dependency.
For the subclass 186 visa, the Department of Home Affairs asks applicants to demonstrate that an adult dependent family member has been financially dependent on them for at least 12 months before applying. Relevant evidence may include proof of residence, tax records, and current study records. A completed Form 47A may also be required.
For example, an applicant may have a 20-year-old child attending university who relies on the parent to pay tuition fees, rent, food, and other essential expenses. The child may qualify if the applicable legal criteria are met and the dependency is adequately documented.
Being a university student alone does not prove eligibility. The family must demonstrate the actual financial relationship and satisfy the relevant definition of a dependent child.
Children aged 23 or older
Children aged 23 or older generally face more restrictive requirements.
Under the relevant dependent-child rules, an older child may qualify where a physical or cognitive condition prevents them from earning a living to support themselves and they remain dependent on the parent or partner. The circumstances must satisfy the applicable legal requirements.
Medical evidence and documentation showing ongoing financial support may be important.
Parents should seek advice before assuming that an adult child can be included, particularly if the child is approaching an age threshold or has independent income.
How Does Financial Dependency Affect Eligibility?
Financial dependency is particularly important when a child is 18 or older. Parents must establish more than a close emotional relationship or a history of providing occasional financial assistance.
The evidence should demonstrate that the child relies on the parent for essential living expenses and that the relationship meets the applicable requirements.
Evidence of regular financial support
Useful documents may include:
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Bank statements showing recurring transfers to the child.
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Records of tuition payments and educational expenses.
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Rent receipts or evidence of accommodation costs paid by the parent.
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Utility bills and household expenses demonstrating ongoing support.
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Records of payments for food, clothing, transport, and other necessities.
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Tax documents or other financial records that help explain the child's circumstances.
No single document necessarily proves dependency. A collection of consistent records can provide a clearer picture of the family's financial arrangements.
Children who work part-time
A child who works part-time is not necessarily ineligible. The important question is whether the child's circumstances satisfy the legal dependency test.
For instance, a 19-year-old university student may earn a modest amount from a weekend job while receiving most of their financial support from a parent.
In that situation, the parent should provide evidence of both the child's income and the expenses they continue to cover. The Department can then assess the actual circumstances rather than relying on assumptions.
However, a child who independently pays most living expenses may have difficulty demonstrating the required dependency.
Children who are married or in a de facto relationship
A child's relationship status can also affect eligibility. Under Australian migration law, a person who is married or in a de facto relationship may not meet the applicable definition of a dependent child.
Parents should disclose the child's circumstances accurately, even when the child continues to receive some financial assistance from the family.
Because the legal definition is important, individual advice may be necessary where the child's relationship status or financial arrangements are complicated.
Documents Required to Include Children
Preparing the correct documents is an essential part of a successful application. The exact requirements depend on the child's age, family circumstances, and the documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
1. Identity documents
Parents should prepare the child's passport, birth certificate, and other identity documents requested during the application process.
If the child is too young to have a passport, check the current instructions for the relevant stream and circumstances. The Department's Direct Entry guidance, for example, provides specific instructions for identity documents for children under five.
2. Proof of the family relationship
Documents may include:
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Birth certificates identifying the parent and child.
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Legal adoption documents, where relevant.
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Marriage certificates or other records establishing a stepfamily relationship.
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Court orders or custody records, if applicable.
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Documents explaining changes to names or personal details.
All documents should be consistent wherever possible. If a birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate contains different names or dates, provide appropriate supporting evidence.
3. Evidence of dependency for adult children
If the child is 18 or older, parents should prepare evidence that establishes the child's dependency.
This may include bank statements, proof of tuition payments, housing records, Form 47A, and other documents relevant to the family's circumstances. The Department may also request information about the child's relationships and character.
The evidence should cover the relevant period, including the 12 months before applying where the subclass 186 requirements call for proof of financial dependency over that period.
4. Parental consent and custody documents
If one parent is not migrating with the child, the applicant may need to provide consent from a person who has a legal right to determine where the child lives.
The Department's guidance identifies Form 1229 or an appropriate statutory declaration as possible ways to provide consent in relevant circumstances. Supporting identification and court documents may also be necessary.
This issue is particularly important for separated parents, divorced parents, and families with formal custody arrangements.
5. Health and character documents
Family members applying for the visa must meet applicable health and character requirements. The Department may request medical examinations, police certificates, or other supporting information depending on the person's circumstances.
Parents should follow the instructions provided for each family member rather than assuming that a child will be exempt from every requirement.
Can Children Be Added After the Application Is Lodged?
Yes. Eligible family members can generally be added to a subclass 186 visa application after it has been lodged, provided the change is made before the Department decides the application and the relevant rules are satisfied.
The Department of Home Affairs confirms that eligible family members can be added before a decision is made.
However, parents should not delay unnecessarily. Adding a child may require additional documents, updated information, further checks, and additional application charges.
The correct process depends on the application's status and the reason for adding the child. Applicants should follow the Department's current instructions through ImmiAccount or the relevant official communication channel.
What if a child is born after lodgement?
If a baby is born after the application has been submitted, parents should notify the Department promptly and follow the specific instructions for newborn children.
The Department provides separate guidance for reporting a birth during visa processing.
Parents should not assume that the newborn is automatically included without notification or any required formalities.
What if the child is not included initially?
Failing to include a child or provide relevant family information can create complications. Parents should disclose all requested family details accurately and correct mistakes as soon as possible.
If a child was accidentally omitted, the applicant should contact the Department or seek advice from a registered migration agent or qualified Australian immigration lawyer to determine the appropriate next step.
What Happens When a Child Turns 18 During Processing?
A child's age may change while an application is being assessed. This can be particularly important when a child is close to turning 18 or is already an adult dependant.
Parents should assess eligibility carefully before lodging the application and retain evidence of financial support throughout the process.
If the child's circumstances change, such as starting full-time employment, becoming financially independent, marrying, or entering a de facto relationship, the family should seek advice about whether the change affects eligibility.
It is also important to distinguish between the child's age and the legal dependency requirements. Turning 18 does not automatically disqualify a child, but adult children generally need to satisfy additional criteria.
Because the outcome can depend on the exact circumstances and applicable rules, parents should not rely on age alone when deciding whether to include a child.
Costs of Including Children in a Subclass 186 Visa Application
Including children can increase the overall cost of a permanent residency application.
The total expense depends on the number of applicants, the applicable visa application charges, and any additional requirements that arise during processing.
Potential expenses include:
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The visa application charge for each additional applicant.
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Medical examinations and any required follow-up tests.
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Police certificates or other character documents, where applicable.
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Document translation and certification.
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Professional migration advice, if required.
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An additional visa charge that may apply to certain adult applicants who do not have Functional English.
The Department's Direct Entry information lists an additional second instalment of AUD 4,890 for qualifying family members aged 18 or older who apply with the main applicant and have less than Functional English. This charge is subject to the applicable rules and should be verified against current official guidance before applying.
Parents should use the Department's official visa pricing estimator to calculate the relevant charges. They should also budget for expenses that are separate from the visa application fee.
Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid
A carefully prepared application can reduce the risk of delays caused by missing information or inconsistent records.
Assuming every child qualifies automatically
Being the applicant's son or daughter does not, by itself, guarantee eligibility. The child's age, dependency, relationship status, and other applicable requirements must be assessed.
Providing insufficient financial evidence
Adult children may need to demonstrate ongoing financial dependency. A few recent transfers may not establish the full financial picture.
Parents should gather records covering the relevant period and ensure the documents clearly show who paid the expenses.
Overlooking parental consent
When a child has another parent with legal decision-making rights, consent and custody issues should be addressed before lodging the application.
Ignoring these matters can cause unnecessary complications.
Failing to update the Department
Changes such as a new birth, a change of address, or a significant change in family circumstances should be reported when required.
Applicants should keep copies of submitted forms, supporting evidence, and correspondence so they can respond accurately if further information is requested.
Benefits of Including Children in the Application
Including eligible children in a permanent residency application can provide important advantages for families.
Permanent residency: If the child's application is approved, the child can generally live in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
Education opportunities: Children can access schooling in Australia, subject to applicable enrolment requirements and state or territory policies.
Healthcare access: Eligible permanent residents can generally enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare scheme.
Family stability: Parents and children can plan their future together without relying on separate temporary visa arrangements.
Long-term opportunities: Permanent residency can provide access to further education, employment opportunities when age-appropriate, and potential citizenship pathways if the relevant requirements are eventually met.
These benefits depend on visa approval and the rules applicable to each family member. Parents should check any relevant conditions before making long-term financial or educational plans.
Conclusion
Children can generally be included in a subclass 186 visa application if they meet the Australian immigration requirements for dependent family members. This provides an important opportunity for eligible families to obtain permanent residency together and establish a stable future in Australia.
The most important factors are the child's relationship to the applicant, age, financial dependency where required, and compliance with applicable health, character, and other legal requirements. Children under 18 generally have fewer dependency-related requirements, while adult children must provide stronger evidence of their circumstances. Older children may face additional restrictions, particularly where a disability affects their ability to support themselves.
Parents should prepare identity documents, birth certificates, adoption records where relevant, financial evidence for adult dependants, and parental consent documents when required. They should also ensure that the information provided to the Department of Home Affairs is accurate and that any changes during processing are reported appropriately.
It is possible to add eligible children after lodging an application but before a decision is made. Nevertheless, families should check the official instructions and act promptly to avoid unnecessary complications.
Ultimately, careful preparation is the best way to approach a family application. Before lodging, review the current requirements for the relevant visa stream and consider obtaining professional advice if a child is approaching an age threshold, has complex dependency circumstances, or is affected by custody arrangements.
For authoritative guidance, consult the Australian Department of Home Affairs' official pages for the Direct Entry stream and the Temporary Residence Transition stream. These resources explain the relevant requirements, supporting documents, costs, and procedures for including eligible family members.
