Subclass 445 onshore applications in 2026: bridging visas and staying lawful in Australia

Yes. When a child is in Australia and a Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) application is submitted, the child is granted a bridging visa. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs official page for the Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445), as at July 2026, the bridging visa does not activate immediately: if the child’s current visa expires before the Department decides the Subclass 445 application, the bridging visa will start, and the child can stay in Australia on the bridging visa while the new visa application is processed. This article provides general information only and is not personalised professional advice — for your own circumstances, rely on the latest official information or seek professional advice.

How does the bridging visa keep a child lawful after an onshore Subclass 445 application?

The Department states that a child who applies for this visa in Australia is granted a bridging visa. The purpose is continuity: the child must hold a valid visa while the application is processed. While the child’s current visa is still valid, the child remains on that visa. The bridging visa is the safety net that begins if the current visa expires before a decision is made.

Assume an applicant whose current visa ceases before the Department reaches a decision on a valid onshore Subclass 445 application: the bridging visa starts at that point, and the child stays lawful in Australia on it until the application is decided. This is a hypothetical illustration of the rule rather than a prediction of any outcome.

When does the bridging visa start — and when does it stay on hold?

It starts only if the current visa expires before the Department decides the application. If the Department decides the Subclass 445 application before the current visa expires, the bridging visa would not need to start; the child would move to the new visa if granted, or receive the refusal outcome in writing.

The Department’s page also reminds applicants to make sure the child stays lawful by holding a valid visa while processing occurs, and points to its visa expiry information. Government requirements and charges can change, so check the latest official information for current rules.

Do you need to apply for the bridging visa separately?

No separate paper application is needed for the bridging visa that comes with the onshore Subclass 445 application. The Department says the child is granted a bridging visa when they apply in Australia, so lawful stay does not depend on lodging a separate form for it.

After the paper application is imported into ImmiAccount, the listed online services include applying for a Bridging Visa, attaching supporting documents, viewing messages, updating details, viewing application status, and withdrawing the application.

How is an onshore Subclass 445 application lodged, and must it be valid?

Lodging the paper application

The visa must be applied for on paper. Applicants complete Form 918, the Application for a subclass 445 (temporary) visa by a dependent child, and send it by post or courier to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. Correct prepaid postage must be included, and the application charge must be paid before posting, with proof of payment and all relevant supporting documents enclosed. The forms must be completed in English. Applications cannot be submitted in person; if submitted at another office or in another way, they will not be valid and will not be considered.

Supporting documents listed on the official page include the child’s current passport pages showing photo, personal details and issue and expiry dates; four recent passport-size photographs (45mm x 35mm) of the child and of any other dependent child included; and evidence of the child’s relationship to the parent, such as a birth certificate. If the child is over 18 when the application is made, the Department asks for evidence they are dependent on their parent — who holds the temporary Partner or Dependent Child visa — for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing, which may include bank statements, money transfers or rent receipts. Children over 16 must provide police certificates and complete Form 80.

Importing the application into ImmiAccount

After the paper application is submitted and the acknowledgement letter is received, it can be imported into ImmiAccount by entering the application ID, date of birth and identity document number (passport, ImmiCard or Titre de Voyage number). This gives access to the online services described above. The Department says any new and existing applications for this visa made in Australia can be imported.

What makes an application invalid?

If any of the above steps are incomplete, the application may be invalid. The Department does not process invalid applications and will notify the applicant if this is the case, returning the application if requested. A valid onshore application is what supports the associated bridging visa and lawful stay.

Can the child travel overseas while the 445 application is processed?

The Department’s page says that if the child applied while onshore and wants to travel overseas during visa processing, they need a valid visa to return to Australia. The bridging visa maintains lawful stay in Australia, but it does not remove the need for a visa to re-enter after travel.

The child can be inside or outside Australia when the Department makes its decision, so leaving does not prevent a decision from being made. However, coming back to Australia during processing requires a valid visa.

How can the family check status, and what happens at the decision?

ImmiAccount can be used to view application status and messages. The Department says it cannot provide updates on progress within global visa processing times, and will tell the applicant if anything further is needed, such as health examinations, biometrics or more information.

At the decision, the child can be inside or outside Australia. The decision is given in writing and the applicant should keep a copy. If the visa is granted, the Department advises the visa grant number, the date the visa starts and any visa conditions. If the visa is refused, the Department advises why it was refused and whether there is a right to a review of the decision, and the application fee is not refunded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an onshore Subclass 445 application automatically grant a bridging visa?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs states that when a child applies for a Subclass 445 visa in Australia, they are granted a bridging visa. It is not presented as a separate paper application that the family must lodge to obtain lawful stay. The bridging visa exists to keep the child lawful while the application is processed.

When does the bridging visa actually start?

It starts only if the child’s current visa expires before the Department decides the Subclass 445 application. Until that point, the child stays on the current visa if it is still valid. This is the trigger described on the Department’s official page, as at July 2026.

Can the child leave Australia and come back while the application is being processed?

The Department’s page says that if the child applied onshore and wants to travel overseas during processing, they need a valid visa to return to Australia. The bridging visa maintains lawful stay in Australia but does not remove the need for a visa to re-enter. The child can be outside Australia when the decision is made, but return requires a valid visa.

Is the Subclass 445 application lodged online or on paper?

It must be applied for on paper. Applicants complete Form 918 and send it by post or courier to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth, paying the application charge before posting. After the acknowledgement letter is received, the paper application can be imported into ImmiAccount to access online services.

What happens if the application is invalid?

The Department does not process invalid applications. If steps are incomplete — such as missing the correct form, payment, or required documents — the application may be invalid and, if requested, returned. A valid onshore application is what supports the associated bridging visa and lawful stay.

Will the application fee be refunded if the visa is refused?

No. The Department states it will not refund the application fee if the application is refused. If refused, the Department will tell you why and whether there is a right to a review of the decision.

Can the child be outside Australia when the decision is made?

Yes. The Department says the child can be inside or outside Australia when the decision is made. The decision is given in writing and, if granted, includes the visa grant number, start date and any conditions.

References

Australian Department of Home Affairs — Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445)