Secondary Applicant Eligibility

Secondary applicants are members of the primary applicant's family.

The following family members (secondary applicants) may be included in your visa application:

• your partner
• your or your partner's dependent children
• other dependent relatives who live with you.

These family members must intend to remain members of your family unit.

Family members who have not been listed in the application and want to join you in Australia at a later time, will need to lodge a separate visa application.

Government agreement

If entering under a Government agreement, evidence must be provided that:

• the Government agreement allows for the entry into Australia of family members of a primary applicant (that is; their entry is not prohibited under the agreement)
• the secondary applicant meets the terms and conditions of the agreement that are applicable (if any)
• the secondary applicant's stay in Australia has been agreed to by the Australian signatory to the agreement.

Financial requirements

Secondary applicants need to demonstrate that they have adequate means, or access to adequate means, to support themself during their stay in Australia (taking into account the work rights of you and all accompanying family members).

You may be asked to provide evidence of funds, such as employment contract, bank statements or a letter from your financial institution stating your financial position. Allowances, accommodation and other assistance can also be considered when looking at your ability to support yourself.

Health insurance requirements

All secondary applicants must hold adequate health insurance cover for the entire time they are in Australia. They should ensure their insurance will provide at least the level of coverage required for their purpose of stay. Their health insurance cover does not have to be held with an Australian insurer, arrangements made in their home country may be assessed as being acceptable.

As a guide to the level of health insurance the department will accept as adequate, refer to 'Attachment A' in the health insurance standard template letter.
See: Health Insurance Standard Template Letter (106KB RTF file)

This requirement may not apply to secondary applicants if their country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, and they are enrolled with Medicare.
See: Medicare Australia Health Care for Visitors to Australia

Medicare levy exemption

The Medicare Levy is a tax paid through the personal tax system in Australia. People granted temporary residence visas may be subject to the Medicare Levy. The Medicare Levy is based on the taxable income of the individual for each income tax year.

If you are from a country that has no reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, you and your dependents, who have not been entitled to Medicare benefits can seek an exemption from the Medicare levy in your end of financial year income tax return. Your lack of entitlement to Medicare benefits must be certified by the Minister for Health.

If you are from a country with reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, Medicare assistance is available for immediately necessary treatment. Nationals from reciprocal countries are therefore not exempt from the Medicare levy. You will need to complete a Medicare Levy Exemption Certification Form.
See: Medicare

Health requirements

All secondary applicants must meet health requirements and may need to undergo a health examination.
See: Health Requirements

Character requirements

All secondary applicants must be of good character to enter Australia. The information provided on the 'Character Declaration' section of your application will be used for character assessment.
See: Character Requirements

Australian Values Statement

All visa applicants aged 18 years or over, must declare that they will respect Australian values and obey the laws of Australia. For applicants of this visa, the values statement is included in the general declaration section of the application form. By signing the form applicants will also be signing the values statement. Applicants for this visa will not be required to have read the Life in Australia book, but may do so if they want.

Visa applicants are also encouraged to gain an understanding of Australia, its people and their way of life, before applying for this visa.
See: Australian Values - Overview

Before lodging an application, please read all related requirements.
See: Eligibility