Proving dependency for a child visa requires demonstrating that the applicant is substantially reliant on the sponsoring parent for basic needs including financial support, accommodation, and daily living. For children under 18, dependency is generally presumed. For applicants aged 18 to 25, the Department of Home Affairs applies the test strictly and requires documented evidence.
What evidence is needed for children under 18?
For applicants under 18, the Department generally accepts that they are dependent on their parents without requiring extensive evidence beyond establishing the parent-child relationship. Birth certificates or equivalent documentation, along with evidence of the sponsoring parent's role in the child's life, usually satisfy the requirement.
Custody arrangements may need to be evidenced if the parents are separated, particularly regarding who has primary care of the child and whether both parents consent to the migration.
How is dependency assessed for applicants aged 18-25?
This is where the assessment becomes rigorous. The Department looks at the overall picture of the applicant's life to determine whether they are living as a dependent of their parent or functioning as an independent adult.
Financial dependency is the clearest factor to demonstrate. Evidence includes bank transfer records showing regular payments from parent to child, receipts for tuition fees paid by the parent, rental or accommodation costs covered by the parent, and evidence that the child's day-to-day expenses are funded by the parent.
If the child earns some income through part-time work while studying full time, that doesn't automatically disqualify them. But the overall picture needs to show that without the parent's support, they couldn't maintain their current circumstances. The parent's contribution should be the primary source of support, not a supplement to the child's own income.
Why does full-time study matter?
Full-time study is often part of the dependency picture for this age group because it explains why a young adult isn't financially independent. The Department wants to see genuine full-time enrollment, not a token course taken to meet the visa criteria.
Evidence should include current enrollment confirmation letters, course details showing full-time study load, academic transcripts showing consistent progression, and class timetables. A casual enrollment in a part-time or short course won't satisfy the requirement.
If the applicant has graduated or is between courses, the dependency argument weakens significantly because the Department may conclude they should now be working and supporting themselves.
How do living arrangements affect the assessment?
If the child lives with the sponsoring parent (or would, if they were in the same country), that supports dependency. Living in a parent's household, or in accommodation arranged and paid for by the parent, is consistent with the dependency relationship.
If the child lives independently, particularly with a partner, the claim becomes much harder. The Department interprets independent living arrangements as an indicator that the person has transitioned to adult life and is no longer dependent on their parent in the way the visa criteria require.
A de facto relationship is particularly problematic for dependency claims. The Department treats being in a de facto relationship as evidence of independence. If the applicant is in such a relationship, the dependency argument is very difficult to sustain.
What about dependency over 25?
Applicants over 25 can only qualify if they have a disability that prevents them from being self-supporting. This requires detailed medical evidence establishing the nature and severity of the disability, how it affects the applicant's ability to work and live independently, and the ongoing support they need from their parent.
Assessments from treating specialists, occupational therapists, and psychologists may all be relevant. The Department needs to be satisfied that the disability is genuine, ongoing, and directly connected to the inability to be self-supporting.
How should you document dependency?
Start documenting early. If you know a child visa application is coming, keep records of every payment from parent to child, every tuition receipt, every piece of correspondence showing the parent supporting the child financially.
Maintain records of accommodation arrangements, including who pays rent or mortgage, who is named on the lease, and where the child actually lives.
Collect enrollment records and academic transcripts as the child progresses through their studies. Gaps in study or switches to part-time enrollment should be explained.
The Department looks at the totality of circumstances. No single document proves dependency on its own. It's the combination of financial records, living arrangements, study status, and the absence of factors suggesting independence that builds the case.
Consult a migration agent in Brisbane before lodging to ensure your evidence package addresses each element the Department will assess. A well-prepared application is far more likely to succeed than one that leaves gaps for the decision maker to fill with unfavourable assumptions.
What if the child has their own income from part-time work?
Part-time income does not automatically disqualify a dependency claim for applicants aged 18 to 25. The assessment looks at the overall picture, not a single factor in isolation. If the child earns a modest income from casual or part-time work while studying full time, but the sponsoring parent still provides the majority of financial support for accommodation, tuition, and living expenses, the dependency argument can still be made.
The key is proportion. Document both sides clearly: the child's income sources and amounts, and the parent's contributions to the child's expenses. Showing both gives the Department a clear picture of where the financial support actually comes from.
What happens to the dependency assessment if circumstances change during processing?
If the child's circumstances change during processing, such as completing their studies, gaining full-time employment, or entering a de facto relationship, these changes can affect the outcome. The Department assesses dependency at the time of decision, not just at the time of application.
If you anticipate changes during the processing period, discuss timing strategy with your migration agent in Brisbane before lodging. In some cases, lodging promptly before a foreseeable change occurs can improve the chances of a positive outcome.