🌟 What Happens When a Dependant Turns 18 or 24 on an Australian Visa?

A Guide for Families Navigating Temporary and Permanent Visa Pathways

For many international families living, studying, or working in Australia, visa requirements can feel complex — especially when children on dependent visas reach key age milestones.

Turning 18 or 24 can affect a young person’s eligibility to remain attached to a parent’s visa, which may require families to take action sooner than expected.

This guide breaks down what happens at each age, what families need to prepare, and how to plan ahead to avoid unexpected visa issues.

how to plan ahead to avoid unexpected visa issues.

🎓 Turning 18 on a Temporary Visa (e.g., as a Dependant on a Student Visa)

When a dependant turns 18, Australian immigration law begins to treat them as an adult. That means, to remain on a parent’s Student Visa, they must still meet the official definition of a dependent child.

What Dependants Aged 18+ Must Demonstrate

To stay attached to a parent’s temporary visa, dependants over 18 typically must be:

·  Financially dependent on their parent(s)

·  Not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship

·  Studying (usually full-time)

·  Reliant on their parent(s) for their day-to-day living costs

Evidence is important — immigration may ask for documentation showing that the young adult is genuinely supported by their parents.

What Families Should Do When a Dependant Turns 18

To ensure a smooth transition into adulthood while maintaining visa eligibility, consider the following steps:

1. Update Documentation

   Ensure your dependant has an up-to-date passport, enrolment confirmation, and proof of financial support.

2. Maintain Appropriate Health Cover

   Dependants aged 18 and over must have valid OSHC (or equivalent) at all times.

3. Prepare for Future Applications

   If the family will be applying for a new visa, ensure the 18-year-old continues to meet dependency requirements and can be included.

4. Plan Early for Independence

   If the young adult becomes financially independent, enters a relationship, or finishes study, they may need to apply for their own visa.

Turning 18 doesn’t automatically remove a dependant from a family visa — but it does require careful attention to ensure all requirements are still met.

What Families Should Do When a Dependant Turns 18 on a Student Visa?

If the Dependant wishes to remain in Australia, we will need to explore the option in which the Dependant can apply as the Main Applicant and this would depend on the intention of remaining in Australia. If the Dependant wishes to study or continue to study, then the Dependant will need to apply for his/ her own student visa.

🎂 Turning 24 While Included in a Parent’s Permanent Visa Application

Turning 24 is one of the most important (and often overlooked) milestones for dependants included in a parent’s permanent residency (PR) application.

Under Australian migration rules:

• Children under 18 can be included as dependants

• Young adults 18 to 23 can also be included if they are still financially dependent and studying

• Children 24 and over can only be included in very limited circumstances — generally only if they have a disability that prevents them from supporting themselves

Why This Matters

If a parent has applied for PR and their child turns 24 before the visa is granted, the child may:

• No longer meet the definition of a dependant

• Be removed from the application

• Need to apply for a separate visa to remain in Australia lawfully

This can be distressing for families who were expecting to receive PR together. The best way to avoid complications is to plan early — ideally well before the child turns 23.

There is certainly a lot to consider in each and every circumstance of the family. If you wish to speak to a trained and licensed professional on your options, just reach out to our team at Blue Education +61411708899 | info@blueeducation.com.au