Including Family Members on Your Visa Application

Most skilled visas available to overseas doctors allow you to include immediate family members in your application. This means your spouse or de facto partner and any dependent children can receive visas at the same time as you, with matching visa conditions and duration.

The following visas allow family inclusion:

  • Subclass 482 (TSS) visa — Your partner and children can be included as secondary applicants. They receive full work and study rights in Australia.
  • Subclass 186 (ENS) visa — Family members are included in your permanent residency application and receive permanent resident status alongside you.
  • Subclass 494 (SESR) visa — Your partner and children are included on the regional visa and can live, work, and study in the designated regional area.

Each family member included in your application will need to meet individual health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearances. Children must be under 23 years of age and financially dependent on you to qualify as dependents.

Work and Study Rights for Your Partner

One of the significant advantages of Australia's skilled visa program is that your accompanying partner receives unrestricted work rights. Unlike some countries where dependent visa holders face work restrictions, your partner can:

  • Work full-time or part-time in any occupation
  • Start their own business
  • Study at any educational institution
  • Access government-subsidised English language courses (Adult Migrant English Program) once you hold a permanent visa

If your partner is also a medical professional, they may be able to pursue their own registration through AHPRA and the relevant registration pathway.

Schooling and Childcare for Your Children

Australia has a high-quality education system, and your children will have access to schooling from the time you arrive. The arrangements vary depending on your visa type:

  • Temporary visa holders (482, 494) — Children can enrol in government schools. Fees vary by state; some states offer free or subsidised schooling for visa holder dependents, while others charge international student fees. Check with the relevant state education department.
  • Permanent residents (186 visa holders) — Children have the same access to free government schooling as Australian citizens, including primary school, secondary school, and subsidised university education.
  • Childcare — Subsidised childcare (Child Care Subsidy) is available to permanent residents and some temporary visa holders. Places can be competitive in certain areas, so applying early is recommended.

For more details on education options and family life, see our schools and family guide.

Settling Your Family in Australia

Relocating your family to a new country is a significant undertaking. Here are the key practical considerations for overseas doctors bringing their families to Australia:

  • Healthcare access — On a permanent visa, your family will have access to Medicare (Australia's public health system). On a temporary visa, access depends on reciprocal health care agreements with your home country; otherwise, you will need private health insurance for your family.
  • Housing — Many employers, particularly in regional areas, offer relocation assistance or temporary accommodation to help you settle in. Rental costs vary significantly by location — see our cost of living guide.
  • Banking and essentials — You can open an Australian bank account before you arrive. Your partner and children over 16 can also open their own accounts.
  • Support networks — Many cities have active communities of overseas doctors and expatriate groups. Your employer or local council can help connect you with community resources.

Planning ahead makes a significant difference. Our Life in Australia section covers everything from choosing the best city to understanding work-life balance as a doctor in Australia.

Important Planning Note

This page is designed as practical guidance for overseas doctors and should be used alongside official requirements published by AHPRA, the AMC, relevant specialist colleges, and the Department of Home Affairs.

Rules, fees, and processing times can change. Before lodging any application, verify current criteria directly with official sources listed on our Resources page.