Australia's Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa family rules are changing from 13 November 2026. Most new applicants will no longer be able to include their partner or children unless they meet one of six specific exceptions.

The changes are no longer just a government proposal.

On 12 November 2026, the Australian Government registered the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 (F2026L01500). The regulations commence on 13 November 2026.

For international students approaching graduation, this is an important development, particularly if your plans involve bringing your partner or children to Australia after obtaining your 485 visa.

The rules you may have relied on when planning your studies have now changed.

What Is Changing for 485 Visa Family Members?

The new regulations introduce two significant restrictions.

1. Most new 485 applicants cannot include family members

Under the new rules, a family member can only apply as a secondary applicant if at least one of six specified exceptions applies.

This means that being married or having dependent children does not automatically make them eligible to join your new Subclass 485 application.

For example, if you are completing your studies in Australia while your spouse remains overseas and has never held a Student visa as your dependant, you should not assume they can join your 485 application.

Your eligibility will depend on your circumstances and whether an exception applies.

2. Subsequent entrant applications are no longer available for new 485 applications

Previously, eligible family members could apply to join a 485 visa holder after the primary visa had been granted.

From 13 November 2026, eligible secondary applicants must:

• Apply at the same time as the primary applicant.
• Be included in a combined visa application.
• Meet the relevant secondary applicant requirements.

You can no longer simply obtain your 485 visa first and arrange for your partner or children to join through a later 485 subsequent entrant application under the new arrangements.

This makes the timing and structure of your application particularly important.

Six Exceptions: Who Can Still Include Family on a 485 Visa?

The regulations preserve six circumstances in which a secondary applicant may be eligible.

1. Certain passport holders

The primary applicant holds a passport from a Pacific-regional country or another country specified under subitem 1222(5A) of Schedule 1.

2. Completed doctoral degree

The primary applicant's most recent Student visa was granted in connection with a doctoral degree that has been completed.

3. Fully funded foreign government scholarship

The primary applicant's most recent Student visa was granted for courses that were each fully funded by a foreign government.

4. Children born after a visa grant

The secondary applicant is a child born after the primary applicant was granted their most recent Student visa or Subclass 485 visa.

5. Existing or recent Student visa dependants

The family member holds, or held on 2 October 2026 or during the six months immediately before the new application, a Student visa as a secondary applicant linked to the same primary applicant.

6. Existing or recent 485 visa dependants

The family member holds, or held during the six months immediately before the new application, a Subclass 485 visa as a secondary applicant linked to the same primary applicant.

Meeting one of these exceptions does not automatically guarantee a visa grant. Applicants must still satisfy the relevant visa criteria.

In particular, the previous visa relationship and dates may be critical when assessing exceptions five and six.

Not Sure Whether Your Family Qualifies?

Your partner's previous visa history may determine whether they can be included in your new 485 application.

Download our 485 Visa Family Rule Change Guide for a summary of the new restrictions, the six exceptions and the details to check before applying.

Get the Free 485 Family Rules PDF

What If Your Partner or Children Are Already in Australia?

If your family members are already in Australia, their current visa status also matters.

Under the new regulations, a secondary applicant applying from within Australia must generally hold:

• A substantive visa; or
• An eligible Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B granted on the basis of a valid visa application.

A specific exception also applies in certain circumstances following a successful Administrative Review Tribunal decision concerning the cancellation of a Student visa, subject to a 28-day timeframe.

Holding a Bridging Visa E alone does not satisfy the new visa-status requirement.

The primary 485 applicant must apply from within Australia, while an eligible secondary applicant may apply from inside or outside Australia, provided the combined application requirements are satisfied.

If you or your family members are on bridging visas, obtaining advice before lodging is particularly important.

What Happens to 485 Applications Lodged Before 13 November 2026?

There is an important transitional arrangement.

The new amendments apply to visa applications made on or after 13 November 2026.

Applications lodged before that date remain subject to the rules that applied when they were lodged.

Existing 485 visas are not automatically cancelled because of the reforms.

However, holding an existing visa does not mean every future family member application remains available. Any new application must be assessed against the relevant requirements.

Who Should Review Their Visa Plans Now?

These changes are particularly important if you are:

• An international student graduating soon and preparing to apply for a 485 visa.
• Married or in a de facto relationship, with your partner currently overseas.
• Planning to bring your children to Australia after graduation.
• A Student visa holder whose partner has never been included on your visa.
• Currently holding a 500 or 485 visa with family members whose visa arrangements may need to change.

If your migration plans depend on your partner or children joining you later, do not assume the previous arrangements are still available.

Once the new rules apply, lodging your own 485 application without first checking your family's eligibility could leave you with fewer options.

What Should You Do Before Applying for a 485 Visa?

Before lodging, consider three important questions:

1. Does your family qualify for one of the six exceptions?

Your partner's or child's visa history, relevant dates and relationship to the primary applicant need to be checked carefully.

2. Can everyone apply at the same time?

If your family qualifies, the application must be structured as a combined application.

3. What happens if your family does not qualify?

You may need to consider other visa options or a different family migration strategy, depending on your circumstances.

There is no single solution that will suit every family.

Get Your 485 Family Visa Options Reviewed

The 13 November changes could significantly affect international students who planned to remain in Australia after graduation and reunite with their families later.

The legislation is confirmed. The new restrictions are taking effect.

If you are approaching graduation, have family members overseas or are unsure whether a previous dependant visa meets an exception, now is the time to review your position.

At Riverwood Migration, our migration lawyers can assess your circumstances, review relevant visa records and help you understand your available options.

Download the Free 485 Family Rules PDF

Book a Consultation with Riverwood Migration

The earlier you review your circumstances, the more time you may have to plan your next steps.

Official Source: Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 (F2026L01500)

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa eligibility depends on individual circumstances and the applicable legislation. Professional advice should be obtained before making an application or changing visa arrangements.