Eligible family members can be included, but their criteria can affect whether the whole 485 application can be approved.
Family members need to meet the secondary criteria. If a family member included in the application does not meet certain public interest or special return criteria, the primary applicant may also be unable to satisfy the visa criteria.
The visa period depends on the stream, qualification, passport settings and whether the person is a primary or family applicant. Family members are generally granted until the same date as the primary visa holder.
Visa rule 8501 applies to all 485 visas. Second or subsequent Post-Higher Education Work stream holders and their family members may also have regional living, work and study restrictions.
Last checked and reviewed 24 August 2026.