Australian Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) & dependent children ?

Question

The working holiday visa states you have to be between 18-30 and have no dependeant children. What if you have a child that pay money towards but does not live with you ? Has anyone applied and used this visa in this situation ? or are you still not eligible to it ?

Answer 1

It is an interesting question, so I did a bit of research. Not good news I am afraid.

"applicant has no dependent children" is one of the requirements for granting the sc 417 visa.

"dependent children" is defined in the legislation as "any natural or adopted child under 18" as well as any child over 18 with serious health issues or mental illness.

This supports the Governments published policy on dependent children and the Working Holiday Visa

"for definition, it is irrelevant whether any children of the applicant under 18 are dependent on, or have contact with the applicant. If the applicant has any children under 18 the applicant can not meet eligibility requirements for the granting of the working holiday visa"

So knowing this, you might be tempted not to disclose your sprog on the application. This means that one phone call from a disgruntled ex-partner to the Australian embassy and your visa, and any subsequent visas are cancelled. You are in a very vulnerable position. Even if you get on well now, I wouldn't want anyone to have that much power over me.

Answer 2

I suspect you would be eligible for the visa as the child is not wholly dependant on you. Contact the Australian Embassy in your country to make sure, they will answer email queries in reasonable time.