Secondary applicant
Statutory definition
The Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) define "secondary applicant" in relation to various visa subclasses as a member of the family unit who is included in the primary applicant's application. "Member of the family unit" is defined in the Regulations to include spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children below a specified age.
Explanation
A secondary applicant is typically included in a visa application when a primary applicant has family members who will accompany them or join them at a later stage (split application). Both are assessed as part of the same application.
Health and character requirements apply to secondary applicants as well as primary applicants. A secondary applicant who does not meet health requirements can lead to refusal of the primary application, unless a health waiver is obtained.
Secondary applicants for some visa classes (notably offshore family stream visas) may be granted visas even though they are not in Australia and do not intend to travel with the primary applicant immediately.
How this term is used
Applicants should consider whether to include all family unit members in the initial application, as adding a secondary applicant after lodgment may not always be possible and may require a new application. Each secondary applicant is required to provide biometrics (where required) and undergo health assessments.