Change of definition of “member of family unit”

This amendment includes ‘step child’ in the definition of ‘dependent child’

Sets an upper age limit of 23 years for children or step-children who are dependent, unless they are incapacitated for work.  This is to bring consistency to the provisions on who can accompany a visa holder as a family member in line with those on who can be sponsored by an existing permanent resident or citizen as a family member – this amendment applies to an application for a visa made on or after 19 November 2016 or a visa granted as a result of such an application.

Simplifies the provisions that allow a family member who holds a specified temporary visa to be eligible for a further visa even where they are no longer a member of the family unit, for example, because they are now over 23 years of age.  This ensures the family unit is kept together for subsequent visas – this amendment applies to a visa granted on or after 19 November 2016      

Note: For subparagraph 457.511(d)(iv), which specifies up to the end of the day before the dependent child’s 21st birthday this amendment applies to – a visa granted as a result of such an application, whether it was granted on the basis of being an MOFU before 19 November 2016 or as a result of anapplication made on or after 19 November 2016.