Studying abroad is an exciting journey—but what if you don’t want to leave your loved ones behind? The good news is, international students in Australia can bring their family members through the student dependant visa pathway. Whether it’s your spouse, partner, or children, Australia offers options for family reunification during your studies.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to bring your family with you and how IStudentPlus can guide you every step of the way.
Who Can You Bring on a Student Visa?
You may be eligible to bring the following family members as dependants:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Your children under 18 years of age
Note: You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as marriage certificates or proof of shared living if you’re in a de facto partnership.
Visa Requirements for Dependants
Here are the key documents and conditions to meet:
✅ Proof of Relationship
Marriage certificate or documents showing a de facto relationship (photos, joint bank accounts, etc.).
✅ Financial Requirements
You must show that you have enough funds to support yourself and your dependants while in Australia. This includes:
- Living expenses for each family member
- Schooling costs for children
✅ Health Insurance
All dependants must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay.
✅ Schooling Arrangements
School-aged children must be enrolled in a local school, and some states may charge international school fees.
Rights and Limitations of Dependants
Dependants have certain rights, but there are also restrictions depending on your main course level:
| Main Student’s Course | Partner’s Work Rights | Children’s Study Rights |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 48 hours per fortnight | Can attend primary/secondary |
| Master’s or Doctorate | Full-time work allowed | Can attend school |
| Vocational Course | 48 hours per fortnight | Can attend school |
Remember: Partners cannot work until the primary student has commenced studying.
How to Apply for a Dependant Visa
There are two common ways:
1. Include Family in Initial Visa Application
When submitting your student visa application, list your dependants and submit all their documents together.
2. Apply Later (Subsequent Entrant Visa)
If your family will join you later, they can apply for a separate subclass 500 – subsequent entrant visa. You must still be studying in Australia at the time of their application.
Steps:
- Collect required documents (ID, relationship proof, finances, insurance)
- Submit application online via ImmiAccount
- Pay visa fees
- Wait for processing (can take several weeks)
IStudentPlus: Helping You Bring Family to Australia
At IStudentPlus, we know that family support matters. That’s why we offer expert services to make the process smooth and stress-free:
- ✅ Visa Eligibility Assessment
Find out if your family can join you and what documents you’ll need.
- ✅ Document Preparation & Review
We’ll help you prepare financial statements, OSHC, and relationship evidence.
- ✅ Subsequent Entrant Application
We guide your family through each step of their separate visa process.
- ✅ Post-Arrival Support
We help your family settle in with housing, school enrollment advice, and orientation tips.
With IStudentPlus, you don’t have to face the paperwork alone.
FAQs
Q: Can my partner work full-time in Australia?
A: Only if you are studying a Master’s degree (coursework or research) or PhD.
Q: How much money do I need to show for my family?
A: It varies, but usually AUD 7,362 per year for each dependant + AUD 8,000+ for school-aged children.
Q: Do my children need to attend school?
A: Yes, children aged 6–17 must attend school. You’ll need to pay school fees depending on the state.
Q: Can I add my dependants after I’ve already started studying?
A: Yes, through a subsequent entrant application.
