Family is the foundation of emotional stability and well-being, therefore separation is a difficult barrier for students seeking education abroad. For many students, studying abroad entails leaving behind wives, children, and even dependent parents. Fortunately, some countries acknowledge this problem and provide dependent visas alongside student visas, allowing families to stay together while pursuing academic goals.
What is a Dependent Visa?
A dependent visa is a legal document that allows family members of the principal visa holder to live in a foreign country. These visas are often issued to couples, unmarried children under a certain age, and, in certain situations, extended family members. However, the qualifying conditions, job rights, and educational opportunities for dependents differ in each country.
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Let’s dig deeper to know about the countries offering dependent visas in 2025.
United States of America
The United States remains a preferred destination for higher education, and the F2 Visa facilitates family reunification for F1 student visa holders. This visa allows the immediate family, such as spouse and children to accompany the student, felicitating them living in the U.S. However, dependent visa holders cannot engage in paid employment or enrol in full-time degree programs. While children can attend elementary and secondary schools, adult dependents can only pursue non-vocational or recreational courses.
The dependent visa application can be filed simultaneously with the student visa, ensuring that families enter the U.S. together. A dependent visa is usually valid for the same duration as a student visa. A dependent visa ends when the student visa holder's status changes or they complete their program.
Despite the work and education restrictions, the dependent visa offers students the emotional and psychological support of having their loved ones nearby during their academic journey.
United Kingdom
The UK provides dependent visa options for international students, although recent policy changes have introduced stricter regulations. To qualify, a student must be:
- Government-sponsored and enrolled in a course lasting more than six months.
- Pursuing a postgraduate research-based degree (RQF level 8) or PhD lasting nine months or longer.
Spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18 years qualify as dependents. However, undergraduate students and non-research-based master's students (RQF level 7) are now restricted from bringing dependents unless they are fully sponsored by the government. Dependents can work in the UK, provided the primary visa holder meets the eligibility criteria.
Australia
Australia stands out for its welcoming immigration policies, allowing international students to bring their spouses and children through the Student Dependent Visa (Subclass 500). Dependents are immediate family members including your spouse (or de facto partner) and children under the age of 18. Dependents can be added either at the time of application or after the student visa has been granted. if someone becomes your dependent after your visa has been granted, they can join you as subsequent entrants and will need to apply for a student visa (subclass 500) (Subsequent Entrant).
A major advantage of Australia’s dependent visa is that spouses are permitted to work. If the primary visa holder (student visa holder) is enrolled in an undergraduate course, dependents can work 48 hours per fortnight. However, if the student is pursuing a postgraduate degree or a doctorate degree, the dependent spouse can work without any restriction. This flexibility makes Australia a preferred destination for students with families.
Canada
Canada is renowned for its inclusive and family-friendly immigration policies. This policy not only fosters family reunification but also eases financial burdens by allowing dependents to contribute to household income.
To qualify:
- The student must be enrolled in a full-time program at a designated learning institution.
- The spouse must provide proof of marriage.
- The dependent application must be submitted alongside the student visa application for seamless processing.
Remember, Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members, but including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision.
If the spouse is accompanying the international student, then the spouse will be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit (SOWP). The permit authorises the spouse to work full-time for any employer in Canada for the duration of the student visa permit period. If the spouse is interested in studying in Canada, then s/he must apply for separate study permits.
Children 18 years and younger can study at Canadian elementary and secondary schools. As the majority of Canada’s schools for children are public, there is no cost to attend.
Given Canada’s focus on increasing immigration through its Immigration Levels Plan (2024-2026), students and their families stand a higher chance of securing a dependent visa.
Germany
Germany provides dependent visas to international students through its Family Reunion Visa, ensuring that spouses, children and parents can reside with them during their academic tenure.
Dependents can apply once the student has secured a valid residence permit for study purposes. Dependents can work in Germany if they meet the necessary employment criteria, making it an attractive choice for students seeking financial stability. Dependents can study in Germany, provided they meet the entry and language requirements and can use public healthcare services. The family reunification visa is valid for the duration of your studies. With its high employment prospects and affordable education, Germany remains a preferred destination for international students with families.
New Zealand
New Zealand allows the partners and children of international students to join them through various visa options. If you have a student visa, you can support a visitor visa for your partner and children. You may also be able to support a work visa for your partner, or student visas for your dependent children.
If you have a student visa, you can bring family:
Partner of a Student Visitor Visa: You can bring your spouse who can stay for the same duration of your student visa. Your spouse can explore New Zealand as a visitor and can study for up to 3 months.
Child of a Student Visitor Visa: Dependent children aged 19 or younger can visit you while you study in New Zealand. They can stay for the same duration of your student visa and can study for up to 3 months.
Partner of a Student Work Visa: If you are studying an eligible level 7 or 8 qualification or any level 9 or 10 qualification, your spouse can work in New Zealand. They can stay for the same duration as your student visa.
Dependent Child Student Visa: You can bring dependent children to study at primary or secondary school in New Zealand. They can stay for the same duration as your student visa.
New Zealand’s open work rights for spouses provide excellent financial relief, making it a desirable choice for international students with families.
For students seeking to study abroad in 2025, choosing a country that accepts dependents can have a significant impact on their whole experience. Work rights for dependents, financial obligations, and children's access to school are all important considerations. While the USA and UK have certain restrictions, Australia, Canada, and Germany provide more freedom and job options for dependent visa holders. Each country has its own set of regulations, therefore it is critical to conduct an extensive study and gather all essential documents before applying.
By selecting the correct study destination, students may pursue world-class education without the emotional strain of separation, resulting in a fulfilling and successful academic experience abroad.
Do you dream of studying abroad and want your family to join you? Our expert counsellors will assist you in applying for both your student visa and dependent visa, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process for you and your loved ones. Book a free consultation with our expert consultant and learn more about the requirements of studying abroad application and the visa process. We provide Forex support and Financial assistance.