student visa in australia with dependents
Leaving your family behind is never easy. But if you’re planning to study in Australia and are looking for the best options, a student visa is the only way make it happen! In this post, we’ll take you step-by-step through all the processes involved in getting a student visa in Australia.
Application for the student visa in australia with dependents, is made to the Department of Immigration and Border protection, who are in charge of organising the exams. This article provides all the necessary details to be followed by students doing full-time study in Australia.
One of the main requirements to 18-35 years old working holiday visa in Australia is that the applicant must be able to support your dependents in Australia. This means that if you wish to relocate your family in Australia, then you will need a separate visa for them. Temporary Visitor visa permits your spouse and children (under 18 years) to come and stay with you for up to 12 months within a 24 month period. Creating a strong plan for your time in Australia will make this process easier.
Student Visa in Australia for Dependents
If you are planning to study in Australia, you can apply for a student visa with dependents. The dependents can be your spouse, children or parents. In order to apply for a student visa with dependents, you need to meet certain conditions and requirements. You will also need to submit additional documents along with the visa application form.
The main requirement is that you must be enrolled in an approved course at an Australian educational institution. Your course must be at least one year long and last longer than 6 months. If you are applying for an English language course, it should last at least 12 weeks.
The second requirement is that you must have enough money to support yourself and your family during your stay in Australia. You will need to show proof of funds such as bank statements or other documents that confirm how much money you have available for living expenses while studying in Australia.
Australian student visa
There are several types of Australian student visas that a student can apply for, depending on their circumstances. If you are planning to study in Australia for more than six months, you will need to apply for a student visa.
If you want to study in Australia, then you will need to make sure that you have the right documentation and information when applying for your visa. You will also need to make sure that your application is complete and accurate if you want it approved quickly.
- Why a student visa?
A student visa allows you to study in Australia for up to 4 years. You can combine your studies with working, volunteering or even starting a business.
- What’s the difference between a student visa and an education provider?
An education provider is the institution that facilitates your studies by providing an approved course of study and supporting services such as accommodation and travel costs. Your education provider will be your sponsor throughout your stay in Australia and may be able to assist with other matters such as financial assistance and health insurance coverage.
- What’s needed for a student visa application?
You’ll need:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure date from Australia (with at least 2 blank pages)
- Completed application form (the form can be downloaded from the Department of Home Affairs website)
- Documents that prove your identity and eligibility for a student visa – these include birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate (if applicable), divorce papers (if applicable), death certificate (if applicable)
Dependent family members on a student visa
A student visa would usually allow you to bring close family members as dependents on your student visa. This is defined as:
- A spouse or partner (including same sex partners) who you have been living with for 12 months.
- Your, or your partner’s children, under 18 or who are still in continuous education (i.e. studying A-levels).
Please note that the work rights granted for the dependent partner will depend on the course of study of the student:
- If the student is studying a bachelor degree, the dependent partner can work up to 40 hours per fortnight.
- If the student is studying a masters degree (coursework or research) or a doctorate degree the partner will have full and unlimited work rights.
Travelling with school age children
If your children are travelling with you as dependants on your student visa, you will have to pay fees for them to go to any Australian school (regardless of whether the school is state or private).
School fees vary according to the age of your children and the state or territory that you live in, but expect fees of around A$5,600 to A$18,600 per year, per child.
As a student visa holder you can only bring immediate family members with you to Australia:
- Your spouse or partner.
- Your or your partner’s dependent minor child.
If your child is over 18, you cannot include them in your visa application- they must apply for a visa on their own.
The only exception to this is an adult child that is either financially or socially dependent on you. In this case, you have to provide evidence that your child is a dependent (medical report, bank statements, power of attorney, etc.)
Requirements for Australia Student Dependent Visa
Your family members must include the following on their visa application:
- Identification Documents. Your dependent must provide a valid passport and valid identification records. This could include an identification card, a birth certificate, a family certificate, a recent picture, and fingerprints.
- Health Requirements. Any family member you include in your visa application should be included in your student health insurance (OSHC). Your family members may also be required to submit health exams. This means that they have to present proof that they don’t require medication that might put a strain on Australia’s medical resources.
- Character Requirement. Each visa applicant is required to present documents that support the good character visa condition.
- Proof of Financial Means. The main student visa holder is in charge of any underage dependents financially. Moreover, if the child is a school-age child there have to be enough means to pay the school fees.
- Evidence of Relationship. This is required in cases where you are bringing either your partner or your spouse with you to Australia. If you are not married then a certificate of registration will suffice.
- Evidence of School Arrangements for Minors. If you are bringing a minor child with you, then you have to submit proof that you have made arrangements for their education during their stay in Australia.
All family members must be declared on your student visa application even if they don’t come to Australia with you.
Can My Dependents Work Under an Australia Student Dependent?
Your dependents can work in Australia but, they can only start work once your course begins. Family members of masters or doctoral students can work unrestricted hours. Dependents of visa holders 573 and subclass 574 can also work unlimited hours.
You must present evidence of your relationship to the student visa holder (visa grant letter, marriage, or birth certificate) and evidence that the student visa holder has begun their course of study (a CoE or letter from the education provider), to your employer.
Are My Dependents Allowed to Take Part in Study Programs?
Your family members can follow any study course or training provided the duration of the program is only three months.
What Is a Australia Student Visa Subsequent Entrant?
A subsequent entrant is a family member of a student visa holder who wants to join their family member in Australia at a later date. Subsequent entrants have to apply separately for their visa and they must provide supporting documents from their family members in Australia.
However, it’s important for the initial student visa holder to include their family members in their visa application so they can join them later as a subsequent member.
Australia Student Visa Subsequent Entrant Requirements
In addition to the other supporting documents (see above), for a subsequent entrant student visa you must also submit:
- Form 919. This a nomination form that your family member in Australia must fill in and send to you so you can attach it to your visa application.
- Subsequent Entrant Student Visa Form 157A. You have to use this form when you apply as a subsequent entrant for an Australian student visa.
- A Letter from the Education Provider. You must attach a letter from the education provider of the student visa holder. This letter has to include information about the study course of your family member, their enrollment period, and their academic performance. Your family member must ask for this letter from their university in Australia and send it to you.
- Proof of Financial Support. If your spouse/partner in Australia is financing your stay, then you have to provide their bank statements from the last six months and a letter from their bank confirming the status of their statements.
Where Do I Submit My Subsequent Entrant Student Visa Application?
You have to submit your subsequent entrant visa application at an Australian embassy or consulate in your home country or an office nearest to you.
What Is the Fee for Australia Subsequent Entrant Student Visa?
You have to pay AUD620 for the base application fee. If you are applying with other dependents, the visa fee will change.
What if I Get Married After My Student Visa Is Granted?
In case someone becomes your dependent after your student visa is granted, then you have to apply for a new student visa. In your new student visa application, you have to include your new family member and provide information on why they weren’t included initially.
What if I Have a Child After I Get My Student Visa?
If you have a child after your student visa is valid, then you can add your new baby as a subsequent entrant in your application. If you applied through the ImmiAccount, all you have to do is submit an application for a subsequent entrant on your visa.
In case you applied in person for your initial visa, then you have to submit these documents to your nearest office of the Department of Foreign Affairs:
- Form 1022.
- Your baby’s birth certificate.
- Your baby’s passport.
You can send these documents by post or courier. Please remember that you still have to pay an application fee if you add your child to your current visa.
Conclusion
Foreign students can bring their family members to Australia as dependents on their student visas. There are several options available for students who want to take their family with them during their study course in Australia.
For instance, students may apply with their family members at the same time when they apply for their student visas, or some family members may opt to apply after their partner/spouse has received their student visa.
Depending on the circumstances of the application for a student dependant visa, there are a number of criteria that should be considered.