Australia is a popular destination for international students, offering world-class education and a vibrant cultural experience. If you’re planning to study in Australia and want to bring your family members along, it's essential to understand the visa requirements. The Australian government allows international students to bring their dependents, such as spouses, partners, and children, while studying under certain conditions. Here’s a guide on how to bring family members to Australia on a student visa (Subclass 500).
Who Can Accompany You?
As an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you can bring the following family members to Australia:
- Spouse or De Facto Partner: This includes legally married spouses or partners in a de facto relationship (living together for at least 12 months).
- Dependent Children: Children under 18 years of age are considered dependents. In some cases, children above 18 who are financially dependent on you due to disability or full-time study may also be eligible.
Applying for a Family Visa
Family members can apply for visas either at the same time as you (when you’re applying for your student visa) or at a later stage. The process involves the following key steps:
Include Family in the Original Visa Application: If you are planning to bring family members with you from the start, you must list them in your initial Subclass 500 visa application. You will need to provide supporting documents to prove your relationship, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or evidence of de facto relationships.
Add Family Members After Your Arrival: If your family members are not coming with you initially but plan to join you later, they can apply for a subsequent entrant visa. This requires you to update your student visa details and submit a separate visa application for each dependent.
Submit Required Documents:
- Proof of Relationship: Provide marriage or birth certificates, and for de facto partners, proof of living together (e.g., joint bank accounts, rental agreements).
- Health Insurance: All family members must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay in Australia.
- Proof of Financial Stability: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your family members while they are in Australia. This includes covering living expenses, school fees for children (if applicable), and travel costs. The financial requirements vary depending on the number of dependents.
Work and Study Rights for Family Members
Your family members will be granted specific rights based on your student visa:
- Spouse/Partner: If you’re studying a bachelor’s degree, your spouse or partner can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while you are studying. If you are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, they can work full-time. They may also study for up to three months without requiring a separate student visa.
- Children: School-aged children (typically 5-18 years old) are required to enroll in school while in Australia. You must cover the tuition fees for their education, which can vary based on the state or territory.
Health Insurance Requirements
All international students and their dependents must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire period of their stay in Australia. OSHC helps cover medical expenses such as hospital care, doctor visits, and some prescription medicines. It is mandatory for both you and your dependents, and you will need to provide proof of OSHC when applying for the visa.
Schooling for Children
If you are bringing school-aged children to Australia, they must be enrolled in a school while you are studying. You will need to pay school fees, which vary depending on the state and whether your child attends a public or private school. Some Australian states offer fee exemptions or reduced fees for international students’ children attending public schools, but it’s important to check with the local education department in your chosen city or state.
Visa Conditions and Duration
The visa granted to your family members will be linked to your student visa, meaning their stay is conditional upon your visa status. Their visas will typically expire when your Subclass 500 visa ends. If your study duration is extended, you can apply to extend your dependents’ visas as well.
Important Considerations
- Compliance with Visa Conditions: It is crucial for both you and your dependents to adhere to the visa conditions, including work limits, health insurance requirements, and staying enrolled in education (for children).
- Timely Applications: Whether applying together or later, ensure all required documents are submitted promptly to avoid delays in the visa process.
Conclusion
Bringing family members to Australia while studying can enhance your overall experience, allowing you to share your journey with loved ones. To do so, it is essential to carefully follow the visa application process, ensure you meet financial and health insurance requirements, and be aware of the rights and responsibilities granted to your dependents. By meeting all the necessary conditions, you can create a smooth transition for your family to join you studying in Australia.
