Can I bring my family to Australia on a Student Visa?

Australia is not just a popular study destination; it's also a welcoming country where students from across the globe can enjoy a rich lifestyle and a multicultural community. If you are currently in Australia on a student visa or planning to apply for one, you may be pondering whether your family can accompany you. The answer is a resounding YES!

As a student visa holder, you can include your family, namely your spouse or de facto partner, and your children. This inclusion can be made either at the time of your initial student visa application or after your visa has been granted when you're already in Australia. This flexibility is one of the many reasons why Australia remains a preferred choice for international students.

However, the process of bringing dependents to Australia on a student visa requires careful planning and strict adherence to certain requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. Let's delve into the key considerations you should be mindful of when planning to bring your family to Australia.

Can I add my family to my student visa application?

If you are making a student visa to Australia from offshore, you can include your family in your application as accompanying/ non accompanying members of the family unit, provided they meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

This means that they should be added into your application irrespective of whether they would actually be traveling to Australia with you or not.

All dependants on your student visa should meet the below requirements;

Proof of financial capacity: You must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the living expenses of your family members in Australia. This includes accommodation, food, and other necessities.
Health insurance: Your dependents must have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Australia.
Character requirements: Your dependents must meet the character requirements for entry to Australia. This includes a police clearance certificate for every country you and your dependents have lived in for more than 12 months.
Genuine relationship: You must provide evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship with your dependents. This can include marriage or de facto relationship certificates, photographs, and other documents

If you are already in Australia on a student visa and are looking to extend you student visa, you can add your spouse at the time you are making the extension application whether they are in Australia or offshore.

Can I bring my family to Australia if I am already on a student visa?

If you are already in Australia on a student visa, to bring your family (spouse and/or children) you need to make a Subsequent Entrant application.

Their application will be considered on the basis that they are in a genuine relationship with you and you hold a valid visa. At the time of making your application, you are required to provide evidence of your relationship with them.

The Subsequent Entrant will be granted the visa for the same period of the validity of your visa and you can continue to include them in further applications that you make in Australia.

What are the risks of making a visa application for my dependents when I'm on a student visa?

There are several risks associated with making a visa application for your dependents while on a student visa. Similar to a student visa, if you are making an application to include your family in your visa application they should also be able to meet the genuine temporary entrant criteria. They should provide evidence of their financial capacity and their ties to the home country.

Not meeting the genuine temporary entrant requirement is one of the main reasons why dependants' applications are often rejected by the Department. A dependant’s visa is at a risk of rejection if you are unable to show that you and your partner are in a genuine relationship.

Can my Dependant work or study full time in Australia?

If you are bringing your Dependants to Australia while making or holding a student visa, they can study in Australia for up to three months. If they wish to study for more than three months, they must apply for a separate student visa.

If you are applying for or are studying a course at a bachelor’s level or lower, your dependants can only work 40 hours per fortnight, once you have commenced your course in Australia. However, if you are on a student visa for master's or a doctorate your dependants can work without any time restriction.

Bringing your dependents to Australia on a student visa requires careful planning and adherence to certain requirements. By understanding these requirements and risks, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free process for your family. With proper preparation, your family can join you in Australia and experience all the wonderful things this country has to offer.