Have you been dreaming of studying in Australia and bringing your family along for the journey? Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, and many international students choose to bring their families with them to Australia to explore a new country, create a homely feel in a new environment, and build connections that last a lifetime. But how do you go about adding your family to your student visa application?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adding secondary applicants to your 500 Subclass Visa, including who qualifies, the documents required, and how much it costs. By the end, you’ll be ready to lodge your student visa application with your family members.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Who Is Considered a Secondary Applicant?
When you apply for a student visa (subclass 500), you can bring certain family members along as secondary applicants. This is an exciting opportunity for your loved ones to experience Australia with you, but it’s important to understand who qualifies as a secondary applicant.
Here’s who can be added to your visa application:
- Your partner (spouse, de facto, or same-sex partner)
- Your dependent child(ren) under 18 years of age
- Your partner’s dependent child(ren) under 18 years of age
The Australian Department of Home Affairs allows you to include your family when you apply for your student visa, provided you meet specific requirements and can prove your relationship with each family member.
Bringing Your Partner as a Secondary Applicant
Bringing your partner to Australia through your student visa application is a straightforward process, but it does require specific evidence to prove that your relationship is genuine.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Evidence of Relationship: Whether you’re married, in a de facto relationship, or in a same-sex partnership, you must provide official evidence. This could include:
- A marriage certificate for married couples.
- Proof of cohabitation (e.g., joint lease agreements, utility bills, or travel records).
2. Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement: Your partner must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they intend to stay temporarily in Australia. You may be asked to provide additional information or a statement to support this claim.
3. Partner’s Work Rights: Depending on the visa conditions, your partner may have limited or no work rights while in Australia. For more information on this, check the Visa Grant Letter or use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
Only by providing all these necessary documents and meeting the requirements, your partner can be added as a secondary applicant.
Bringing Your Child/Children to Australia
If you’re a parent, bringing your children to Australia is a great way for them to experience the country while you study. However, the Australian Government has specific criteria for children under 18 years of age.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Eligibility
Your child must be under 18 when the decision is made on your visa application. If your child is 18 or older, they will need to apply for their own visa.
2. Schooling Requirements
If your child is school-aged, you’ll need to pay for their education in either a public or private school. The age for school enrollment in Australia is typically around five years old, but this can vary by state or territory.
3. Childcare and Kindergarten
For children under five, childcare and kindergarten options are available. Many Australian universities offer childcare services on or near campus. There are also private childcare centres in all major cities.
4. Financial Responsibility
You will need to prove that you have enough funds to cover your child’s schooling and living expenses while in Australia.
If your child is under 18, they can join you on the student visa. If they are over 18, they’ll need to apply for their own visa.
Bringing Your Parent (If You’re Under 18)
If you are under 18 years old and applying for a student visa, the Australian Government allows a parent or guardian to join you in Australia. This ensures you have the necessary care and support while studying.
Here are the requirements:
1. Eligibility
Your parent or guardian must be at least 21 years old and must have sufficient funds to support both themselves and you during their stay.
2. Student Guardian Visa
Your parent/s will need to apply for a Student Guardian visa, which allows them to care for you while you study.
3. Living Arrangements
Your parent/s must live with you in Australia and cannot work during their stay.
By meeting these requirements, your parent/s or guardian/s can join you in Australia to support you while you study.
Bringing Your Family at a Later Time
If you initially leave for Australia without your family but wish to bring them later, you must declare them when you first apply for your student visa.
Here’s how it works:
1. Declare Family Members
If you plan to bring family members later, they must be declared when you apply for your student visa. If you don’t declare them at the start, they won’t be eligible for a visa to join you later.
2. Subsequent Entrants
If your family members want to join you after your visa has been granted, they can apply as subsequent entrants using ImmiAccount.
3. Updating Your Application
If your family situation changes after you submit your visa application (for example, if you marry or have a child), you must inform the Department of Home Affairs immediately.
By following these guidelines, you can bring your family to Australia at a later stage without any issues.
You will need to provide official documents to show your connection, such as marriage certificates for your partner or birth certificates for your children. Let’s dive into the documentation requirements to ensure everything is in order.
Documentation Requirements for Secondary Applicants
To add family members as secondary applicants to your student visa, you will need to provide several key pieces of evidence to ensure your application is processed smoothly and without delays.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Proof of Relationship
For each secondary applicant, you must provide evidence showing your relationship. This could include:
- Marriage certificates for your partner (spouse or de facto).
- Birth certificates for your children.
- Proof of living together if you’re in a de facto relationship, like joint bank accounts, lease agreements, or utility bills.
Health and Character Requirements
Family members will also need to meet health and character requirements. This involves:
- Medical examinations for each family member to ensure they are not a risk to public health.
- Character certificates to prove that they do not have any serious criminal convictions.
Financial Evidence
You must demonstrate that you can financially support your family members while in Australia. This includes:
- Financial support to cover living expenses for your family.
- Documents that show your ability to pay for tuition, healthcare, and accommodation.
By providing these documents, you ensure that your secondary applicants meet the necessary conditions and are eligible to join you in Australia. Next, let’s understand the process of bringing your family to Australia.
The Process of Bringing Your Family to Australia
Bringing your family members with you requires following a clear process. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
- Lodge Your Student Visa Application: Include your family members as secondary applicants when you apply.
- Provide the Required Documents: Submit the necessary documents for each family member, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of financial support.
- Visa Decision: After your student visa is granted, your family members can join you as secondary applicants or apply later as subsequent entrants.
For a smooth process, it’s best to start preparing early and ensure all required documents are ready when you lodge your visa application.
Processing Time for Secondary Applicants
Processing times for secondary applicants can vary, but generally, adding family members to your visa application will extend the processing time. The exact time depends on the complexity of the case, the number of applicants, and the supporting documentation.
For more details, check the Visa Price Estimator tool or the Department of Home Affairs for up-to-date processing times.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your family to Australia while you study is an exciting opportunity, and with the right planning and documentation, the process can be straightforward. Remember to declare your family members early, provide all necessary evidence, and ensure you meet all health, character, and financial requirements.
If you need any assistance with your student visa application and adding secondary applicants, Knowbal can help guide you through the process with expert advice and personalised assistance.
Reach out to us today to start your student visa journey and bring your family along to Australia!