Apply for
Student Visa Subsequent Entrant
Reunite with Your Loved Ones in Australia – Let Us Help You Bring Your Family Together.
The Student Subsequent Entrant Visa – Subclass 500 allows the spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children of an international student to live in Australia for the same duration as the primary student visa holder. This visa enables your family to stay, work, and study in Australia, ensuring that your loved ones can support you during your academic journey. Eligible dependents include your spouse, de facto partner, and children under 18 years old. If family members were not declared in the original visa, you must provide valid evidence of the pre-existing relationship.
At Knowbal Migration, we guide you through every step of the Student Visa Subsequent Entrant process. Our experienced team ensures that your application is complete and meets all necessary requirements, so your family can join you in Australia without delays. Whether you need assistance with documentation or navigating the visa process, we’re here to make it easier for you to reunite with your loved ones while you focus on your studies.
Overview for Student Visa Subsequent Entrant
- Eligibility for Dependents
The Student Subsequent Entrant Visa allows the spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children under 18 of an international student to join the primary visa holder in Australia during their studies. - When to Apply
You can apply for the subsequent entrant visa either alongside the primary student visa application or later, once the student is already in Australia. - Work Rights for Dependents
The dependent partner can work up to 48 hours per fortnight if the student is enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree, and full-time if the student is enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program. - Required Documents
The application must include valid passports, marriage or de facto proof, children’s birth certificates, the main student’s CoE, OSHC, proof of financial capacity, and evidence of the relationship. - Financial Requirements
Minimum funds for the primary student (AUD 29,710 per year), the partner (AUD 10,394 per year), and each child (AUD 4,449 per year) are required to be shown as proof of financial capacity.Cost: From AUD 2000 for dependents 18 years or over | For the latest cost estimation check here
Eligibility for Student Visa Subsequent Entrant
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligible Dependents | Spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child under 18 years of age. If not declared in the original student visa, valid proof and explanation of the pre-existing relationship must be provided. |
| Visa Application Timing | Dependents can apply either with the main student visa holder or later as a “Subsequent Entrant” once the student is already in Australia. |
| Relationship Proof | For partners, provide marriage certificate or de facto proof (shared lease, bank accounts, photos). For children, provide birth certificates. |
| Financial Capacity | You must show sufficient funds to support your dependents: AUD 29,710 for the student, AUD 10,394 per partner, AUD 4,449 per child per year. |
| Genuine Student Requirement | The primary student visa holder must be a genuine student, and the study in Australia must be the primary purpose of the visa. |
| Health Insurance (OSHC) | All dependents must be covered by a valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. |
| Work Rights for Partners | Partners of Master’s or PhD students have full-time work rights. Partners of Bachelor’s degree students are limited to 48 hours per fortnight. |
| Schooling for Children | Dependent children (aged 5–17) must attend school (public or private). Children aged 18+ are not eligible under this visa. |
| Onshore Application | Dependents can apply from within Australia if they hold an eligible visa without a “no further stay” condition. On approval, they will be granted a Bridging Visa. |
| Visa Linkage | Dependent visas are linked to the main student visa. If the student’s visa is cancelled or expires, the dependents’ visas will also be cancelled. |
| Study Rights for Dependents | Dependents can study short courses (up to 3 months) without a separate visa. For longer programs, they need to apply for their own Student Visa (Subclass 500). |
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Student Visa Subsequent Entrant can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
The ideal time to apply for a Student Visa Subsequent Entrant (Subclass 500) is when your are studying in Australia and you’ve already ensured that your application aligns with their visa conditions. Apply early — avoid waiting until the last moment when any potential delays could risk missing key deadlines. Make sure the student (primary applicant) is meeting all visa conditions and your relationship with them is properly documented. Delays or missing details may cause complications that could extend processing time or cause refusals.
If the primary applicant (the student) changes courses or education providers, it won’t automatically cancel or affect your subsequent entrant application. However, the new course must still align with the original student visa conditions, and the primary applicant must maintain enrolment. You should provide updated documentation, including the new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and explain any changes in the family’s visa application to avoid delays.
When your family joins you under the Subsequent Entrant visa, you need to ensure that they are covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay. The student’s OSHC may also need to be extended if their visa is extended, and the OSHC for your family members must be arranged separately. Ensure you provide clear evidence of this cover in your application. Additionally, check if your new family members need to meet any additional health or insurance requirements under your visa conditions.
Changing jobs while on a student visa does not typically affect your Subsequent Entrant visa application, as it is tied to your study enrolment and family reunification. However, if your job change impacts your financial capacity or ability to meet living expenses for your family, you should update your financial evidence in the application. If the job changes lead to an extended stay, your visa’s validity, or conditions, makes sure the documentation reflects any changes in your situation (like updated employment records or financial stability).
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