student visa with family in australia
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you, or more likely someone you know, have been offered a scholarship to study in Australia. Congratulations! This is going to be a very exciting period in your life. You will be embarking on a new adventure, with all of the challenges and opportunities that come with it. The first step will be the hardest – deciding whether or not to go. Because by taking that step, you are also making an investment. And while we might sometimes overlook them, they’re one of the most important things when it comes to managing your career as an expatriate student in Australia.
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Travelling to Australia with family members may require you to secure a student visa that allows you to come to Australia as the holder’s family member and stay indefinitely.
Student visa for students with family in Australia
Are you a student who wants to study in Australia? Or do you have a family member who is studying there? If so, then you may be eligible for this visa. This visa allows students to study in Australia and bring their family members with them while they are there.
Bringing your family to live
Dependents and subsequent entrants
The Department of Home Affairs allows most students to bring their immediate family members to Australia. Immediate family members are called dependents, and may include your spouse (or de facto partner) and children under the age of 18.
Remember to declare all members of your family unit on your initial student visa application.
If your dependents will be moving to Australia at the same time as you
You can include them in your own student visa (subclass 500) application.
If your dependents were listed on your original student visa application, but will join you after you’ve commenced your studies, or if someone becomes your dependent after your visa has been granted (eg becomes your spouse)
They can join you as subsequent entrants. They will need to apply for a student visa (subclass 500) (Subsequent Entrant).
To apply for this visa, you must:
- Obtain a Nomination of Dependent letter from the University to confirm that you’re still studying
- Collect the other documents required
- Lodge the new visa online (via ImmiAccount).
Obtain a Nomination of Dependent letter
Australia Awards scholars who wish to have their dependents join them after arrival do not need to obtain a Nomination of Dependent letter but will need to arrange for a No Objection Letter to support this application instead. For more information, see Australia Awards family and travel.
If someone becomes your dependent after your visa has been granted (e.g. becomes your spouse)
You can refer to the Department of Home Affairs for up to date information about bringing a family member to Australia.
If you give birth while in Australia
You should notify the Department of Home Affairs of your newborn child. By law, they will receive the same visa as you, but only if you have taken steps to inform the Department of Home Affairs.
Guardians
If you are under 18 years of age and require a family member to stay with you in Australia, they will need to apply for a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590). For more information, see Bringing a partner or family (Department of Home Affairs).
It is an Immigration policy that school-age dependants of international students attend school while they are in Australia. You are responsible for arranging education for your school-age dependants. You may have to enrol your school-age children provisionally before leaving the country and may have to pay their school fees in advance.
Most student visas allow you to bring your family members to Australia as your dependants. For more information, check your individual circumstances with the Department of Home Affairs (See: Arranging Visas). Family members include your spouse, and you and your spouse’s dependent children. Before bringing your spouse or children to Australia, you will have to prove that you can support them financially. The cost of supporting a family in Australia is very high. You may have to consider and discuss many issues with your family.
Costs for students with families
You will have new and ongoing expenses during your time in Australia. Knowing the average living cost is an important step when preparing to study in Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) advises that a single international student requires approximately AU$20,000 per year for living costs, see: http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Stud/More/Student-Visa-Living-Costs-and-Evidence-of-Funds These expenses are on top of your tuition and study fees and include costs like accommodation, food, text books, transport and other things you will need while in Australia. Living costs vary according to your circumstances and lifestyle, including the type of accommodation you choose, its location, the number of people you live with.
Cost of living
To help you understand the costs involved we have developed a sample student budget for you with family and without family. Please note that this is to be used as a guide only, as the actual cost of living depends upon the individual student’s circumstance and lifestyle.
Sample weekly expenses
| Lone person aged under 35 | Couple only(reference person aged under 35) | Couple with kids(eldest child under 5) | Couple with kids(eldest child between 5-14) | Couple with kids(eldest child between 14-24) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (shared) | $278 | $360 | $364 | $325 | $242 |
| Fuel & power | $20 | $26 | $28 | $43 | $48 |
| Food & drink | $104 | $207 | $224 | $279 | $314 |
| Clothing & footwear | $23 | $52 | $54 | $64 | $82 |
| Medical & health expenses | $24 | $58 | $67 | $77 | $104 |
| Transport | $142 | $224 | $220 | $254 | $332 |
| Recreation | $106 | $182 | $132 | $208 | $253 |
| Total | $697 | $1,109 | $1,089 | $1,250 | $1,375 |
Refer to the Money Smart website for further information on the average costs of supporting a family within each city in each state of Australia.
Issues to Consider
Rather than bringing your family together with you to Australia, some students may find it useful to arrive first, settle into studies, find appropriate accommodation, adjust to living in Australia and then arrange for their family to join them.
Before making a decision to bring your family to Australia it is important to consider the following issues:
Childcare
If you plan to bring your child under the age of five and if your spouse is unable to care for them, then you must make arrangements for child-care prior to arriving in Australia. Please note that child-care placement is not guaranteed, therefore, you must arrange long before you plan to arrive in Australia.
When selecting a child-care centre, make sure it is a government-approved facility.
To find information on New South Wales child-care centres, refer to the NSW Department of Education.
For information on Victoria child-care centres, refer to the Victoria Department of Education and Training.
Schools for your children
If you plan to bring your school aged children to Australia, you must enroll them in school. Arrangements for schooling must be made prior to any child arriving into Australia. For a complete list of primary and secondary schools including tuition fees, application, and enrolment, visit the relevant school directory:
Conclusion
Visas are a minefield, and it’s often said that it’s easier to get forgiveness than permission. From what I’ve seen, I’m inclined to agree – but that doesn’t mean you should go in blind! If this is something you may end up needing to do, I’d highly recommend talking to someone who knows the ropes. It’ll make things a lot easier on you!