Aus Visa Library

Navigating the Skilled Independent Visa Process

Australian Visa
Navigating the Skilled Independent Visa Process
This guide explains how to sponsor your spouse for an Australian student dependent visa, outlining eligibility, application steps, costs, work rights, challenges, and key tips for couples and families.

Navigating Australia’s student-dependent visa process can feel overwhelming—especially when you want your spouse to join and support you while you study in Australia. In this resource, we break down exactly how you can sponsor your spouse on a student dependent visa, what to expect, the steps involved, costs, challenges, and all the latest updates. Our goal is to empower couples and families to make informed decisions about migration and to confidently navigate the student visa pathway.

How to Sponsor Your Spouse on a Student Dependent Visa (Australia)

What Is a Student Dependent Visa & Why Is It Important?

A student dependent visa allows the immediate family members (most commonly spouses or de facto partners) of an international student visa holder (Subclass 500) to live in Australia for the duration of the student’s course. This pathway is vital for couples and families who do not want to be separated during an international study period and supports emotional well-being, financial stability, and migration planning.

Who Can Apply as a Dependent?

  • Spouse (married partner)
  • De facto partner (including same-sex partners, must prove at least 12 months of genuine ongoing relationship)
  • Dependent children (under 18 years old or dependent by law)

Why Sponsor Your Spouse?

  • Reduces emotional strain and loneliness during study
  • Enables joint family financial planning
  • Supports childcare and carer arrangements
  • Provides your spouse with work rights (with some limitations, explained below)
  • Can be a pathway for longer-term migration plans in Australia

How to Sponsor Your Spouse: Step-by-Step

1. Check Eligibility

Primary applicant: Must hold, or be applying for, an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) for a full-time CRICOS-registered course.

Dependent applicant (your spouse):

  • Must be your married or de facto partner.
  • Should meet health and character requirements.
  • If applying as a de facto partner, must provide substantial evidence of your relationship.

2. Prepare Required Documentation

Key documents typically include:

  • Proof of student visa holder's enrolment (CoE - Confirmation of Enrolment)
  • Marriage certificate or de facto evidence (joint bank accounts, rental agreements, shared bills)
  • Passport copies for both applicants
  • Evidence of genuine relationship
  • Evidence of sufficient funds (to cover tuition, travel, and living costs)
  • Health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC) covering all applicants
  • Police certificates (from countries lived in for 12+ months)
  • Completed visa application forms

3. Confirm Financial Requirements

The Australian Government requires proof that both the student and dependents can support themselves.

  • 2024 guideline: Typically, about AUD $24,505/year for students, AUD $8,574/year for spouse.

4. Apply Online Through ImmiAccount

  • Lodge application online via ImmiAccount
  • You can add dependents at your initial student visa application or lodge a subsequent entrant application if your spouse joins you later.

5. Biometrics, Health, and Character Checks

  • Attend a medical assessment if requested
  • Provide biometrics (fingerprints/photo) if required

6. Wait for Processing & Decision

  • Wait times vary: Usually 4-12 weeks for subsequent entrant dependents, but may be longer depending on visa backlog and completeness of information.

How the Dependent Visa Works in Australian Migration

  • Partners receive a Dependent Visa based on the main applicant’s Subclass 500.
  • The visa duration, conditions, and rights are tied to the student’s visa status.
  • If the student’s visa is canceled, the dependent’s visa is also canceled.
  • Dependents can reside, study, and work (subject to some restrictions).

Work Rights for Spouses

  • Up to 48 hours per fortnight (every 2 weeks) during the student’s course session.
  • Unlimited work rights if the student is pursuing a masters (by research) or doctoral degree.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Live Toegther: Keep your family united during your studies.
  • Work Flexibility: Spouses can contribute financially.
  • Access to Healthcare: Through OSHC.
  • Children’s Education: School-aged dependents can attend school in Australia (public school fees may apply).

Common Challenges (and Solutions)

1. Proof of Genuine Relationship

  • Challenge: Strict evidence required for de facto relationships.
  • Solution: Provide as much joint documentation as possible—photos, mail, leases, joint accounts.

2. Financial Evidence

  • Challenge: Backing up claims of sufficient funds.
  • Solution: Bank statements, payslips, deposit evidence, and sponsor declarations (if supported by third party).

3. Visa Processing Delays

  • Challenge: Waiting period can affect spouse’s travel plans.
  • Solution: Apply as early as possible and track application online.

4. Healthcare Costs

  • Challenge: OSHC can be expensive for families.
  • Solution: Compare different OSHC providers for best value, sometimes university-negotiated policies are cheaper.

5. State Schooling Fees for Children

  • Challenge: School fees can be high in some states/territories.
  • Solution: Check with local education departments for fee waivers or concessions (varies by student level and state).

Typical Applicants and Real-World Scenarios

  • Postgraduate students (Masters, PhD) with established families
  • Young couples where one partner studies and the other works
  • Mature-age students returning to study with spouse and children
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