Australia Student Dependent Visa: Rules, Cost & Eligibility

Are you considering joining your spouse or partner to support them on their educational journey in Australia, but are unsure about the fine print of an Australian dependent visa? Fear not. Let us explain the rules, cost, and eligibility in plain terms, so instead of worrying, you can pack your bags and start planning your itinerary.

Australia has become one of the leading and favourite destinations for studying abroad due to its focus on quality education, affordable tuition and living costs, and cutting-edge research. Students are also interested in exploring the rich heritage of Australia; while the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act ensures that international students receive no discrimination, it explicitly and legally celebrates diversity and multiculturalism.

Eligibility Criteria

• To qualify as a dependent under Subclass 500, temporary partner visa, you must be sponsored by a primary student visa holder.
• You may be the legal spouse or de facto partner (living together for at least 12 months)
• You must be a child under 18 years of age, unmarried, and financially dependent on the primary applicant.
• You must meet the Australian character and health standards.
• If the primary applicant is someone under the age of 18, they may get their parents or guardian as caretakers. They must be above 21 years, financially stable enough to support themselves and you, and able to provide you with accommodation, welfare, and other support. These kinds of dependents must apply for a Student Guardian Visa.

Costs of the Dependent Visa

Although there are various costs, the most important are the visa application costs. The rates differ, so please check before applying.

• Primary Applicant: AUD $2,000
• Dependent Partner (18+): AUD $2,000
• Dependent Child (Under 18): AUD $500–$1,000 (varies based on age/circumstance)

You must also show a minimum financial balance for each of your dependents’ living costs.

• Partner: AUD 10,394/year
• Child: AUD 4,449/year

Rules for an Australian Family Visa

Like any other visa, dependent visas, too, come with certain rules and regulations. If found violating, these may have severe repercussions, so anyone choosing to apply for an Australian dependent visa must adhere to them.

• Dependents can work only for 48 hours every fortnight if the primary applicant is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or below. If the primary is enrolled in a Master’s or a PhD, there is no limit on the working hours for a dependent.
• You can study only for 3 months if you’re on a dependent visa.
• You must comply with the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) standards for your health insurance throughout the duration of your time.
• Your duration of stay is the same as that of the primary.
• If the child is between 5 and 18 years of age, they must be enrolled in either a private or a public school.
• For the Student Guardian Visa, your parent/guardian cannot work, must live with you, and must satisfy that they are temporary entrants only.
• If you plan to call your dependents at a later stage or your status as a single primary has changed, you must notify the Department of Home Affairs of the change.

Conclusion

The student dependent visa not only allows you to travel and enjoy Australia, but also allows you to support your partner, help them settle into a new environment, and not have your relationship be long-distance.  It is a golden chance for dependents to study and work in an international setting with all kinds of welfare resources available without any form of unfairness.

FAQs

1. Can I get PR after completing my education?

• Yes, but your course should have been registered through the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). It must be a two-year study.

2. Is a 2-year gap accepted in Australia?

• Yes, a 2-year academic or work gap is welcome in Australia.

3. Is it easy to get a dependent visa in Australia?

• The processing time for dependent visas in Australia differs, with partner visas taking up to 2 years to get approved, and child and dependent visas are usually decided in a few months.

4. Are English language proficiency tests required for dependent visa applicants?

• Yes, you must furnish English language proficiency scores even as an applicant for a dependent visa.

5. How long can I stay in Australia after a student visa?

• The post-study visa permits you to stay for 2-4 years after your course ends.