Updated on June 6th, 2026
When you wish to apply for a study visa for any destination of your choice and have a partner or child dependent on you, you need to check the visa provisions of that country. If the country is Australia, you need not worry, and no need to leave them behind. You can apply for a student-dependent visa at the same time as your visa application.
On the other hand, if you are applying for a visa or are already on a study visa in Australia, you still have the option to apply as a subsequent entrant. Subclass 500 sets out requirements that must be satisfied for approval of visa applications. In all cases, the duration of their visa will depend on the main applicant’s visa.
Eligibility to apply for a visa under this category
Who is eligible to apply under this category, or who can apply for a student-dependent visa? Family members include you and your partner, as well as your partner’s dependent children. In other simple words, dependents that can apply for a visa under this visa clause include your spouse or de facto partner. A de facto partner means that when you are not married, but you live like a married couple and have a relationship. A person under this clause can apply if the relationship is at least 12 months old. And the relationship is genuine and exclusive. Similarly, a dependent child applying under this category should depend on you or your partner and not have turned 18.
We must declare all existing members in a timely manner
It is mandatory under subclass 500 that you declare all your relationships at the time of your first application. Whether you are married or single should be clearly mentioned in the application. It is not relevant if the dependent is accompanying you or not. If you cannot mention it at the time of the first application, it would be difficult to add it later or at the time of the subsequent application.
A member of the family unit who fails to declare will not be eligible to enter Australia as a student’s family unit member, except for a person who becomes a member after the student’s application is decided. Such negligence can also affect the applicant’s genuineness. Genuineness (GTE) is a significant factor considered when deciding on any visa application in Australia. So, to be on the safe side, all family members, including married or de facto partners and dependent children, should be declared at the time of the first application.
Subsequent entrant visa application
In case the main applicant gets married after lodging his initial visa application. Still, before the visa is granted, he must notify the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. This update will help you add your dependent later in the visa application process. Subsequent entrant applications can be lodged after the marriage, following the main applicant’s visa being granted. Proof of marriage and a continued relationship must be provided along with a visa application. The Visa officer may request any relevant documents to verify the genuineness of the relationship.
It should be obvious that the visa officer is always concerned with the present situation of the relationship. The continuity of the relationship needs to be proved to get visa approval. Along with relationship proof, there are also financial requirements for a successful visa application. Such requirements are subject to change, so readers are advised to check with official sources before submitting their visa applications.
Financial requirements for family members
As mentioned above, there are also financial requirements. Dependents must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living costs during their stay in Australia. The applicant needs to show living costs for 12 months. And if the application is combined, the student needs to demonstrate 12 months of tuition and living costs. The cost of dependent children also needs to be calculated. Financial requirements are an essential part of a visa application, so I advised you to check them carefully when applying for your visa.
Checklist of documents required
If you are already in Australia, are fulfilling all visa conditions, and want to invite your dependents. In that case, your dependents need to file a visa application along with the following documents. This checklist is not final; the visa officer may request additional documents to their satisfaction.
| # Form 919 Nomination of student defendants |
| # Form 157A Application for a student visa |
| # An Original letter from the education provider stating the course you are studying, the duration of the course, your expected completion date, and satisfying course requirements. |
| # Proof that you have sufficient money to support your dependents in Australia |
| # Proof of your relationship with your dependents as birth and marriage certificates |
| # Proof of school enrollment for your school-aged dependents |
| # Proof of health insurance for each dependent. Family members of the main applicant or visa holder must provide evidence of having adequate health insurance for the grant of their visa for the period of their intended stay in Australia. Documentation includes evidence of payment of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). |
You may ask for any further details at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com
Master’s in Tourism and Recreation (M.A.) at EIIET Berlin
Master’s in Tourism and Recreation program, offered by the esteemed Institute of Berlin (EIIET) in partnership with the University of Tourism and Hotel Management (WSTiH). This intensive two-year postgraduate course meticulously equips ambitious students with the advanced skills and knowledge to position themselves as financial and strategic leaders in the ever-evolving tourism industry.
No Comment