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Student-dependent visas are available to students to bring their dependents along with them to Australia. The dependents here refer to partners or children of the applicant. Applicants can apply with family members at the same time or later on, after they have received their student visa. 410 Australia is one of the countries offering student-dependent visas. In this blog, we have provided the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, application process, and other details required for a student visa in Australia.
| Visa Name | Student Dependent Visa Australia |
| Validity | Duration ofthe course for the student visa holder |
| Fee | AUD 2,000 |
| Processing Time | 2-4 months |
This Blog Includes:
- What is a Student Dependent Visa?
- Who Can I Bring on a Student Dependent Visa in Australia?
- Student Dependent Visa Australia Eligibility
- What is an Australia Subsequent Entrant Visa?
- Australia Student Dependent Visa Australia: Subsequent Entrant Requirements
- Student Dependent Visa Australia Processing Time
- Student Dependent Visa for Partner
- Working On a Student Dependent Visa
- Studying on a Student Dependent Visa
- Marriage After Gettinga Student Dependent Visa in Australia
- Children After Getting a Student Dependent Visa in Australia
- Student Dependent Visa Australia Application Process
- Recent Policy Updates to Be Aware Of (2025-2026)
- Student Dependent Visa Australia Working Rights
- FAQs
What is a Student Dependent Visa?
A student dependent visa is not a separate visa class — it is part of the Student Visa (Subclass 500). Family members of a principal student visa holder can accompany or join the student in Australia for the duration of their studies. Dependents can be included:
- At the time of the initial visa application
- Or later by applying for a subsequent entrant visa
Who Can I Bring on a Student Dependent Visa in Australia?
Applicants can only bring immediate family members on a Student Dependent Visa Australia. The visa allows the spouse/partner, partners or dependent children to visit Australia. Children who are above 18 years of age must apply for a separate visa.
They cannot avail themselves of the student dependent visa. The exception to this rule is only applicable to children who are completely dependent on the applicant. A proof of the same has to be provided. For example, a medical report or a power of attorney.
Student Dependent Visa Australia Eligibility
The family members of the applicant must provide certain information to avail of the student-dependent visa in Australia. These requirements are as follows:
- Provide identification documents such as a 410passport, a birth certificate, and biometric information
- The family member must be added to the student’s health insurance (OSHC) of the student
- Provide proof of sufficient finances and good character. For example, the applicant must have sufficient funds to support the school-age children
- Proof of relationship for bringing the partner/spouse. An unmarried partner must present a certificate of registration
- Proof of school arrangement for the minor child
- Moreover, all family members of the applicant must be declared, irrespective of the fact that they are moving to Australia or not
Also Read: Know all About Australia Visa Before Applying
What is an Australia Subsequent Entrant Visa?
A student visa holder’s family member who later wishes to join the student in Australia can apply for a subsequent entrant visa. Supporting documents have to be provided for the Student Dependent Visa Australia.
However, this can only be done if the student has already added the family member to the visa application.
Australia Student Dependent Visa Australia: Subsequent Entrant Requirements
Apart from the above documents, there are several other documents that the applicant must submit. These additional documents are as follows:
- Form 919 – A nomination form to be filled by the family member who has to be attached by the student
- Subsequent Entrant Student Visa Form 157A and a letter from an education provider. The letter has to be from the education provider of the student visa holder. The letter must include details such as the course of study of the dependent, enrollment information, etc
- Proof of financial support if the partner/spouse is funding the stay in Australia
Student Dependent Visa Australia Processing Time
The processing time for an Australian student visa is approximately 4 months.
However, this can vary if the application for the student visa and the dependent student visa in Australia are made together.
Student Dependent Visa for Partner
Yes, it is possible to bring the partner to Australia on a student-dependent visa Australia. However, proof of the same has to be provided.
For example, a lease agreement. Owned assets, birth certificates of the child, and likewise.
Working On a Student Dependent Visa
Yes. The dependents are free to work 410on a student-dependent visa. However, the work can only be started after the course of the student commences.
The master’s/doctoral degree students’ family members can work on restricted hours.
The dependent visa holders of subclass 573 and subclass 574 are also free to work. Proof that the student visa holder has started the course has to be submitted to be eligible for the same. For example, visa grant letters.
Also Read: A Detailed Guide on the Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in Australia
Studying on a Student Dependent Visa
Yes. Dependents are allowed to participate in study programs. However, the study programme time is limited to 3 months.
The dependents are only allowed to take up 3-month programs, and anything above that is not permitted.
Marriage After Gettinga Student Dependent Visa in Australia
In case a person becomes a partner of a student visa holder, the student will have to apply for a new student visa after including the details of their partner.
Children After Getting a Student Dependent Visa in Australia
The new child can be added as a subsequent entrant in your application. However, this is only possible if the student visa is valid at that time.
Documents such as the birth certificate of the child, Form 1022, etc have to be submitted for the same.
Student Dependent Visa Australia Application Process
Those who are applying for their dependents at the same time as the student visa application can include the dependents on the subclass 500 visa application. Dependents joining later on will be referred to as ‘subsequent entrants’ or subclass 500.
To apply for the same, the applicant must obtain the following documents.
- Nomination of a Dependent letter from the University for the confirmation that the student is still enrolled
- Present other essential documents
- Finally, lodge the new visa application online via ImmiAccount
Note: Australia Award scholars do not need to submit a Nomination of Dependent letter. Instead, they need to arrange a No Objection Letter to support this application.
Recent Policy Updates to Be Aware Of (2025-2026)
Australia has introduced several important changes to its student and student dependent visa policies in 2025–2026, including higher visa fees, stricter financial proof requirements, and increased scrutiny of applications. Understanding these latest updates is essential to avoid delays or refusals and to ensure your application meets current Australian immigration standards.
Greater Scrutiny on Student Visas
In January 2026, Australia moved several South Asian countries (including India) into a higher-risk category for student visa processing. This means additional documentation and more rigorous checks for student and dependent visas from those regions.
Visa Fee Increases
The base fee for Subclass 500 was increased to AUD 2,000 for the primary applicant from mid-2025.
Stronger Financial and English Requirements
Financial thresholds and English language standards have been raised to ensure genuine study intent.
Also Read: Learn How to Apply for a Student Visa
Student Dependent Visa Australia Working Rights
The following are the working rights of an Australian student-dependent visa holder:
- You are allowed to work for up to 48 hours per fortnight. This is a 14-day period that can start on a Monday and end on a Sunday.
- You can only start working when the primary visa holder has started their studies at the university.
- If the primary visa holder is taking up a Master’s or Doctorate degree, you have unlimited work rights.
- Children who are under the school leaving age are not allowed to take up work.
- You must pay the employment tax as per the law.
A Student Dependent Visa in Australia offers a great pathway to study and live with your family in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. While the process is thorough and requires careful documentation, the opportunity it provides is significant both socially and academically. By understanding eligibility requirements, financial proof, visa fees, work rights, and recent policy changes, you can plan effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
FAQs
Ans. Yes. Immigrant family members of the student visa holder can come to Australia. This has been permitted by the Department of Home Affairs. For example, spouses or children below the age of 18.
Ans. The dependent visa is available to a child who has lived in Australia for 2 years. A visa sponsor is required in such cases. Moreover, the applicant must meet the criteria for the balance of family test, must be in good health and have good character.
Ans. Yes. Dependents can work on a student visa in Australia. However, the duration of hours a person is allowed to work is dependent on whether the student visa holder is studying an MA programme or a higher degree programme.
Yes. You can add your partner as a dependent in your student visa application. However, proof of your relationship must be provided.
It is expected that the primary applicant has at least AUD 29,710 for each year of stay. The first dependent child you add must have at least AUD 10,394 per year. Every other subsequent child you add must have AUD 3,152 per year for their expenses.
The success rate of a student-dependent visa in Australia stands at 85.1%–86.7%. This means that a visa can be obtained if all the eligibility, financial, and documentation requirements are met.
We hope you now understand what a student dependent visa is, its requirements, the application process, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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