Countries with Spouse Visa
Many individuals looking to study abroad also want the option of bringing their spouse and family along. While Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for study visas with spouse work permits, many are exploring other countries that offer similar opportunities. This article provides an overview of countries where you can apply for a study visa and a spouse visa together, allowing you to travel with your family.
1.1 Canada
Canada is one of the most preferred destinations for international students, especially those who wish to bring their spouse and children. If you enroll in a master’s degree (two years) or a four-year bachelor’s program in fields like engineering, computer science, or education, your spouse is eligible for an open work permit. After completing your education, students get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years, providing ample time to apply for permanent residency (PR).
1.1.1 Financial Requirements:
-
One-year tuition fee: CAD 18,000 – CAD 19,000 (average)
-
GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate): CAD 21,000
-
Spouse: Additional CAD 5,000
-
Children: CAD 6,000 for the first child and CAD 7,000 for the second
-
Total required funds for a family of four: Approximately CAD 60,000
Canada also has multiple PR pathways such as the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and Ontario Master Graduate Stream, making it a strong choice for long-term settlement.
Even though many consultants may not recommend this, you should target or aspire for this that the entire family is getting a visa together. No matter which country you are going to, technically all the countries where spouse visa is possible allow you to apply for the spouse visa along with the study visa. It is legally allowed, and you should take control of your application and go for the entire family together.
1.2 Finland
For those preferring Europe, Finland is an excellent choice. The country allows international students to bring their spouse and family along. The financial requirement is lower than in Canada, and Finland offers post-study work permits, making it a viable immigration option.
1.2.1 Financial Requirements:
- Tuition fees: EUR 8,000 – EUR 14,000 per year
-
Living expenses:
-
Student: EUR 10,000
-
Spouse: EUR 7,500
-
Child: EUR 7,500 (first), EUR 6,000 (second)
-
While the timeline for processing applications is longer than in some other countries, Finland provides a clear path to PR after staying for five years. However, learning the Finnish language is often necessary for better job opportunities and integration.
1.3 United Kingdom
The UK allows spouse visas only for students enrolled in research-based master’s degrees or Ph.D. programs. If you get admission to such a program, your spouse can accompany you on a dependent visa, which permits them to work full-time.
1.3.1 Challenges
-
Spouse visa eligibility is restricted to research programs
-
No clear PR pathways for international students
-
High competition for limited PR options
One more question people ask me is whether it is the right time to go to Canada. The answer is yes. Whenever there are fewer people going to a particular country, that’s the best time to go. It is like the stock market – when everyone is fearful, be greedy, and when everyone is greedy, be fearful.
1.4 New Zealand
New Zealand is a fantastic choice for study visas with spouse work permits. The country offers strong PR pathways for students who complete degrees in fields listed on its Green List.
1.4.1 Financial Requirements
- Tuition fees: NZD 20,000 – NZD 30,000 per year
-
Living expenses:
-
Student: NZD 15,000
-
Spouse: NZD 7,500
-
Child: NZD 5,000
-
New Zealand has stricter financial documentation requirements, often needing funds to be shown as savings for at least three to six months. The country offers PR eligibility within 4-5 years for students in high-demand fields.
1.5 Australia
Australia offers study visas with spouse work permits, similar to New Zealand. However, its PR process can take longer, averaging 8-10 years. The country has strict financial scrutiny, requiring sources of funds to be documented thoroughly.
1.5.1 Financial Requirements
-
Tuition fees: AUD 20,000 – AUD 40,000 per year
-
Living expenses:
-
Student: AUD 21,041
-
Spouse: AUD 7,362
-
Child: AUD 3,152
-
If you are flexible for the job title and location, you can get PR within two years in some cases. But worst-case scenario, you may not even get your PR in five years. Canada is giving out approximately 400,000 PRs each year, and if you are unable to get it, it may be due to your own lack of flexibility.
1.6 Final Comparison & Recommendations
| Country | Spouse Work Permit | PR Pathway | Financial Requirement (Approx.) | Language Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Yes | Strong | CAD 60,000 | English |
| Finland | Yes | Strong | EUR 25,000 | Finnish (for better jobs) |
| UK | Limited | Weak | GBP 30,000 | English |
| New Zealand | Yes | Moderate | NZD 40,000 | English |
| Australia | Yes | Moderate | AUD 50,000 | English |
For those looking for a country with strong PR options, Canada and Finland are the best choices. If your primary goal is just studying abroad with your spouse, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia may also be considered. However, always plan your move with PR in mind to ensure long-term stability.
If you are searching for the best immigration consultant in Panipat, best immigration consultant near me, or top immigration consultant near me and India, we are here to help.
If you want to apply for your study visa with me and if you are married, then I mostly target married people who want to travel with family. People come to me confused about which country to move to and where they are eligible to go. This article provides clarity and allows you to make an informed decision.
If you need assistance with your study visa and spouse visa application, feel free to contact us!
