Study Visa with Family
The most important factor while making a decision to move abroad is that, as an individual it is tough to decide between family and career. As a matter of fact, it is a dilemma what matters more, the career or the family that you eventually want to nourish after creating a fruitful career for yourself. Some choose the family and remain stuck at the same point in the path of their success while others sacrifice and walk down the road less travelled and choose to follow their dream. In the latter case, the struggle is followed by rewards but the harsh reality sometimes surpasses the excitement attached with the upcoming rewards. By good fortune, some countries offer study programs where the applicants can bring family members as well. The rules may however differ from country to country. Some allow spouses and children to travel together while others allow their travel after the completion of study of the main applicant. The complexity of application may vary case to case and since the process is complex and lengthy as well; it is important to understand the steps involved properly before initialising. Once successful, a study visa with family is a journey that comes with an abundance of cherishable moments that walk from chaos to calm with the support of the family and loved ones giving an end to the most difficult decision of choosing between career and family.
We at Globexa, have a niche in getting the study visa with family. We also have the expertise of reuniting the loved ones separated by the borders while they travelled alone chasing their dream of studying abroad. Hereon, a detailed description of all that it takes to start, apply, process and receive a visa approval for the entire family will be given. The criteria of eligibility, the requirements, the pros and cons attached to this entire process will be discussed in detail. You will know the benefits that you will reap along with the challenges that you may face while you plan to move abroad with your family including your spouse and kids.
Application Process for Dependents
- Main Application: Some countries allow dependents to be included in the initial student visa application, while others require a separate application.
- Supporting Documents: Prepare documents to prove relationships, like marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children.
- Proof of Funds: Each dependent will require proof of funds. You may need to show financial statements or other evidence of income.
What is a Study Visa with Family?
International students aspiring to move abroad for studies have the right to take their immediate family members along when they apply for a study visa with family. The immediate family includes spouse, kids and sometimes parents are also allowed to accompany the main applicant. The policies and immigration rules directly affect the allowance to the other member’s stay, survival and working conditions in the foreign land. However, the duration of their stay is equal to that of the study applicant. While the study is going on, the dependent (kids) are allowed to study in the Canadian schools.The spouse can work unlimited hours since they are on Spouse Open Work Permit which allows them to work for any number of hours for the entire period of the stay. With no restriction of location, the spouse can also move to another province to work and bring more financial stability to the family.
Mostly, the visa of the applicant going for study (primary applicant) is applied first and then is followed by the other applications of other family members who want to accompany. The categories that allow other family member’s visas are titled as family visa, dependent visa or accompanying visa. The spouse’s application goes for a spouse open work permit (SOWP).
Countries That Offer Study Visas with Family
There are many alternatives while choosing from the countries that allow study visas with family. Family members can travel along or even after the primary applicant reaches the foreign land. The travel plan and other things highly rely upon the policies and immigration laws of the host and the destination country. Mentioned below are some of the most popular destinations for international students to choose from if they wish to apply for a study visa with family.
- Canada
Canada is the most prominent country that allows the families to travel, live, work and settle with the study applicant in Canada. Being the most family-friendly country for international students, it has been recorded to be the home to thousands of families who came with their children from across the world. The possibility of getting a PR within 3-5 years for the entire family in Canada has made it the primary choice for study visas with family. The spouses have the privilege to support the study applicant emotionally, mentally and even financially since they have no boundation to work hours and can even move to any place in Canada for work. They can also be the primary applicant for PNP or PR and it can be done even before the primary applicant completes his study in Canada. This implies that if the spouse gets an experience and is able to bag PNP or PR, he can get it done for the entire family. Hence, it’s always a win-win situation while being on a study visa with family in Canada. The struggle and the joys are divided among the members which makes the journey of settlement a bit easier. The financial stability is maintained and hence the costs of survival never feel heavy on one.
- Family Members’ Eligibility: The privileges are immense for the members joining the primary applicant. The Spouse is eligible to apply for an open work permit enabling them to work for full time anywhere in Canada. The children are eligible for attending the Canadian Schools for free since the kid’s education is free.
- Time of Processing: The processing time varies from country to country. The origin country makes the difference in the time it takes for getting a visa approval for the primary applicant and the dependents as well. It is recommended to start well in advance as it is a process with several steps and planning is vital from the very first step itself. The experts in immigration consultancy can help you get it easier and a bit quickly with their experience and knowledge of the process and industry norms.
- United States
F-1 student visa in the U.S. is a provision for the students who aspire to study full time at an educational institution in the US. The students with this category of visa can apply for their spouse under F2 visa subclass and for children below 21 are also allowed to accompany under the same category of visa.
- Provisions for Family Members: F-2 visa holders are not eligible to work however, they can also pursue part time study. The children under age 21 and the spouses can only be the F-2 visa holders and can adjoin the primary applicant with F-1 visa.
- Processing Time: Generally, it takes a bit above a few weeks to get the result of the visa application however, it ideally depends on the consultant applying for you and how he presents your file. The presentation of the visa file is vital since the visa officer judges the profile on that behalf and if found strong enough, the approval is not far. The experts should do the task for you and hence the decision of choosing the right consultant should be made wisely and thoughtfully.
- United Kingdom
Tier 4 (General) student visa in the UK allows international students to bring their immediate family members along with them while they study but only if they meet a certain criteria.
- Right to work: Majorly, the spouses of the Tier 4 student visa subclass students enrolled in a Postgraduate program at a UK school are entitled to work full time. However, children below the age of 18 are not allowed to work.
- Eligibility for Family Members: If the student is enrolled for a postgraduate level program in the UK or has a certain level of financial stability can only claim to bring his family members (spouse, children under 18) to the UK while being on the student visa.
- Australia
Student Visa (subclass 500) in Australia permits international students enrolled at an Australian institute to bring their family members to Australia while studying.
- Right to Work: The spouses of the primary applicant are allowed to work for not more than 40 hours per 15 days while the main applicant is completing his study and the kids accompanying the student can attend Australian schools.
- Provisions for Family Members: Visas for Spouses and kids can be applied as secondary applicants. The primary applicant is however first supposed to prove his financial stability and strength to cover all the expenses for their entire family’s travel, stay and survival in Australia.
- Germany
Student Visa is offered by Germany for international students enrolled in an accredited German School. The study applicants are also allowed to bring their children and spouses to Germany to live with them while they complete their study.
- Eligibility for Family Members: The spouses accompanying the primary applicant cannot work initially until or unless they possess some qualification that is recognized in Germany. The primary applicant can be joined by the family members (spouse, children) once they have sufficient financial resources to back their duration of stay.
- Work Rights: Upon arrival in Germany, family members (spouses) can apply for work permits.
- Other Destinations
France, Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland and some other countries also offer study visas with family options; however, the rules that abide by their eligibility and requirements may vary substantially, so it gets quite important to know the ins and outs of their policies and immigration laws before deciding the best destination to move to when going for a study visa with family.
Educational Opportunities for Children
In most cases, dependent children are allowed to attend school. This access can be a significant benefit, as it helps families maintain a sense of normalcy and keeps children engaged in education while abroad.
Requirements for Applying for a Study Visa with Family
The usual eligibility process and documentation required for the application of family members completely depend upon the immigration policies of the host country. For both, the student and family members, mentioned below are some common requirements and documents that may be needed:
For the Student (Primary Applicant)
- Valid Passport: A valid passport is a must for the duration of your study period.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Students are required to submit a valid English proficiency test score (e.g., PTE, IELTS or TOEFL) depending upon the country they are planning to apply for.
- Letter of Acceptance: It is mandatory that the student has a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution of the foreign country.
- Proof of Strong Financial Capability: It is required that a proof of you having enough funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and to support your family members is prepared beforehand and is attached to the profile.
- Application Form for Visa: A proofread, completed and signed visa application form needs to be submitted.
For Family Members
- Proof to Justify the Relationship: It is mandatory to provide proper evidence that can be verified regarding your relation with the members accompanying you. The proof must clarify that they are indeed your immediate ones (spouse, children or dependents). Marriage or birth certificates can be the right evidence in this case.
- Health Insurance: Some countries, like the U.S. and the UK, require health insurance for dependents.
- Strong Financial Capacity: This could involve savings, income, or sponsorship. Family members are required to show that they have enough financial support to back their stay.
- Valid Passports: Validity of the passports must be valid for the duration of their stay. It is a must for all family members.
Visa Fees and Processing Time
- Fees: The fee structure varies depending upon the country you are applying from and to. There are generally different visa fees for each member of the family and the primary applicant.
- Time of Processing: It is always recommended to apply well in advance since the processing for a study visa with family varies and it can range from a few weeks to several months.
Benefits of Bringing Your Family on a Study Visa
Psychological and Emotional Support
Homesickness and isolation are the most daunting feelings that usually haunt the students when they move abroad alone. When moving with family, the struggle can be diminished and the phase can be easily transmitted from chaos to calm smoothly. The support makes all the difference. The love and care of the members accompanying the student serve the purpose right.
Improved Focus on Studies
A successful academic experience can be gained when the students are accompanied by their loved ones since they know that no matter what, they have people to back them in the hour of need in all terms. Be it the financial crunch in the foreign land or the emotional struggle, the things are sorted and hence, they are able to focus on their studies.
Increased Financial Security
When travelling with the spouse, the students always have a person who can bring more finances to home as spouses on open permit are not restricted by any rule in regard to the number of working hours in the destination country. They can be the biggest support in order to ease the stress of financial burden consisting of the study and survival costs.
Better adjusting into the new Culture
It gets easier for all to gel into the new atmosphere. At times, they can step out and engage with the new people around them and when not feeling like that, the people at home are enough to be the best company in order to enjoy the little moments that a person usually misses when they move abroad without the family members. Kids can go to schools and the spouses and dependents can work as per the rules that follow their visa type. This way, everyone has something to do.
In countries where post-study work options are available, dependents may be eligible for extended stay options. This is especially valuable in countries like Canada and Australia, where international graduates can apply for post-graduation work permits.
