Exploring Australian Student Visas: Can They Bring Families?

International students in Australia have been campaigning to return to the country since its closure to non-citizens and non-residents in March 2020. Over 1,000 international students have obtained exemptions to return to Australia amid the pandemic, with medical students forming part of this cohort. The Australian government allows most international students to bring their immediate family members to the country under the Student Visa Subclass 500. These immediate family members are called dependents and may include a spouse and their dependent child.

International students can bring their families to Australia

One of the critical factors in the application process is demonstrating that you can financially support your family during your stay in Australia. The cost of living in Australia is relatively high, and you may need to consider factors such as accommodation, education, and childcare. It is recommended to discuss these matters with your family before making the decision to bring them with you.

Another important consideration is the visa requirements for your family members. While most student visas allow you to bring your family as dependents, it is essential to check the specific requirements for your chosen visa. Some visas may require proof of an annual income, which is currently benchmarked at A$62,222 for single people and A$72,592 for families. Additionally, your family members will need to provide evidence that they meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.

If you are a student under 18, a parent, custodian, or relative over 21 can accompany you to Australia to provide care and support. They must have sufficient funds to support themselves and the student during their stay and be able to provide accommodation and other necessary support. The accompanying adult will need to apply for a Student Guardian visa.

It is worth noting that the processing time for student visas can take around three to five months, so it is essential to plan accordingly. Additionally, when travelling to Australia, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on certain goods and the requirement to declare or dispose of any restricted items. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and even prosecution.

Student Visa Subclass 500

International students with a Student Visa Subclass 500 are allowed to International students in Australia holding a Student Visa Subclass 500 are allowed to travel with their families, but there are a few things they should keep in mind.

Firstly, this visa allows the student and any dependent family members to enter and stay in Australia for the duration of their studies. Dependent family members include a student's partner, as well as their or their partner's child or stepchild who is under 18 years of age. It is important to note that all dependent family members must be included in the student visa application and meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

Secondly, while travelling, students and their families should carry relevant documentation, such as evidence of their enrolment and evidence of relationship for dependent family members. These documents may be requested by border officials upon entry to Australia. It is also important to ensure that the student's passport and those of their family members remain valid for the duration of their stay in Australia.

In terms of travel restrictions, students and their families are generally free to travel as they wish, provided they adhere to the visa conditions and maintain their enrolment in a full-time course. However, it is always a good idea to check the latest travel advice and ensure that any travel does not impact the student's ability to meet their course requirements.

Finally, it is important to be mindful of the visa's work restrictions. Dependent family members may be eligible to work in Australia, but there are specific rules and limitations that apply. These include restrictions on the number of hours that can be worked, and in some cases, the type of work that can be undertaken. It is essential to understand and comply with these restrictions to avoid any adverse impact on the student's visa status.

Visa options and charges

International students in Australia can apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows students to study in Australia for the duration of their course (up to a maximum of five years) and travel in and out of Australia. Students can apply for this visa from outside Australia, and those already in the country on a Student Visa can apply for an additional Student Visa to continue their studies.

The visa application fee is AUD$1,600 per visa application, although some applicants may be exempt. The Australian government also charges AUD$1,445 for each accompanying applicant aged 18 and over, and AUD$390 for accompanying family members under 18 years of age.

To apply for a Student Visa, you must first enrol in a course at an Australian education or training provider. Once you have been issued a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the provider, you can then apply for your visa. It is important to note that a CoE is required for each course you plan to take. The final course in your package will be your main course of study, and the Department of Home Affairs will use this to determine what evidence of finances and English language proficiency you need to provide.

International students are protected by Australia's workplace laws, and students can check the Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO) to see the work conditions that apply to them. Students can also work in Australia while studying, with no work hour limits for those who have started a master's degree by research or a Doctoral degree.

For students wishing to bring their families to Australia, most student visas allow you to bring your family members as dependants. Dependant family members include your spouse, your children, or your spouse's dependent children. Before bringing your family, you must prove that you can support them financially, as the cost of supporting a family in Australia is very high.

Travel restrictions and exemptions

International students in Australia are subject to various travel restrictions and requirements, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a comprehensive overview of the travel restrictions and exemptions for international students and their families:

Travel Exemptions for International Students:

Over 1,000 international students have obtained exemptions to return to Australia amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those in the medical field. To gain an exemption, students must provide evidence of a "compelling case" and meet specific exemption categories. For example, students in their final two years of study in medical, dental, nursing, or allied health professions must have a confirmed placement in an Australian hospital or medical practice starting within the next two months.

Travel Restrictions:

International students and Temporary Graduate visa holders must comply with quarantine requirements in the state or territory of their arrival and any subsequent destinations within Australia. All travellers to Australia, regardless of vaccination status, must provide evidence of a negative PCR test taken within three days before their flight's departure. Unvaccinated minors aged 12-17 years old can travel with a fully vaccinated adult, and children under 12 and those medically exempt from vaccination can access similar arrangements as fully vaccinated travellers. Students must also be aware of specific state or territory requirements, such as providing flight details in advance and self-isolating for fourteen days upon arrival.

Travelling with Family:

Most student visas in Australia allow international students to bring their immediate family members, including spouses and dependent children, as dependents. To include family members in the student visa application, students must prove they can financially support their family, which can significantly increase living costs. Alternatively, students may prefer to arrive first, settle into their studies, and then arrange for their family to join them later. When travelling with family, ensure that all necessary documents are in order and that you are aware of any restrictions on goods and luggage screening procedures.

Visa Considerations:

Students should ensure their visas cover multiple entries if they plan to leave Australia temporarily. Additionally, students requiring more time in Australia to complete their studies should apply for a new student visa at least six weeks before their current visa expires. If a student's bridging visa expires while they are outside Australia, they will need to apply for another visa once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

Quarantine requirements

As of 1 November 2021, vaccinated eligible visa holders can enter Australia without a travel exemption. Eligible visa holders include skilled and student visa holders, as well as humanitarian, working holiday, and provisional family visa holders. However, international students are not eligible for quarantine-free travel to NSW as of October 2021.

As of November 1, 2021, New South Wales (NSW) abolished the 14-day hotel quarantine for international travellers. Instead, it opened its borders to fully vaccinated individuals, exempting them from quarantine. This applied to Australian citizens, residents, and their families, with NSW becoming the first state or territory to lift the quarantine requirement.

Unvaccinated travellers, on the other hand, still face quarantine restrictions. They are required to undergo the 14-day hotel quarantine process, which they must cover at their own expense.

All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within a specified timeframe before departure. For instance, a negative PCR COVID-19 test is required for entry into Australia without quarantine.

In the case of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 12-17 travelling with their families, reduced quarantine requirements may apply. However, if the entire family is unvaccinated, they will be subject to the standard quarantine protocols and passenger caps.

It is important to note that quarantine requirements can vary across states and territories in Australia. While NSW removed its quarantine mandate, other states may still have specific rules in place. Therefore, it is recommended to check the requirements of the specific state or territory of arrival and any other states planned to be visited during the stay in Australia.

Additionally, as of February 2022, all visa holders intending to travel to Australia for international travel purposes must be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated visa holders need to meet specific criteria or obtain an individual travel exemption to enter the country.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it is advisable to refer to official government sources, such as the Australian Department of Health and relevant state health authorities.

Frequently asked questions