Bringing Spouse To Study Abroad: What International Students Need Know

International students who want to bring their spouse to their host country can do so by applying for a dependent visa. The process and requirements vary depending on the country. For example, in the USA, international students can apply for an F-1 visa and then add an F-2 visa application for their spouse. In Canada, spouses can apply for an open work permit, while in Australia, the work rights of the spouse depend on the level of study of the international student. The UK also offers a student spouse visa, but there are specific requirements that must be met, such as being enrolled in a master's degree program or higher. Overall, bringing a spouse to a host country as an international student is possible, but it requires careful planning and adherence to the regulations of the specific country.

Can international students bring their spouse?

Visa requirements for spouses of international students in the US

International students in the US on an F-1 or M-1 visa may bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the US on derivative F-2 visas. Spouses of J-1 students can obtain J-2 visas, while spouses of H-1B workers can get H-4 visas.

To obtain a dependent visa for their spouse, international students must prove that they can financially support them. The US International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) requires evidence of funding to the amount of $7,000 per year for a spouse to issue an I-20 form. This amount is a minimum, and students should consider the rising cost of living in the US. Additionally, students must show that their spouse will return to their home country when their education is complete, usually demonstrated with a return flight booking.

Spouses on F-2 visas are not permitted to work and can only study if it is "vocational or recreational in nature". Recreational classes include language, cooking, or writing courses. On the other hand, spouses with J-2 visas can study and work if they obtain work authorization. H-4 spouses are also allowed to study but cannot work.

Each family member must fill out a separate application form and carefully prepare their documents. They will need to provide a digital passport photo, proof of their relationship to the student (e.g., marriage certificate), and a copy of their passport, valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay.

Visa requirements for spouses of international students in the UK

As of January 1, 2024, international students pursuing courses in the UK are no longer allowed to bring their spouses on a dependent visa unless they are enrolled in a research-oriented postgraduate program. Eligible programs include PhDs, other doctoral qualifications, and Master's programs with a research component. This restriction applies to all nationalities.

If you are enrolled in a qualifying program, your spouse can apply for a dependent visa. This can be done concurrently with your own student visa application or after you have obtained your student visa. Your spouse will need to submit several documents to support their application, including:

• A valid passport
• A tuberculosis (TB) certificate (required for applicants from specific countries listed on the UK government website who plan to stay for more than six months)
• A letter from the host's UK university confirming enrollment
• A Police Registration Certificate (PRC) (if applying from within the UK)
• A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Card (if applicable)

Additionally, as the primary visa holder, you must meet certain criteria. You must be enrolled in a full-time course at a postgraduate level or higher, or a government-sponsored course. You will need to provide proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate, as well as financial evidence demonstrating sufficient funds. Your spouse will also need to have their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

It is important to note that the timing of the application is crucial. The visa extension process for dependents mirrors the initial application, requiring updated documents and proof of continued eligibility. Therefore, it is recommended to begin the process well before the current visa expires to avoid any legal complications or interruptions in your stay in the UK.

Visa requirements for spouses of international students in Canada

Canada's immigration policy allows certain family members of international students to come to Canada to work and/or study. This includes a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children.

If an international student is accompanied by their spouse, they can include them on their application for a Canadian study permit. The approval of the study permit may be affected by this, so it is important to consider this before applying. If approved, the spouse will be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit. This will allow the spouse to work full-time in Canada for any employer, except those listed as ineligible or those offering sexual services. The spousal open work permit will be valid for the same period as the student's study permit.

To be eligible for an open work permit, the international student must have a valid study permit, be physically present in Canada, and be a full-time student enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI). Additionally, they must not be in their last term of study.

If the spouse is not eligible for an open work permit, they may be able to get another type of work permit or apply for a visitor visa, a temporary resident visa (TRV), or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). A TRV or eTA will enable them to visit Canada for up to 6 months. It is important to note that some countries are exempt from requiring a TRV, and citizens of these countries can enter Canada with just an eTA.

Visa requirements for spouses of international students in Australia

International students in Australia on a student visa are allowed to bring their spouse or partner with them to the country. The spouse or partner can apply for a dependent visa, also known as a spouse visa, which is designed to facilitate family reunification. The student visa is a temporary visa that allows students to stay in Australia for the length of their course.

To be eligible for a spouse visa, the applicant must be 18 years old and be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner. They must also meet health and character requirements, which may include medical examinations and police clearance certificates. The applicant must also provide evidence of their relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proof of living together. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate financial stability and compliance with immigration regulations.

The student visa holder must also declare their spouse or partner as a family member when lodging their student visa application, even if they do not plan to travel with them to Australia immediately. If the spouse or partner is not declared on the student visa application, they will not be eligible for a spouse visa to join the student visa holder in Australia at any stage. The spouse or partner can apply as a subsequent entrant later, separate from the student visa application.

It is important to note that the visa application process for a spouse visa may be complex, and it is recommended to seek advice from a registered migration agent to review the specific criteria and determine eligibility before proceeding with the application. The application process involves completing the necessary forms, paying the required fees, and submitting supporting documents to prove the authenticity of the relationship.

Work rights of spouses of international students

International students can bring their spouses or dependents to certain countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK, by applying for a Dependent Visa. The work rights of spouses of international students vary across these countries and are subject to specific conditions and requirements.

In the USA, spouses of international students can apply for F-2 or J-2 visas, which offer work rights after obtaining proper authorization. The J-2 dependent will need to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card before starting work, which can take up to four months for approval. F-2 spouses, however, cannot work and can only study if it is vocational or recreational, such as language or cooking courses.

Canada previously allowed spouses of international students to obtain open work permits, regardless of their partner's academic level. However, as of January 21, 2025, Canada's Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program underwent changes. Now, only spouses of students enrolled in select graduate and professional programs are eligible for open work permits, while spouses of undergraduate students are no longer eligible.

In Australia, the work rights of spouses depend on the level of study of the international student. If the student is pursuing an undergraduate degree, the spouse can work up to 20 hours per week. On the other hand, if the student is enrolled in a postgraduate or doctorate degree, the spouse can work without any limitations.

In the UK, for an international student to bring their spouse, they must meet specific requirements, such as being enrolled in a master's degree program or higher that is at least 12 months long. The spouse can work in the UK only if the international student is enrolled in a program longer than 12 months.

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