Lana Oconnell
International students who wish to bring their spouse or family members with them to their host country may be able to do so with a dependent visa. The visa requirements and application process vary depending on the country, and there may be specific conditions attached to the spouse's visa. Some countries that offer dependent visas for spouses of international students include Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, Germany, Denmark, and New Zealand. It is important to note that the visa process can be time-consuming and may require proof of financial resources to support the spouse or family members during their stay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries allowing spouses of international students | Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, UK, USA |
| Visa requirements | Dependent Visa, F-2 or J-2 visas, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), I-20 form, financial statements, proof of relationship, Green Card Dependent Visa, Student Dependent Visa |
| Work rights | Canada: open work permit; Australia: up to 20 hours per week for undergraduate students' spouses; USA: J-2 dependents have work rights after authorization; New Zealand: open work visa for partners of level 9 Masters or level 10 PhD students |
| Additional considerations | Health insurance, cost of living, tuition fees, visa fees, interviews at US embassy or consulate |
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What You'll Learn
- Visa requirements for spouses of international students in the USA
- Visa application process for spouses joining international students in the USA
- Visa options for spouses of international students in Canada
- Visa requirements for spouses of international students in Germany
- Visa options for spouses of international students in the UK
Visa requirements for spouses of international students in the USA
International students in the USA on an F-1 or M-1 visa may bring their spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) to live with them by applying for dependent visas on their behalf. Spouses of international students are typically eligible for an F-2 or M-2 visa, while children qualify for an F-2 visa. These visas are considered derivative visas, meaning that the length of stay allowed will be equal to that of the student visa holder.
To obtain a dependent visa, the international student's university must first issue an I-20 form. The university will require documents such as a copy of the student's passport and additional financial statements showing that they can support their dependents. The US International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) requires evidence of funding to the amount of $7,000 per year for a spouse and $6,000 per year per child to issue an I-20 form. While this is the minimum required amount, it is important to consider the rising cost of living in the US and plan accordingly.
Once the I-20 form is obtained, the spouse of the international student must apply for their visa. They will need to provide proof of their relationship to the student, such as a marriage certificate, and may need to include a complete translation if the document is not in English. They must also demonstrate that they will return to their home country after the student's education is complete, which can be done by showing a return flight booking. Additionally, they must provide evidence of their financial resources and show that they have adequate funds to support themselves during their stay.
It is important to note that dependents of international students are not permitted to work under F-2 visa regulations and will not be provided with a social security number. They may, however, attend school in the US if they are minor children. The visa application process typically involves filling out application forms, providing the necessary documents, and attending a personal interview at a US embassy or consulate.
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Visa application process for spouses joining international students in the USA
International students in the USA on an F-1 or M-1 visa may bring their spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) to the country during their studies. To do so, spouses and children must apply for F-2 or M-2 visas, which are specifically designed for the legal spouse and children of F-1 and M-1 students.
The process for obtaining these visas involves several steps:
Proof of Relationship
Spouses and children must provide official marriage and birth certificates to prove their relationship with the international student. If these documents are not in English, complete translations must accompany the originals.
Financial Requirements
The US International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) requires evidence of funding. Specifically, they ask for evidence of $7,000 per year to support a spouse and $6,000 per year per child. This is the minimum amount required to obtain an I-20 form, but it is recommended to assess the cost of living and conduct research to determine a more realistic estimate of the funds needed to cover expenses.
University Support
The university of the international student must issue an I-20 form. The university's international student office or international admissions team usually manages these requests and should be the first point of contact. The university requires documents such as a copy of the international student's passport and additional financial statements showing how they can financially support their dependents.
Visa Application
Once the above steps are completed, the spouse and/or children of the international student can apply for their F-2 or M-2 visas. They must also enrol in SEVIS and obtain individual Form I-20s from a SEVP-approved school, although they do not pay the SEVIS fee. It is important to note that dependents are not permitted to work under F-2 visa regulations and will not receive a social security number.
Consular Interview
After submitting the visa application, the applicant will be invited for an interview at a US embassy or consulate in their country. A consular officer will determine their qualifications for a student visa and may request additional documents, such as evidence of standardised test scores, intent to depart the USA upon completion of studies, and proof of financial ability to cover educational, living, and travel costs.
Final Steps
Visa applicants should not make any final travel arrangements before their visa is issued, as some applications require further administrative processing after the interview. An immigrant visa is typically valid for six months from the issuance date. Applicants should bring their valid passports and any other requested documents to their visa interview, where ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken.
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Visa options 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.
Spousal Open Work Permit
A foreign national can include their spouse on their application for a Canadian study permit. If approved, the spouse will be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit. This will authorise them to work full-time for any employer in Canada for the same period as their partner's study permit.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Citizens of some countries and territories require a TRV to enter Canada as visitors. This cannot be applied for at a Canadian Port of Entry, and a medical examination may be required, adding significant processing time to the application.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
As of November 10, 2016, most visa-exempt persons require an eTA to enter Canada. U.S. citizens require neither a TRV nor an eTA.
Express Entry
If your spouse has been living and working in Canada while you study, including them in your submission to Express Entry may increase your CRS score. You can also double your chances of receiving an ITA if you and your spouse submit profiles to the Express Entry pool. Your spouse's experience may make them eligible to submit an expression of interest to Express Entry as a principal applicant.
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Visa requirements for spouses of international students in Germany
International students in Germany can bring their spouse to the country through the German Family Reunion Visa. This visa is designed to keep the family unit together, with the condition that Germany is the main place of residence for the student. The visa allows non-EU/EEA family members, including spouses and minor unmarried children, to join the international student in Germany who holds a residence permit.
Citizens from certain countries may enter Germany without a visa but will require a residence permit. Spouses, children under 16, and occasionally other family members like parents or extended relatives can join the student in Germany if both parties meet the specific conditions and requirements. The student must have a valid residence permit, sufficient living space, adequate health insurance, and demonstrate financial stability. Some family members, depending on their age, must also prove German language skills.
The spouse of an international student can apply for a residence permit from the local foreigners' authority, which will allow them to take up employment in Germany. The student will need to schedule an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office) before their residence permit expires. The volume and processing time of requests can vary between German Foreigner's Offices, so it is recommended to be patient when receiving the permit. If travel outside of Germany is required, a Fiktionsbescheinigung (fictional certificate) can be issued, which is valid until the permit is received.
The visa application process can take several months, so it is important to plan ahead. The visa costs €75 for adults and is valid for up to two years. Once approved, the spouse has approximately three months to convert the German spouse visa into a residence permit. To obtain the residence permit, the spouse must apply to the local foreigners' authority or the local immigration office.
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Visa options for spouses of international students in the UK
International students in the UK are allowed to bring their spouse and children as dependents, but only under certain conditions. From 1 January 2024, international students will no longer be able to bring dependents on their student visa unless they are studying a research postgraduate programme. Eligible programmes include PhDs, other doctoral qualifications, and Master's programmes with a research component.
If you are eligible, 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 visa. To apply for a UK student-dependent visa, your spouse will need to submit certain documents to support their application, including:
- A tuberculosis (TB) certificate (required if applying from specific countries listed on the UK government website and planning to stay for more than six months)
- A letter from the host's UK university confirming enrolment (necessary if you and your spouse are not applying simultaneously)
- A police registration certificate (PRC) (needed if applying from within the UK)
- A valid passport to prove travel history, nationality, and identity
- A biometric residence permit (BRP) card (if applicable)
As part of the visa application, your spouse must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover living costs in the UK. This is £680 for each month the visa will be valid, up to a maximum of nine months. A bank statement or bank letter can be used to fulfil this requirement, and the funds can be held in either your name or your spouse's name.
It is important to note that your spouse will need to have their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre. They may be able to pay to expedite their visa or use other services depending on which country they are in. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours. Your spouse can apply to extend or switch their visa at the same time as you apply to extend or switch your own visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can bring their spouse to the USA. The spouse of the international student can submit an application for an F-2 or J2 visa at the same time as the international student applies for an F-1 or J-1 visa. The spouse will also need to fill out a separate set of application forms and provide official marriage certificates.
Yes, international students can bring their spouse to the UK with a UK student spouse visa. However, the student must be sponsored by a higher education institution on a course at or above an NQF level 7, enrolled in a master's degree program or higher in the UK for 12 or more months, or be a new government-sponsored student following a course of at least 6 months.
Yes, international students can bring their spouse to Germany with a German family visa, also known as "Visum zur Familienzusammenführung" or "Familiennachzug." The spouse will need to provide official marriage certificates.
