Lana Oconnell
International students who wish to bring their families with them when they immigrate to another country for their studies will need to apply for a family or dependent visa. The requirements for these visas vary depending on the country of immigration. For example, in the UK, international students can no longer bring dependants on their student visas. In the US, international students can apply for an F-1 visa and then add an F-2 visa application for each family member. In Canada, international students can apply for a study permit without their family members and then submit an amended application requesting authorization for family members to join them. It is important to note that the requirements and processes for family or dependent visas may change frequently, so prospective international students should check the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date information.
International Student Immigration Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students as a percentage of all tertiary students in OECD countries | 10% |
| Top 10 countries of origin for international students | China, India, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Germany, USA, France, Nigeria, Syria, Nepal |
| Number of international students from the above countries | 3 million |
| Total number of international students in OECD countries | 6.9 million |
| Number of international students in OECD countries in 2022 | 4.6 million |
| Number of international students in OECD countries in 2023 | 2.1 million |
| Top OECD destination countries in 2023 | UK (22%), USA (21%), Canada (17%), Australia (11%) |
| Length of stay for international students | Typically 1-7 years |
| UK student visa for family members | Dependents must apply for their own visa; cost varies depending on location of application |
| US student visa for family members | F-1 visa for students and F-2 visa for each family member; B-2 visitor visa for parents, siblings, etc. |
| Canada student visa for family members | Temporary resident visa for partners who don't qualify for common-law partnerships or marriage; study permit applicants can request authorization for family members to join them |
| Proof of financial ability for international students | Scholarship money, private family funds, international student loans, government funding, assistantships, home-country assistance |
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What You'll Learn
- International students bringing their spouse and children to the US
- International students bringing their spouse and children to the UK
- International students bringing their spouse and children to Canada
- International students immigrating to Canada and applying for permanent residency
- International students immigrating to the US and demonstrating financial ability
International students bringing their spouse and children to the US
International students who want to bring their spouse and children to the US can do so by applying for an F-1 visa and then adding an F-2 visa application for each family member. The F-2 visa is a derivative visa category, meaning that the length of stay allowed will be equal to that of the student visa. The spouse and children of M-1 visa students can apply for M-2 visas.
To obtain a visa for family members or dependents, the university needs to issue an I-20 form. The university will require documents such as a copy of the student's passport and additional financial statements showing how the student will 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. This is the minimum required amount, and students should research the cost of living in their desired location to estimate the funds they will need to cover expenses.
Students must also prove their familial relationship to applicants. For spouses, this can be done with a marriage certificate, and for children, a birth certificate. These documents must be accompanied by a complete translation if they are not in English. Each family member will need to fill out a separate set of application forms, including Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and provide a digital passport-style photo.
Dependents must also show that they will be returning home when the student's education is complete, which can be demonstrated with a return flight booking. While international students may be able to find on-campus jobs or take on some work, the dependents of international students are not permitted to work under F-2 visa regulations and will not be provided with a social security number. Although the Department of Homeland Security does not require international students to have health insurance, almost all universities and colleges require it for students and their family members. Therefore, students should research the cost of healthcare insurance for themselves and their dependents.
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International students bringing their spouse and children to the UK
International students intending to bring their spouse and children to the UK must enrol in specific postgraduate courses categorised as research programmes. These eligible programmes include PhDs, other doctoral qualifications, or master's programmes that involve research and the creation of original work. Undergraduate students or students on taught postgraduate programmes are not permitted to bring family members into the UK with them.
International students must apply for a Student visa if they are 16 or older and want to study in the UK. If they are under 18, they may be eligible for a Child Student visa. Students can apply for a Student visa for their dependants, which includes their spouse and children. Dependants must apply for their visas online and provide their biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs. The cost of applying for a dependant visa from outside the UK is £363, while applications from inside the UK cost £490. There is also an immigration health surcharge of £470 per year of the visa.
To be considered a spouse or unmarried partner, the couple must have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two years before applying for immigration. Both partners must be at least 18 years old and intend to live together throughout their stay in the UK. Dependants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. This can be in the form of personal savings, a student loan, or financial sponsorship. If the student's loan or sponsorship does not cover their dependants, they must prove they have the financial means to support them.
Dependants may also be required to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test and present a clear certificate as part of their application. They must also agree not to travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until they receive a decision on their visa application. If they do, their application will be withdrawn. Dependants should be prepared for frequent changes to the UK's immigration rules and should regularly check the government website and UKCISA for updates.
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International students bringing their spouse and children to Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to bring their spouse and dependent children with them. However, they must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members during their stay. The required financial threshold is not excessively high, as it is assumed that the spouse will be employed in Canada and will contribute financially.
To bring their spouse and children to Canada, the international student must first obtain a Canadian study permit. This is a temporary resident permit, meaning that the student must satisfy the visa officer that they will leave Canada when their permit expires. The spouse of an international student can then apply for a spousal open work permit, which will usually be valid for the same duration as the student's study permit. To be eligible for this open work permit, the spouse must meet certain criteria, such as providing proof of the student's enrolment in a study program.
Dependent children, on the other hand, are allowed to study in Canada without a study permit at the pre-school, primary, and secondary levels. They may enter Canada with either a visitor record or a study permit. If the child has only a visitor record or a Canadian entry stamp on their passport, they are authorized to study without a study permit.
It is important to note that the process of bringing family members to Canada as an international student may vary depending on the country of origin. For example, in the UK, international students can bring their spouse and children on a Student visa, but the family members must apply for a dependant visa if they want to stay in the country. In the US, international students can apply for an F-1 visa and then add an F-2 visa application for each family member.
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International students immigrating to Canada and applying for permanent residency
International students who wish to immigrate to Canada and apply for permanent residency have several pathways available to them. Firstly, it is important to note that international students in Canada should adhere to the conditions of their study permit during their stay, as violating these terms could negatively impact future immigration applications.
One option for international students seeking permanent residency in Canada is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which is operated through the Express Entry immigration system. The CEC program offers a fast track to obtaining permanent residence and has a range of eligibility factors, including age, language proficiency, and level of education. A key requirement is that applicants must have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience. Students can gain the required work experience by applying for a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit, which authorizes them to work in the country.
Another pathway is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, which is a merit-based immigration program that uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to rank candidates. The FSW program also requires applicants to have a minimum of 12 months of full-time, continuous, skilled work experience, completed in any country, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience. However, this option may not be suitable for international students who have never entered the workforce.
Additionally, each of Canada's provinces and territories has its own immigration programs, known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs offer accelerated pathways to permanent residency and have varying requirements, with some provinces prioritizing applicants with ties to their specific province. For example, the province of Quebec operates its own unique immigration system, with programs such as the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) that cater specifically to international students studying or planning to study in Quebec.
Overall, while there are multiple pathways available for international students seeking permanent residency in Canada, it is important to carefully consider the specific requirements and advantages of each program before initiating the application process.
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International students immigrating to the US and demonstrating financial ability
International students can bring their families to the US on a student visa, but there are strict regulations and the process can be time-consuming. To obtain a visa for family members or dependents, the university needs to issue an I-20 form, which certifies eligibility for nonimmigrant student status. The university requires documents such as a copy of the passport and additional financial statements showing how the international student can support their dependents financially. The US International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) require evidence of funding to the amount of $7,000 per year for a spouse and $6,000 per year per child.
International students can demonstrate financial ability in several ways. U.S. colleges and universities require proof that money is available, which can be illustrated by bank statements from a parent, friend, or other relatives or sponsors. Most universities want international students to show the financial ability to cover at least one year of academic and living expenses, but some universities may ask for proof of funds to cover a longer period. For example, Cornell University asks international students to demonstrate the financial ability to cover two years of study.
Proof of financial ability can be provided in any currency, as schools use a currency conversion tool to ensure that the amount meets their minimum requirements in US dollars. Schools typically want students to demonstrate the ability to pay one year of academic and living expenses. While some institutions require multiple months of bank statements, others do not, and how old a bank statement can be varies by institution.
International students can also demonstrate financial ability if they have scholarship money from their home country or the US college. Graduate students may receive some or all of their funding from the university in the form of graduate assistantships, and a pre-authorization letter from a private student loan lender would be a sufficient example of a financial aid letter. Merit-based scholarships are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities, while need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring your partner and children to the UK on a student visa. If you are applying at the same time, you will need to prove that you have the money to pay for your course and support yourself, as well as additional money for each family member. If your partner or child is applying separately, they only need to prove that they have enough money to support themselves.
Yes, you can bring your spouse or child to the US on an F-1 visa, and then add an F-2 visa application for each family member. You will need to show proof of your relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate. Other family members, such as parents or siblings, must apply for a B-2 visitor visa, which allows them to stay for a maximum of six months.
If you are an international student in Canada, you may be eligible for permanent residency for yourself and your family. You can apply for a study permit without your family members and later submit an amended application requesting authorization for them to join you. However, it's important to carefully follow the correct procedures to avoid any issues such as misrepresentation.
To demonstrate financial ability, you can use private family funds, scholarships, government funding, or loans from international student-specific loan companies. A letter from an employer showing your annual salary can also be used as proof. It's important to note that on-campus employment may not count towards proof of financial ability.
