International students in Australia can sponsor their family members, including a spouse or dependent children, to join them during their studies. Here’s a detailed guide on how to sponsor your family or spouse in Australia in 2024:
Eligibility Requirements
For the Student (Primary Visa Holder):
- Valid Student Visa (Subclass 500): You must hold a valid student visa.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
- Financial Capacity: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members.
- Health Insurance: Maintain adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC) for yourself and your family members.
- Course Duration: Ensure your course duration allows for family accompaniment.
For the Family Member (Dependent):
- Relationship Proof: Provide evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse or birth certificates for children.
- Health and Character Requirements: Meet the health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Steps to Sponsor Family Members
1. Prepare Required Documents
For the Primary Visa Holder:
- Passport Copy
- Current Student Visa Copy
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Proof of Financial Capacity: Bank statements, scholarships, or financial guarantees.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): For the entire family.
For the Family Members:
- Passport Copies
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificates.
- Health Insurance: Adequate health insurance coverage.
- Character Documents: Police certificates.
2. Update the Primary Visa Holder’s Details
Steps:
- Log into ImmiAccount: Access your existing ImmiAccount used for your student visa application.
- Update Details: Inform the Department of Home Affairs about the change in your circumstances, i.e., the intention to bring family members.
3. Apply for Family Members’ Visa
Steps:
- Create a New Application: In your ImmiAccount, start a new application for the family members under the “Student visa (subclass 500)”.
- Complete the Application Form: Provide details of each family member, including personal information, relationship to the primary visa holder, and financial details.
- Upload Required Documents: Ensure all necessary documents are attached to the application.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: The fee varies; check the current rate on the Department of Home Affairs website.
4. Health Examinations and Biometrics
Steps:
- Health Examinations: Schedule and complete the required health examinations for each family member.
- Biometrics: Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) if requested.
5. Submit the Application
Steps:
- Review and Submit: Double-check all information and documents before submitting the application.
- Receive Acknowledgment: You will receive an acknowledgment email with a transaction reference number (TRN) for tracking the application.
6. Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
- The processing time for dependent visas can vary. Check the latest processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Post-Approval Steps
- Visa Grant Notification: Once approved, you and your family members will receive a visa grant letter detailing the visa conditions.
- Travel Arrangements: Plan the travel for your family members to Australia.
- Enroll Children in School: If applicable, enroll school-aged children in an Australian school.
Important Points to Remember
- Maintain Visa Conditions: Ensure that both you and your family members comply with all visa conditions, such as maintaining health insurance and abiding by work limitations.
- Seek Support Services: Utilize the university’s support services for international students and their families for assistance with settling in Australia.
By following these steps and ensuring all requirements are met, you can successfully sponsor your family or spouse to join you in Australia during your studies.