Embarking on a journey to study abroad can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor, especially when you consider the prospect of bringing your family along. This blog post offers a comprehensive guide for international students on how to navigate the process of bringing their family members along while pursuing their education overseas.
The good news is that it is possible to do so! We’ll explore how to study abroad while bringing your family in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
Australia
Studying abroad in Australia offers a world-class education and a unique cultural experience. If you’re considering bringing your family along, this blog post will guide you through the process of navigating family accompaniment while pursuing your studies in the land Down Under.
According to the Government of Australia, you can include your dependents (which includes your partner and/or children) in your visa application.
You must declare your family members in your student visa application. Otherwise, they will not be eligible for a student visa to join you in Australia. If this happens, your dependents have the option to apply individually in ImmiAccount.
Non-dependent family members (like your siblings or parents) can apply separately from your application by applying for a visitor visa (subclass 600).
For more information, visit the Government of Australia’s website.
Canada
Choosing to study abroad in Canada can be a life-changing decision, and if you’re considering bringing your family along, it’s important to understand the process and requirements. This blog post serves as a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the steps for bringing your family while pursuing your education in Canada.
n fact, Canada ranks in third place globally for the best quality of life. Canada welcomes international students and their dependents, making it a top choice for students wishing to study abroad.
If you’re an international student studying in Canada, you may bring your dependents with you. However, you must submit your dependents’ visa applications online at the same time as you apply for your study permit. Family members may also be eligible for a:
Work permit
- Visitor visa
- Study permit
- However, non-dependent family members (like your siblings or parents) can apply separately from your application if they’re applying for a Temporary Resident visa (TRV).
Ireland
Embarking on a journey to study abroad in Ireland is an exciting opportunity, and if you’re considering bringing your family along, it’s important to understand the process and make the necessary preparations. This blog post offers a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the steps for bringing your family while pursuing your education in the Emerald Isle.
It’s no coincidence that Irish universities have the happiest students in all of Europe!
Wondering how to study abroad with your family in Ireland? Your family members can apply to enter and live in Ireland, but they’ll need to do so separately from your application. Here are their options:
Non-Visa Required Nationalities
If your family members are from countries that don’t need a visa to visit Ireland, they can stay in Ireland without applying for a visa for trips less than 90 days. To be eligible, they must present their passport and travel documents to officials at the border.
Visa-Required Nationalities
If your family members are from a visa-required country, they can stay in Ireland by applying for a Short-Stay ‘C’ Tourist visa. This allows them to join you for up to 90 days.
For more information, visit the Government of Ireland’s website.
The UK
Embarking on a study abroad adventure in the United Kingdom is an incredible opportunity. If you’re considering bringing your family along, careful planning and understanding the process are essential. This blog post serves as a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the steps for bringing your family while pursuing your education in the UK.
As of January 2024, dependent visas are limited, and only available to students in postgraduate research programmes. You may be eligible to come to the UK if you’re enrolled in:
- a Ph.D. or other doctorate (RQF level 8)
- a research-based higher degree
Want to bring other non-dependent family members with you? If so, they may apply for a Short-Term Visitor Visa.
For more information, visit the Government of the United Kingdom’s website.
The US
Embarking on a study abroad journey in the United States is an exciting opportunity for personal growth and academic advancement. If you’re considering bringing your family along, careful planning and understanding the process are crucial. This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the steps for bringing your family while pursuing your education in the USA.
International students headed for the US can bring their dependents along with them by adding an F-2 visa application for each respective family member. This allows your family to stay in the US for the same period of time as you.
Want to bring other non-dependent family members with you? If so, they may apply for a B-2 Visitor visa, and stay in the US for up to six months.
For more information, visit the Government of the United States website.
Whether you’re studying in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the US, we wish you the best of luck on your study abroad journey!