Studying abroad can be a major life-changing decision, but for married students and parents, choosing countries with a spouse visa can make it easier to avoid leaving their loved ones behind.
However, international students do not face the same family restrictions in every destination. Several countries allow eligible students to apply for dependant visas or residence permits that enable their spouses and children to join them during their studies.
The rules differ from one country to another, with some destinations also allowing accompanying spouses to work.
The UK, for instance, has significantly tightened its dependant visa rules, with most international students no longer permitted to bring family members unless they meet specific conditions.
Here are 14 countries where international students may be able to study abroad with their spouse and children.
1. Australia
Australia allows eligible international students to bring their spouses and children with them.
Students can either include their dependants in their initial student visa application or apply for their visas after beginning their studies. Eligible family members generally include a spouse and unmarried children under 18.
Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship and demonstrate that they have enough money and appropriate health insurance to cover their family during their stay.
One of the major advantages is that dependants may also have work rights. The conditions depend on the student’s level of study. For undergraduate students, dependants can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight, while dependants of postgraduate students may have unrestricted work rights.
2. Canada
Canada remains a popular destination for international students and also provides routes for eligible students to have their families join them.
International students can apply to bring their spouse or children, subject to the applicable immigration requirements.
Applicants may need to provide documents including proof of their relationship and financial resources. Students and their partners can also apply together, which may help avoid delays.
Eligible spouses of international students can obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work in Canada for the duration permitted under the applicable rules.
3. China
China also has visa categories that allow certain family members of foreigners living in the country for study, work or other purposes to join them.
The S1 visa applies to spouses, parents, children under 18 and parents-in-law of foreigners residing in China for more than 180 days.
For visits of less than 180 days, the S2 visa is available to eligible family members.
International students considering China should check the requirements applicable to their specific circumstances before applying.
4. Germany
International students in Germany can apply for a family reunion visa that may allow their spouse and children to join them during their studies.
Applicants are expected to meet conditions including having sufficient funds, suitable accommodation and evidence of their relationship.
Other requirements listed in the source include a marriage certificate, a spouse aged over 18, basic German-language ability and enrolment in a course lasting at least one year.
Eligible family members may also be permitted to work in Germany, provided they meet the relevant conditions.
5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong permits eligible non-local students enrolled full-time in local degree programmes to bring their spouse and children under 18.
The policy also recognises same-sex spouses or partners where the relationship meets the relevant requirements.
Dependants can study in Hong Kong, although they generally cannot work unless permission is granted by the Immigration Director.
The policy does not generally recognise fiancés or partners who are simply cohabiting without the required official documentation.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand offers several pathways through which international students and other eligible migrants can have their families accompany them.
Depending on the visa and level of study, spouses and children may be eligible for visas that allow them to live in the country.
Children who qualify as dependants may attend primary or secondary school, while eligible partners can apply for work rights under the relevant immigration pathway.
The exact options depend on the student’s course and visa status, so applicants need to check the conditions attached to their particular visa.
7. Finland
Finland is another option for international students who want to live with their families while studying.
Students can apply for residence permits for their spouses and other eligible family members.
Applicants are expected to provide documents such as valid passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of finances and evidence of accommodation.
The country’s education system, safety and quality of life also make it an attractive destination for students seeking to relocate with their families.
8. Sweden
International students in Sweden can apply to have eligible family members join them.
A spouse or child under 18 may apply for a residence permit, provided the applicant can demonstrate the family relationship and sufficient funds to support them.
Family members can apply at the same time as the student or submit an application later.
Where the student’s permit is valid for more than six months, eligible family members may also have permission to work.
9. Netherlands
The Netherlands allows international students to apply for residence permits for eligible family members, including partners and minor children.
The student must generally be able to act as a sponsor and demonstrate that they have sufficient, independent and sustainable income.
Applicants will also need to provide evidence of their relationship, such as marriage or registered partnership documents and children’s birth certificates.
However, a partner who receives a residence permit through the student does not automatically receive permission to work.
10. United Kingdom
The UK has some of the strictest restrictions among the countries on this list.
Since January 2024, most international students are not allowed to bring dependants. Exceptions apply mainly to students undertaking a PhD, another doctoral qualification or certain research-based higher degrees.
Students on programmes lasting more than six months may also qualify if they are receiving a full government scholarship covering tuition fees and living costs.
Eligible dependants can include a spouse, civil partner, an unmarried partner who has lived with the student for at least two years, and children under 18.
Dependants generally receive permission to stay for the same period as the student’s visa, subject to the applicable requirements and fees.
11. United States
In the US, dependants of international students normally apply for an F-2 visa linked to the student’s F-1 visa.
Eligible family members include the student’s spouse and unmarried children under 21.
F-2 dependants can generally remain in the US for the same period as the F-1 student’s authorised stay.
However, there is an important restriction: spouses holding F-2 status are not permitted to work. Children may attend school, subject to the applicable rules.
Students applying to bring dependants must also demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to support their family.
12. Singapore
Singapore has more restrictive rules for international students bringing family members.
Students holding a Student Pass generally cannot bring dependants while undertaking undergraduate and most postgraduate programmes.
Dependant Passes are primarily available to holders of certain employment-related passes, including the Employment Pass, S Pass and ONE Pass.
As a result, family members of international students may instead need to apply for other types of passes, such as a Long-Term Visit Pass, depending on their circumstances.
Those staying on visit passes are also not permitted to work unless they obtain separate authorisation.
13. Malaysia
Malaysia allows certain international students to bring family members under a Dependant Pass.
Eligible family members can include a spouse, children under 18 and parents.
However, the option is generally available to students enrolled in long-term programmes such as master’s or PhD courses.
Applications are processed through Education Malaysia Global Services, and students are expected to provide documents including proof of their relationship, evidence of financial support and a valid student pass.
Dependants can generally remain in Malaysia for the same period covered by the student’s student pass.
14. Denmark
Denmark allows eligible international students to have their spouse and children join them through residence permits.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources and suitable accommodation to support their family.
Applications are handled through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, known as SIRI.
One of the benefits for eligible dependants is that those granted residence permits can work full-time in Denmark.
For international students who do not want to separate from their spouse or children, these destinations provide various options to explore. However, dependant visa rules can differ according to the student’s programme, visa type, family relationship and financial circumstances.
Students should therefore confirm the latest requirements with the relevant immigration authorities before making travel or study plans.
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