Suppose you have secured admission to study abroad and want to relocate with your family. In that case, the possibility depends on several factors, including the country you are relocating to and your program of studies.
For countries that allow family members, known as dependents, to relocate with a student, they also enjoy the same status as the student. They can remain in the country for as long as the student is permitted to stay.
Is It Possible to Relocate as a Student with Family?
Yes, it is possible to relocate with family members as a student, although this depends on the country you are moving to and the visa policy.
While family members are allowed to relocate with a student, it is only open to members referred to as dependents- spouse, civil partner, and children who are generally under 21 in some countries, such as the United States, or under 18 years old in most others, including the UK.
Another major factor that determines the possibility of relocating with family members is the program of studies. While there are countries that allow for students at the undergraduate level, most are only open to postgraduate students.
Countries That Allow You to Relocate as a Student with Your Family
1. The United States
The US is one of the countries where holders of the F-1 visa (a student visa) are allowed to move to the country with dependents on the F-2 visa. With that, children can attend schools, but wives or partners are not allowed to work.
2. The UK
Partners and children listed as dependents may also be able to apply to come to the UK under the same conditions as you, provided you are a full-time student enrolled in a postgraduate-level course of at least 9 months or 6 months as a government-sponsored student.
You will need to present proof of relationships for your dependents in the form of a marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner and birth certificates for your children.
3. Australia
Australia doesn’t just allow you to come with your dependents as a student, but also the child or children of your dependents if they are under 18 years old. The system allows for your spouse to be added as a secondary applicant to your student visa application.
Partners may be required to provide proof of being married or living together. Unlike most other countries, partners may have different working rights.
For a student who is under 18, you may also be allowed to bring your parent or guardian if your parents, relative, or guardian is at least 21 years old, has the means to support themselves and you during the stay, and can provide accommodation, welfare, and other support.
4. Canada
Canada has an immigration policy that allows an international student to bring certain family members may including spouses, dependent children, and parents, while you study. Spouses may be allowed to work in the country depending on the course of study and program. The length of the program can also impact the eligibility for a student to bring a spouse.
There is the option to apply as a family if you are moving to Canada to study and you want to arrive at the same time. The application process may differ if a spouse opts to apply for a work visa. Children studying at the pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools do not need to have a study permit as part of your dependents.
5. Germany
Holders of the German student visa/ student residence permit may be allowed to have their family members join them in Germany during the period of their study through the German family visa.
Like others, the family members eligible to join are spouses or partners, children, and parents. Depending on who is joining you as a student, the visa type may differ since the prerequisite documents needed are different.
Some other countries that allow students to relocate with family members are Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Each country has its specific requirements before it can allow students to relocate with either spouses or children.
Financial requirements before you can relocate with your family as a student
Before your visa can be approved, you must meet some financial requirements, which include the following:
- Proof of funds: You must show that you are financially capable of supporting yourself and your dependents. In the case where you are traveling with your parents, they will be required to show that they can take care of you and themselves.
- Country-specific threshold: This requirement is dependent on the country you are moving to, as each country has a financial threshold to meet before you can move with your family as an international student.
- Accommodation: Another thing you are required to have secured is accommodation, which will cater for you and your family members as you relocate
Key Documents You’ll Need
While there are general documents you need to relocate abroad, there are specific documents that you need when you want to relocate as a student with your family. Here are the most essential documents needed:
- Marriage certificate (for spouse).
- Birth certificates (for children).
- Admission letter.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of financial capacity.
