Dependent and Spouse Visas for International Students: 2026 Country Rules

AI Summary

Student dependent visa rules tightened sharply across major destinations. In 2026, the UK restricts dependants to postgraduate research students and government scholars. Canada limits spousal open work permits mainly to partners of master’s, doctoral, and specified professional students. Australia still allows subclass 500 dependants with fortnightly work caps for partners of postgraduates. The US issues F-2 visas that permit no work at all. Germany and much of Europe allow family reunification with proof of funds and housing.

Country by country in 2026

Country	Who can bring dependants	Partner work rights
UK	PhD and research master’s students, funded government scholars	Yes, near full work rights for eligible dependants
Canada	Most streams; spousal open work permit mainly for master’s, PhD, professional degrees	SOWP where eligible, otherwise visitor status without work
Australia	All students can nominate family in the application	48 hrs per fortnight; unlimited if the student is a master’s by research or PhD
USA (F-2)	Spouse and children of F-1 holders	No employment; part time study allowed
Germany	Spouse and minor children via family reunification	Work generally permitted once residence permit issued

Money you must show

Every destination adds a per dependant financial requirement on top of your own proof of funds, and immigration officers check housing suitability in several countries. Underestimating this is the most common refusal trigger for family applications.

Destination	Extra funds per dependant (approx.)
UK	680 GBP per month up to 9 months, higher in London
Canada	Roughly 5,700 CAD for the first family member, scaling by family size
Australia	Around 10,400 AUD per year for a partner, plus child amounts
USA	Set by the I-20; often 7,000 to 10,000 USD per dependant per year
Germany	Evidence of income or blocked funds plus adequate housing

Should your family come now or later?

Run the honest math: partner’s lost Indian income, added rent for a family apartment instead of a shared room, childcare costs that can exceed 800 to 1,500 dollars equivalent monthly, and health insurance for each person. Many couples choose a staggered plan, with the student settling for one term before the family joins, which also produces the tenancy and enrollment documents the dependant application needs. If your partner can work, their income often flips the equation positive within months.

Application mechanics

Apply together or after you receive your visa; both routes work in most countries, but joint applications are decided on the same evidence, so one weak file affects everyone. Marriage certificates need apostille or attestation, children need birth certificates, and several countries require tuberculosis tests or medicals for dependants. Budget for these in your master plan using the study abroad budget guide, and check the long game with our post-study work visa comparison, since dependants usually carry into those permits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can my spouse study on a dependant visa?

Usually yes part time, and in Canada and Australia full study may require switching to their own student visa. The US F-2 allows part time study only.

Do dependants get public healthcare?

In the UK they pay the health surcharge and access the NHS. Elsewhere you typically buy family health cover; compare policies carefully.

Can children attend school free?

Public schooling is free or subsidised for dependant children in the UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia in most states, though some charge international fees.

What is the most common refusal reason?

Insufficient funds per dependant and unconvincing relationship evidence for recent marriages. Document both thoroughly.

My program is a one year master’s. Is bringing family worth it?

Often no, given setup costs against a short stay, unless your partner secures work rights immediately. Model both scenarios before deciding.