Many International Students study in Australia for four or more years, so it isn’t surprising that couples find love while they are studying. At Port Migration, we’ve helped many international students bring their loved ones to Australia through the student visa subsequent entrant process. It’s a common scenario: a student arrives in Australia to study and later meets the love of their life, or decides they want their spouse, partner or children to join them.
This article covers the essentials of the subsequent entrant application, what it means for your partner or family member, and why so many people turn to us for assistance when navigating this important step. If you're planning to live in Australia with your spouse or partner while they are studying, keep reading!
Key Facts:
- 1Eligibility Matters: Only specific family members, such as spouses or dependent children, are eligible to apply as subsequent entrants on a student visa.
- 2Application Process: The process involves submitting an application that demonstrates the relationship, proof of finances, and other supporting documents to show eligibility and connection.
- 3Visa Conditions: Family members on a subsequent entrant visa typically have the same work and study conditions as the primary visa holder, ensuring they can join and live in Australia while the student studies.
Supporting Documents
When applying for a student visa subsequent entrant, having the right supporting documents is essential.
Required supporting documents typically include:
Providing thorough, well-organized documentation can significantly speed up the application process and strengthen your case for approval.
Next Steps
Subsequent entrant visa processing times can sometimes be hard to predict. Home Affairs don’t publish separate expected processing times for Subclass 500 Subsequent Entrant applications, so it is difficult to obtain data about expected timeframes.
Processing times vary based on your unique situation and the completeness of your submission. Starting the application process as early as possible ensures that your partner or dependent can join you in Autsralia without unnecessary delays, giving you peace of mind while studying in Australia.
If you are worried about an extended processing time for an application, reach out to Port Migration for advice or a second opinion.
Avoiding Problems
When you are waiting for your spouse or family to join you while you study in Australia, avoiding problems is essential for reduced stress and peace of mind.
There are two key areas where problems can occur.
Firstly we see couples try to add their spouse or de facto partner to their student visa when they didn’t declare the relationship in their initial Subclass 500 application. If your relationship existed at the time that you applied for your Student Visa and you didn’t declare your spouse or partner in your initial student visa application, this causes problems for including your family member as a Subsequent Applicant.
Secondly, we see couples who run into difficulty because they do not provide the required relationship proof when they submit the Subsequent Entrant application.
If unclear on any aspect, seeking professional advice ensures you’re meeting all requirements and helps prevent issues that could delay or jeopardize the visa outcome.
What do our clients say?
Joanna helped and guided us through out my wife’s visa application for the subsequent entrant (subclass 500).
Thank you so much Jo for your support.
She’s friendly, responsive and always available for our calls and messages.
Highly recommended for your visa purposes.
Pasan, Sri Lanka
Next Steps
Applying for a student visa subsequent entrant visa can be complex, especially when meeting the relationship and financial requirements. Having the right support makes all the difference.
At Port Migration, we’ve helped many clients successfully bring their loved ones to Australia while they study, and we’d love to do the same for you. Our team ensures you’re prepared and confident throughout the process.
If you're considering applying for a subsequent entrant visa or need guidance on any related aspect, reach out and book a call with us today. We’re here to help make your journey smooth and stress-free!
A subsequent entrant is a dependent family member, such as a spouse or child, who applies to join a primary student visa holder in Australia. This type of visa allows the family member to live in Australia while the main student completes their studies.
Dependents eligible for subsequent entry include spouses, de facto partners, and children under 18. Each family member needs to meet specific visa requirements to qualify.
Yes, partners can work, but their work rights depend on the conditions of the primary student visa holder's course. For example, if the primary student is pursuing a master’s or higher, the partner may work unrestricted hours.
Required documents often include proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or de facto evidence), identity documents, health insurance, and evidence of the primary visa holder’s enrolment and financial capacity.
Processing times vary and depend on factors like the completeness of the application and current workload at the Department of Home Affairs. It’s essential to plan ahead and submit all necessary documentation promptly.
Yes, the application can be lodged from outside Australia. However, it’s important to follow the guidelines and ensure that all documentation is submitted correctly to avoid delays.
Yes, applicants may need to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia. This can include covering living expenses, school fees for children, and travel costs.
Yes, all applicants must meet specific health and character requirements. This can involve a medical examination and police checks to ensure eligibility.
We guide you through the entire process, helping gather and organize documents, ensuring forms are accurately completed, and providing support to meet all requirements smoothly.
If a refusal occurs, you may have options for review or appeal, depending on your situation. It’s advisable to seek professional guidance to understand your options and next steps.
