Australia is renowned for its world-class education system, attracting international students from all corners of the globe. While pursuing their academic dreams, many students often wish to bring their family members to share in the Australian experience. This is where the Dependent Visa Australia Subclass 500 comes into play.
The dependent visa Australia Subclass 500 allows eligible family members to join the primary student visa holder during their studies. In this blogpost, we will discuss what the visa is, its application process, eligibility criteria and any advantages that you can get with this visa. So for more information, keep on reading.
What is the Dependent Visa Australia Subclass 500?
The Dependent Visa Australia Subclass 500, a subclass of the Student Visa (Subclass 500), is designed to facilitate family reunions for international students pursuing education in Australia. It permits eligible family members to join the students in Australia. Eligible family members can include your de facto partners, spouses and dependent children.
How to Obtain the Dependent Visa Subclass 500
To get the dependent visa subclass 500, you need to follow a specific guideline. Here is the complete application process for obtaining the visa.
Step 1: Make sure you are eligible
You are eligible for this member if you are a family member of the primary student visa holder. You can be a de facto partner, spouse or a dependent child of the primary visa holder.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect essential documents, such as marriage certificates, proof of de facto partnership, or evidence of your relationship to the primary student visa holder. Additionally, prepare documents related to financial sufficiency, health insurance coverage, character assessments, and, if applicable, proof of children’s enrollment in an educational institution.
Step 3: Secure your Finances
Make sure you have access to sufficient funds to cover living expenses in Australia. The specific financial requirements may vary based on your family size and the cost of living in the region. Remember that you have to live in the same region as the primary visa holder.
Step 4: Get your Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. This allows you to access necessary healthcare services without burdening the Australian healthcare system.
Step 5: Get your Character Assessment
Meet character requirements, which might involve providing police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for a specified period. A clean criminal record and good moral character are prerequisites for the dependant visa.
Step 6: Check to see whether you are the right age
Ensure that dependent children meet the age limit specified by the Australian government, which typically considers children under the age of 18 as dependent.
Step 7: Apply for the Visa
Fill out the visa application form available on the Department of Home Affairs website. Provide accurate and up-to-date information and upload all required documents as specified in the application form.
Step 8: Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, the Department of Home Affairs will review your case. Be prepared for a waiting period that can last several months. Processing times can vary.
What is the Processing Time for Dependent Visa 500?
The processing time for the Subclass 500 Subsequent Entrant Visa can vary based on several factors. According to the latest information:
- Approximately 50% of applications are processed within 41 days.
- Approximately 90% of applications are completed within 3 months.
Other estimates suggest that processing times can range from 27 to 58 days, but this depends on application volume and complexity
Requirements for the Dependent Visa Subclass 500
The Dependent Visa Australia Subclass 500 is tailored for the family members of international students who are in the process of pursuing their education in Australia. While the specific prerequisites for this visa may exhibit slight variations based on individual circumstances, the general conditions are as follows
Is your relationship with the primary visa holder well established?
For eligibility for the Dependent Visa Subclass 500, you must establish your familial connection to the primary student visa holder. This often includes spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children. Evidence of this relationship, such as marriage certificates or proof of a de facto partnership, will be required.
Are you Financially Sufficient?
Demonstrating access to ample funds to cover living expenses in Australia is crucial. This assurance is in place to prevent individuals from becoming a financial burden on the Australian government. The specific financial benchmarks may fluctuate based on family size and the cost of living in the region where the primary student visa holder is pursuing their education.
Do you have health insurance and a character certificate?
Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Australia is generally mandatory. This provision ensures that necessary healthcare services are readily accessible and that the Australian healthcare system is not unduly strained.
Dependent visa applicants are subject to character assessments, which might necessitate the provision of police clearance certificates from all countries where they have resided for a specified duration.
Enrollment in an Educational Institution:
For those seeking a dependent student visa for a child, enrollment in an educational institution while in Australia is obligatory.It’s worth noting that visa requirements can undergo changes, and unique circumstances may impact eligibility criteria.
Document Checklist for Subclass 500 Dependent Visa
Here is a list of documents required to apply for a subclass 500 dependent visa:
- Completed and signed application Form 157A for each dependent.
- Nomination of student dependents Form 919, completed by the primary student visa holder.
- Identification documents, including passports, birth certificates or marriage certificates
- Relationship evidence with the primary visa holder.
- Financial evidence in the form of bank statements, pay slips and employment contracts.
- Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for each dependent.
- Health and character documents.
- Educational documents (if applicable)
Benefits of the Dependent Visa Subclass 500:
The Dependent Visa Subclass 500 in Australia presents numerous advantages to eligible family members who accompany the primary student visa holder during their educational journey in the country.
| Benefits | How it can help you |
| Reuniting Families | This visa facilitates family reunification, allowing loved ones to stay together while pursuing educational goals in Australia. |
| Live, Work, and Study | Dependent visa holders enjoy the flexibility to live, work, and study in Australia throughout the primary student visa’s duration, opening doors to educational and employment opportunities. |
| Healthcare Access | Australia’s esteemed healthcare system is within reach for dependent visa holders, ensuring their well-being during their stay. |
| Educational Opportunities | Dependent children can enroll in Australian schools, benefiting from the nation’s top-tier education system and experiencing international education. |
| Cultural Immersion | Residing in Australia offers a culturally enriching experience, enabling family members to immerse themselves in Australian society, broaden their horizons, and create lasting memories. |
| Supportive Network
|
Being in close proximity to the primary student visa holder establishes a robust support network, providing emotional and practical assistance throughout the educational journey. |
| Enhanced Quality of Life | Australia’s high standard of living, scenic landscapes, and safe environment provide an elevated quality of life for family members. |
| Long-Term Prospects | The experience gained during their Australian stay can lead to lasting benefits, including personal and professional growth, potential future opportunities, and international connections. |
| Employment Opportunities | Family members opting to work can contribute to the family’s financial stability and gain valuable international work experience. |
| Personal Development | Living in a foreign country and immersing in a new culture can foster personal growth, increased independence, and a broader perspective on life. |
The Migration: Opening new doors for you
The Dependent Visa Subclass 500 offers a pathway to a fulfilling and rewarding experience in Australia for family members of international students. It not only supports the primary student’s journey but also nurtures the growth and development of family members in various aspects of life. But how do you get all these benefits. Find a registered migration agent to help you through the journey ahead. At The Migration, we understand the intricacies of the Australian immigration system, and we’re here to make the process smooth and straightforward for you.
As registered migration agents with a wealth of experience, we specialize in helping individuals and families navigate the visa application process with confidence. Our commitment is to ensure your success and provide peace of mind throughout the entire journey.
FAQs on Dependent visa subclass 500
Q1. Who can apply for a Dependent Visa Subclass 500?
A1. Family members of international students studying in Australia can apply for this visa. Eligible family members typically include spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children. However, specific criteria apply, and evidence of the relationship is required.
Q2. What are the financial requirements for this visa?
A2. To be eligible for this visa, you must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover living expenses in Australia. The amount of money you require will be dependent on how big your family is and where you will be staying for the duration of your stay. So before analyzing the costs, make sure you compare the cost of living in different locations across Australia.
Q3. Can dependent children work and study in Australia on this visa?
A3. Dependent children can typically study in Australia while holding this visa. Whether they can work depends on their age and the specific conditions of the visa. Generally, there are limitations on the number of hours they can work during their studies.
Q4. Is there an age limit for dependent children on this visa?
A4. The age limit for dependent children can vary, but typically, children under the age of 18 are considered dependent. In some cases, older children with specific disabilities may also be regarded as dependent. It’s essential to check the current age limit set by the Australian government.
