Planning to pursue higher studies in Australia with your family? The first requirement is to know everything about the dependent visa. With the help of the Australian student dependent visa (subclass 500), international students who study in Australia are permitted to take their spouse, partner, and children with them while they pursue their studies in Australia. However, it has become increasingly important to stay updated with the Australian student dependent visa's new rules to experience a smooth visa application process. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the dependent visa Australia subclass 500.
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The Student Dependent Visa (Subclass 500) permits the family members of international students to live in Australia for the duration of the student's course. Dependents can be a spouse, minor children, and, if the student has any stepchildren under their guardianship. If you have a dependent, then they can apply at the same time as you apply for the Australian study visa. It is also possible to apply later, once the primary visa holder has begun the course in Australia.
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In May 2024, keeping in mind the increasing cost of living in Australia, the government increased the financial capacity, also applicable to both current and new visa applicants.
Category | Before May 2024 | After May 10, 2024 |
Primary Student | AUD 24,505 | AUD 29,710 |
Spouse/Partner | AUD 8,574 | AUD 10,394 |
Each Dependent Child | AUD 3,670 | AUD 4,449 |
Annual School Costs (per child) | AUD 9,661 | AUD 13,502 |
Annual Income (no family) | AUD 72,465 | AUD 87,856 |
Annual Income (with family) | AUD 84,543 | AUD 102,500 |
Note: The accepted proofs of income include bank statements, loan letters, and sponsor affidavits.
The following are the mandatory documents required for the Australian dependent visa (Subclass 500).
Valid passports of all the dependents
In case of the spouse, a marriage certificate is needed
In case of dependent children, the birth certificate is required
Financial proofs as per the latest changes
Form 919 (nomination of student dependents)
Form 157 A (Student visa application)
Health examinations (Form 26 and Form 160)
Read More: Documents Required for Australian Student Visa
These are the steps that you need to follow to apply for a dependent visa in Australia in 2025:
Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount by visiting immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and start the visa application.
Step 2: Upload all the required documents by attaching the certified scanned documents.
Step 3: Book the slots for health checkups with certificate doctors
Step 4: Pay the visa application fee and submit it.
Step 5: Monitor your progress through ImmiAccount by tracking the application status.
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The visa processing time for dependents is based on the time when they are applying. If the dependent is applying for the visa during the off-peak season, that is, during the months of January-April or from August to November, then the estimated visa processing time during that time is 6-8 weeks. If you apply during the peak season, which is from May to July and October to December, then the visa processing time during that time is 10-12 weeks.
These are the work and study rights for dependents in Australia.
Spouse/partner rights: The spouse or partner can work up to 48 hours per two weeks. If the student is pursuing a master's or PhD, then the dependent is allowed to work for unlimited hours.
Children’s rights: If the dependent is a child who is between 5 and 17 years of age, they must go to a school in Australia. And the public schools can charge international tuition fees from them.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dependent visas permit spouses and unmarried children under 18 to live with the primary visa holders in Australia. The dependents can also work part-time in Australia.
The new rule for student visas in Australia starting 1 January 2025 is the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Yes, dependents are allowed in Australia on a student visa. With this visa, dependents can go there with the primary visa holder and live there.
The dependent visa processing time in Australia in 2025 ranges from a few weeks to a couple of months. About 75% of the dependent visas are processed in about a month. Some of the visas are processed within 48 days.
The validity of a dependent visa in Australia depends on the type of visa that the main visa holder has. Generally, it is the same as the duration of the main visa holder’s duration.
On Question asked by student community
Hello Aspirant,
SP Jain’s BBA has a reputation for global exposure because students rotate between campuses located in Dubai, Singapore, and Sydney. The campuses are high-quality, and the peer group is diverse -- bringing together students from numerous countries which helps develop a vibrant and competitive crowd. The study abroad experience is generally smooth - Dubai has a cosmopolitan and safe feel, Singapore is similarly safe and very organized, with strict rule and expectations but good for students, while Australia has a more relaxed but multicultural feel. Overall, the program provides a good balance of educational, international exposure, and cultural learning.
Hello ,
As per current trend , The processing time is of 30-56 days that is 1 to 8 weeks , it is faster if your university is under 80% international cap , priority 1 , slower if over 80%
TIPS TO HELP FOR QUICKER PROCESSING
1. Submit a complete and accurate application
2.Apply online via ImmiAccount
3.Lodge your application well in advance
4.Monitor your ImmiAccount regularly
hope this helps
Lodge your application well in advance
Hello,
If you have completed your MD from the Philippines and wish to practice or further study in Australia, you will need to follow the Australian Medical Council (AMC) process. First, verify your degree with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) through EPIC verification. Then, choose the AMC pathway — typically the Standard Pathway (for non-specialists) which involves the AMC MCQ Exam and AMC Clinical Exam, or the Competent Authority Pathway if you qualify. If your aim is postgraduate training, you should also explore specialist medical colleges in Australia for recognition of prior training. Additionally, you will need to meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS or OET. Visa requirements will vary depending on whether you apply for work, training, or further studies. It’s a detailed process, so starting early and following official AMC guidelines is key.
Thank you for your question!
Hello!
So if you are interested India currently and wants to work as a doctor in Australia in future then:
1. Complete MBBS in India from a recognized medical college.
2. Pass the Australian Medical Council exams
First exam is MCQ based and second one is Clinical exam which assesses your practical skills.
3. English Proficiency Test for that you have to clear IELTS.
4. Apply for registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
5. Apply for internship or position according to your qualification.
6. Apply for Visa and move to Australia once selected.
Yes, you can get admission in some Australian universities with 59% in 12th grade.Many university offer diploma or foundation courses first. IELTS or PTE is also needed. Choose the right course and apply early. Each university has different rules and regulations,so check before applying.
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