Being an international student doesn’t mean leaving relationships behind. Australia’s Student Dependent Visa (Subclass 500) lets you sponsor your:
- Spouse
- De facto partner (including same-sex)
- Children under 18
But 2025 brings new financial rules and work restrictions. This guide reveals:
- Proof of funds you must show (updated amounts)
- Work rights for your partner
- Common refusal reasons and how to avoid them
- Real couple success stories
| Category | What You Need | 2025 Changes |
| Relationship Proof | Marriage cert OR 12+ months de facto evidence (joint leases/bank accounts) | Tighter scrutiny on new relationships |
| Financial Capacity | AUD 8,000/year for partner + AUD 4,000/year per child | 7% increase from 2024 |
| Health Insurance | OSHC family coverage (avg. AUD 5,000/year) | New approved providers list |
| Visa Duration | Matches your student visa expiry | No extensions beyond main visa |
1. Prove Your Relationship is Genuine
- Married couples: Submit marriage certificate (translated if not in English).
- De facto partners: Provide:
- 12+ months of cohabitation evidence
- Joint financial commitments (e.g., utility bills, leases)
- Statutory declarations from friends/family
Case Study: Priya & Raj (India)
- They provided:
- 18-month lease agreement in both names
- Flight tickets showing 3 international trips together
- Screenshots of 2+
2. Show Financial Capacity
2025 Minimum Funds:
| Situation | Required Savings | Acceptable Proof |
| Partner only | AUD 8,000 | Bank statements OR sponsor letter |
| Partner + 1 child | AUD 12,000 | Education loan disbursement notice |
Pro Tip: If using a sponsor (e.g., parents), their annual income must be AUD 62,000+
- Apply Together or Later?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Same time as student visa | Faster processing (avg. 8 weeks) | Higher upfront funds needed |
| After arrival | Show Australian bank balance | Risk of separation (4-6 month processing) |
Work Rights
Unlimited hours if you’re studying:
- Master’s/PhD
- STEM bachelor’s degrees
48 hrs/fortnight for other courses
2025 Alert: Partners of vocational students now face work restrictions (max 24 hrs/week)
Study Options
Your partner can:
Enroll in short courses (<3 months) without a student visa
Apply for their own student visa for degree programs
- Insufficient Relationship Evidence
- Rejection Rate: 34% for de facto applications
- Fix: Provide at least 5 types of documents (e.g., photos, joint tax returns)
- Health Insurance Gaps
- Example: BUPA’s family OSHC now AUD 5,300/year
- Visa Expiry Misalignment
- Nightmare Scenario: Your partner’s visa expires 6 months before yours
- New: Partners of PhD students get automatic 4-year visas
- Warning: Fake relationship reports up 22% – expect stricter interviews
Bringing your partner requires careful planning but doubles your Australian experience. Remember:
- Start early – Gather relationship evidence for 6+ months
- Budget wisely – Add AUD 15,000/year for living costs
- Consult experts – VXL Global’s success rate: 98% for family visas