Subsequent entrant
Student Dependant Visa (Subsequent Entrant) Australia: 2026 Update
From 2 October 2026, family members can no longer apply to join a Student visa holder after the visa is granted. Here is what changed, who can still include family and what your options are.
What Happened to the Student Dependant Visa?
Previously, a Student visa holder's partner and dependent children could apply to join them later as "subsequent entrants". Under the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026, which commenced on 2 October 2026, current Student visa holders can no longer add family members after their Student visa has been granted. There are no exemptions to this rule.
Most Student visa applicants can also no longer include family members in their application, including when lodging a further Student visa, unless an exemption applies.
Who can still include family at the time of application
- PhD (Doctoral) students
- Students sponsored by DFAT or Defence
- Foreign government scholarship recipients (studies fully funded)
- Eligible students from Pacific Island and ASEAN member countries
- Current Student visa holders whose family is already on their visa, in some situations
Rules for including family
- Family must apply at the same time and from the same location as you
- If applying in Australia, family members must hold an eligible visa
- If you include a family member who is not eligible, their application will be invalid
- Invalid applications cannot be reviewed at the ART
Family already on your Student visa?
If you already have family members included in your current Student visa and you apply in Australia, you may be able to include them in your next Student visa application. You may also include them (applying in or outside Australia) if you need up to 12 more months to complete your main course, or you need a further visa because your education provider defaulted.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (last updated October 2026) and the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026, which commenced on 2 October 2026. Fees, requirements and processing times can change. Always confirm current details with the Department of Home Affairs or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Student Visa Family Members (Subclass 500): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Partners and children of international students.
The partner, or a dependent child, of a Student visa (subclass 500) holder or applicant.
- Live in Australia with the student
- Study, depending on their circumstances
- Work, subject to the conditions on their visa
Family members can only be included if the student meets an exemption. Read our guide to the changes.
Eligibility
What you need to meet.
You must be the partner, or a dependent child, of the Student visa holder or applicant.
Family members can only be included if the student meets an exemption, and must apply at the same time, and from the same location, as the student.
You must hold adequate health insurance, and the student must have enough money to support family members in Australia.
Family members must meet the health requirement, and those aged 16 and over the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How to apply.
Get expert advice first
Book a consultation with Outlook Immigration. Our registered migration agent will assess your eligibility, confirm this is the right visa for you and explain your options before you apply.
Gather your documents
Evidence of your relationship, health insurance and funds. We will tell you exactly what you need.
Apply with the student
Lodge as part of the student's application, at the same time and from the same location.
After you apply
Respond to any requests for more information. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Visa outcome
You will be told the decision in writing.
When you have this visa
Your conditions.
You must meet all your visa conditions and obey Australian laws. Your conditions are in your grant letter and in VEVO.
Keep adequate health insurance for your whole stay.
Let Home Affairs know about changes such as a new passport, address or relationship status.
Student Dependant Visa FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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No. From 2 October 2026, current Student visa holders can no longer add family members (subsequent entrants) after their Student visa has been granted. There are no exemptions to this rule.
Only if an exemption applies: you are studying a PhD, you are sponsored by DFAT or Defence, you receive a foreign government scholarship that fully funds your studies, or you are an eligible student from a Pacific Island or ASEAN country.
If you already have family members included in your current Student visa and you apply in Australia, you may be able to include them in your next application. You may also include them if you need up to 12 more months to finish your main course, or your education provider defaulted.
Student visa applications lodged before 2 October 2026, including those that included family members, continue to be assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged.
A child born in Australia automatically holds the same visa as their parent. Different arrangements apply if the child is born outside Australia while your application is being processed.
Your partner, or your or your partner's dependent child who is unmarried and has not turned 18. A child who turns 18 before the visa is finalised needs to apply for their own visa.
Depending on their circumstances, family members may be able to visit on a Visitor visa (subclass 600), or apply for their own Student visa. A registered migration agent can review the options for your family.
Bringing Your Family to Australia?
The rules changed on 2 October 2026. Talk to a registered migration agent before you apply or make plans.
