Student Dependent Visa Subclass 500
Allows eligible family members of a Subclass 500 primary student (spouse/de facto and dependent children under 18) to join them in Australia, with study, travel, and limited work rights.
Overview
The Student Dependent Visa (Subclass 500) allows eligible family members of a primary Student visa holder to live, work, and study in Australia for the duration of the primary visa. Eligible dependents include a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children under 18. You can apply from inside or outside Australia via ImmiAccount, and you must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), meet health and character requirements, and demonstrate financial capacity. Work rights are generally up to 48 hours per fortnight, with no cap if the primary student is enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ Primary applicant holds or has applied for Subclass 500.
- ✔ You are in the primary student’s family unit (spouse/partner/child).
- ✔ Listed in the primary student’s application or permitted as subsequent entrant.
- ✔ Provide proof of relationship and dependency (for children).
- ✔ Hold OSHC for your entire stay.
- ✔ Meet health and character requirements.
- ✔ Demonstrate financial capacity for all dependents.
- ✔ Meet any English language requirements (if applicable).
- ✔ Apply online via ImmiAccount from in or outside Australia.
- ✔ Provide biometrics/health checks if requested.
Why Choose This Path?
- Live in Australia with the primary student visa holder.
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight (no cap if primary is research master’s/PhD).
- Study for up to three months.
- Multiple-entry travel while visa is valid.
- Access Australian schooling for dependent children (state fees may apply).
- Build local networks and work experience.
- Align visa end-date with primary student’s visa.
- Access health cover through OSHC policy.
- Ability to upgrade skills via short courses.
- Pathway to future visas if eligible.
Your Roadmap to Success
- Confirm you’re eligible and included/approved as a subsequent entrant.
- Arrange OSHC to match your intended stay.
- Gather documents: passports, relationship proofs, birth/marriage docs.
- Show financial capacity for living, tuition (if studying), and travel.
- Complete online application in ImmiAccount.
- Pay the visa charge (check if any concessions apply).
- Undertake health exams if prompted.
- Provide biometrics if requested.
- Track application and respond to further information requests.
- Receive grant and comply with work/study conditions.
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Temporary
Visa Pathways
Student Visa (subclass 500)
The Student Dependent Visa (Subclass 500 – Subsequent Entrant) allows eligible family members of a primary Student visa holder to join them in Australia for the duration of their study. Eligible dependents include a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children under 18. Dependents can live in Australia, travel in and out freely, study short courses (typically up to three months), and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the primary student’s course is in session.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Application Fee | AUD$2,000 | Main applicant |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | AUD$1,225 | For each additional applicant aged 18 or over |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | AUD$400 | For each dependent under 18 |
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