06/01/2025
WHAT EVERY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT DEPENDANTS
Are you a Nigerian student planning to study abroad in the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand etc? If you’re hoping to bring your family along, recent changes in visa policies might seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to simplify things for you!
Family is a cornerstone of support, and we understand how vital it is to keep them close during your academic journey. Let’s break down the facts about these policy changes and how they may impact you.
What’s Changing?
Many popular study destinations have recently adjusted their visa rules for dependents. Here’s what you need to know:
United Kingdom
• Starting in 2024, dependents can only accompany students pursuing research-focused postgraduate programs (e.g., PhDs, Research masters degrees or students on government scholarship).
• Taught master’s students can no longer bring dependents, which marks a major shift from previous policies.
Canada
• Canada remains supportive of dependents, with many still eligible for work permits. However, application processing times and scrutiny over financial requirements have increased.
• Spousal open work permits are mostly allowed for PhD and MSc students and select bachelor’s degrees.
Australia
• Australia is tightening its visa policies. Dependents can still join, but financial proof to support the entire family has become more critical.
• Policies now emphasize ensuring families don’t rely on public funds. Dependants of overseas undergraduate students are generally permitted to work for 48hours per fortnight, for PhD and Masters are allowed unlimited work hours.
New Zealand
• Dependents are permitted for postgraduate students, but additional financial and employability evidence may be required. The focus is on ensuring families can sustain themselves without burdening the system.
What Does This Mean for You?
These changes might feel discouraging, but with the right preparation, you can still achieve your dream of studying abroad with your family by your side.
Here’s how:
Stay Informed: Always rely on official sources like:
• UK: gov.uk
• Canada: canada.ca
• Australia: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• New Zealand: immigration.govt.nz
Show Financial Readiness: Have verifiable proof of income or savings to demonstrate you can support your family without external help.
Plan Ahead: Start the application process early to navigate any additional documentation or requirements.
Seek Professional Guidance: Partnering with experts (like Logic Flow Consulting) can make a huge difference in ensuring your application meets all requirements.
Key Insights You Should Know
• UK issued over 136,000 dependent visas in 2022, showing just how crucial family relocation is for students.
• In Canada, dependent applications are now taking longer due to increased demand and scrutiny.
• Australia has seen a 20% rise in financial proof rejections for applications involving dependents.
Having your loved ones close can make all the difference in your academic journey. Whether it’s emotional support or a sense of stability, family plays a huge role in helping you succeed.
At Logic Flow Consulting, we specialize in navigating these complexities. From financial documentation to dependent visas, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Start? Let’s Talk!
Don’t let these changes hold you back. Contact us today for expert guidance on bringing your family along as you chase your dreams.