Why Add Your Partner as a Subsequent Entrant?
The Student Visa Subsequent Entrant pathway allows international students to maintain an active family life in Australia without requiring a separate course enrolment for their partner.
Live Together in Australia
Reside in Australia for the full remaining duration of the primary student's Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Generous Work Rights
Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms, or completely unrestricted full-time hours if the student is studying a Master's or PhD.
Short-Term Study Options
Study English or professional short courses for up to 3 months without needing to convert to an independent student visa.
Direct Route to Post-Study 485
Easily transition together as secondary dependents onto the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) upon course completion.
Subsequent Entrant Application Roadmap
Our registered migration strategists ensure relationship proofs, OSHC health upgrades, and financial capacity evidence meet strict Genuine Student (GS) standards.
Declaration & Eligibility Verification
Verify that the partner was declared on the primary student's original visa petition (or provide legal justification if the relationship began post-grant).
OSHC Upgrade & Financial Capacity Evidence
Upgrade to a Dual Family or Multi-Family Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy and prepare evidence of living funds and tuition coverage.
4-Pillar Relationship Proof Compilation
Assemble documentary evidence confirming marriage or 12 months de facto cohabitation across financial, domestic, social, and commitment aspects.
Online Lodgement via ImmiAccount
Submit the formal Subsequent Entrant petition under the primary student's active Subclass 500 visa account (onshore or offshore).
Health Vetting & Visa Grant
Complete eMedical health checks (HAP ID) and biometric screening to receive the visa grant aligned with the primary student's expiry date.
Required Documentary Evidence
All supporting documentation must be high-resolution certified colour copies verifying enrolment status, financial capacity, and genuine relationship.
- Current active Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) showing course details, duration, and institution
- Copy of the primary student's current Student Visa (Subclass 500) grant letter
- University confirmation of enrolment letter verifying academic progress and attendance
- Valid passport bio-pages for both the primary student and the incoming partner
- Official Marriage Certificate or State/Territory Relationship Registration Certificate
- For de facto couples: evidence of at least 12 months shared cohabitation (joint lease, bills, mail)
- Joint financial evidence: shared bank accounts, mutual savings, or joint money transfers
- Dated photographs together across relationship milestones and written statements detailing history
- Valid Dual/Family Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) certificate for the full visa duration
- Bank statements or educational loan sanctions demonstrating sufficient living costs for both applicants
- Completed Form 80 (Personal Particulars for Character Assessment) for the partner
- National Police Clearances from all countries resided in for 12+ months
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential clarifications regarding partner declarations, work restrictions, and de facto rules for student visas.
If you were already married or in a de facto relationship when your original student visa was granted but failed to declare your partner, adding them later presents serious compliance hurdles under PIC 4020. However, if your relationship commenced after your visa was granted, you can add them by providing clear evidence of when the relationship started.
If the primary student is enrolled in a Master's degree (Coursework or Research) or a Doctoral degree (PhD), the partner receives unrestricted full-time work rights. If the student is studying a Bachelor's degree, Diploma, or ELICOS course, the partner is limited to 48 hours per fortnight during term time.
Yes. If your partner is currently in Australia on a valid substantive visa (such as a Visitor Visa Subclass 600 or Working Holiday Visa) that does not have a "No Further Stay" condition (Condition 8503), they can apply onshore and will receive a Bridging Visa A during processing.