Study Abroad with Your Family – Dependent Visa Guidance
Your Global Education, Their Future Too.
Why Dependent Visas Matter
Studying abroad is a life-changing journey, and dependent visas ensure your family can be part of it too. From spouses gaining work opportunities to children accessing quality education, these visas help you balance academic goals with family life, so you grow together—personally and professionally.
Bring your spouse and children with you while studying abroad.
Free schooling for children in many countries.
Work rights for spouses (in most destinations).
Access to public healthcare.
UNITED STATES
Choosing the U.S. for your studies opens doors not just for your career, but also for your family. With the F-2 (for F-1 students) or J-2 (for J-1 exchange students) dependent visas, your spouse and children can accompany you during your academic journey. While spouses on F-2 cannot work, J-2 dependents can apply for employment authorization. Children can attend school, and your family can experience the American lifestyle alongside you.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can join? | Spouse & unmarried children under 21 |
| Work rights (spouse) | ❌ No (F-2) / ✅ Yes, with EAD (J-2) |
| Children’s schooling | ✅ Can attend U.S. schools |
| Healthcare | ❌ No automatic coverage (must buy insurance) |
| Processing time | 4–12 weeks |
GERMANY
Studying in Germany doesn’t mean leaving your loved ones behind. Dependents enjoy free education for kids, healthcare, and full-time work rights for spouses.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can join? | Spouse & children |
| Work rights (spouse) | ✅ Yes, full-time allowed |
| Children’s schooling | ✅ Free public education |
| Healthcare | ✅ Public healthcare access |
| Processing time | 8–12 weeks |
FRANCE
France is famous for its culture, lifestyle, and world-class education. The French Dependent Visa allows your spouse and children to live with you during your studies. Children can attend public schools, and spouses may be eligible to work depending on your program and visa type.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can join? | Spouse & children |
| Work rights (spouse) | ⚠️ Case-dependent (varies by program/visa) |
| Children’s schooling | ✅ Free public schools |
| Healthcare | ✅ Public healthcare access |
| Processing time | 6–12 weeks |
UNITED KINGDOM
The UK offers one of the most student- and family-friendly dependent visa options. If you are on a postgraduate course (9+ months), your spouse and children can join you. Spouses can work full-time, and children gain access to free schooling.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can join? | Spouse & children (if on eligible PG course) |
| Work rights (spouse) | ✅ Yes, full-time allowed |
| Children’s schooling | ✅ Free public education |
| Healthcare | ✅ NHS access (with surcharge) |
| Processing time | 3–8 weeks |
ITALY
Ireland is known for its welcoming environment. Under the Irish Dependent Visa, spouses and children of international students can join them. Spouses are often permitted to work, while children can attend local schools.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can join? | Spouse & children |
| Work rights (spouse) | ✅ Yes, usually full-time |
| Children’s schooling | ✅ Free state schools |
| Healthcare | ✅ Public healthcare access |
| Processing time | 8–12 weeks |
IRELAND
Italy’s Family Reunion Visa ensures that students don’t have to choose between education and family. Your spouse and children can live with you while you study in Italy, with access to schools and healthcare.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can join? | Spouse & children |
| Work rights (spouse) | ✅ Yes, once residence permit approved |
| Children’s schooling | ✅ Free public schools |
| Healthcare | ✅ Italian healthcare system |
| Processing time | 3–6 months |