Bringing your dependents with you is an important step toward building a stable family life overseas. If you move for work, study, or permanent residency, most countries allow you to sponsor your close family members to join you legally. Each country has its own immigration laws, application process, and eligibility requirements.
Throughout this guide, you’ll find information on how to bring your dependents abroad legally, the types of dependents you can include, the required documents, and visa procedures.
A Guide to Determining Who Is a Dependent
The definition of a dependent is important to understand before applying. The immigration laws consider dependents those who financially or legally rely on you for support.
The following is a common list of dependents:
- Partner or spouse who is legally married
- Having a long-term relationship with an unmarried partner
- Ages under 18
- Adopted children
- Some countries allow dependent parents or relatives (under special conditions)
The definition of a dependent varies by country, but generally, the dependent must be related to you legally or through family.
Requirements for Dependents Traveling Abroad
Most countries only allow families to enter if they meet a few key criteria. Typically, they consist of:
- Legal residence – A valid visa must be held (for example, a student visa, work visa, or permanent residency permit).
- Marriage certificates and birth certificates are official documents proving a relationship.
- Financial stability – the ability to support one’s dependents without seeking public assistance.
- Living space – Evidence that the accommodation is adequate.
- It is a requirement that all applicants undergo a police clearance and a medical examination before they can apply.
If your dependents meet these criteria, they will be accepted as legitimate family members and can legally join you.
Step-by-Step Guide for Bringing Dependents Abroad
Step 1: Determine your visa category
Family rights vary depending on the type of visa.
- The spouse and children of work visa holders are usually allowed to accompany them.
- Students at higher levels often have the option of bringing dependents with them.
- Permanent residents can sponsor immediate family members under family reunion programs.
Visa rules specific to your visa type can be found on the immigration website of your intended destination.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Documents proving your relationship and ability to support your dependents will be required.
The following documents are commonly used:
- Valid passports are required for all applicants
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Proof of accommodation
- Bank statements or employment contracts
- Health insurance coverage
- Police clearance certificates
- For visa applications, you will need forms and recent photos
Make sure all documents are translated into the official language of the destination country if they are not written in English.
Step 3: Submit your application
Dependent visa applications are usually submitted as follows:
- If you are applying for a visa as part of your main application, or
- As soon as your visa has been approved and you have settled abroad
The official immigration website provides information on how to submit applications online or at an embassy in your home country.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee
Visa fees vary from country to country. Dependents must be paid. When the application is submitted, the payment is made online or at the visa center.
Step 5: Take part in a biometric or visa interview
There may be a requirement for dependents to attend interviews or to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs). As part of the interview process, you will be required to take a financial capability test to verify that you are financially capable and are in a relationship.
Step 6: waiting for processing to be completed
Different countries have different processing times. The processing of visa applications for family reunions or residence can take several months, while visa applications for work visas take a few weeks. Always apply early to avoid delays.
Step 7: Travel abroad
Dependents can legally join you in your destination country as soon as your visa is approved. At the point of entry, an immigration officer will stamp the resident’s visa.
Bringing dependents under a single visa category
1. Work visa holders
The right to bring their families with them is usually granted to workers with valid employment visas.
For instance:
- The United Kingdom allows skilled workers to bring their spouse and children under the age of 18.
- The Canadian Work Permit program allows spouses and children who have work permits to join the work permit holder.
- In Australia, Temporary Skill Shortage Visa holders can include dependents in their applications.
Dependents usually have permission to work or study during their stay in the country.
2. Student visa holders
International students often have the option of bringing their dependents to higher education programs.
For instance:
- UK: Students who are studying at the master’s or PhD level can bring their dependents with them.
- In Canada, the spouse and children of full-time students are allowed to attend designated institutions.
- In Australia, dependents of student visa holders can work part-time or study.
Student families usually receive visas that last the same length of time as the student’s course.
3. Residents or citizens of the United States
A Family Reunion Visa or Family Sponsorship can be obtained if you have permanent residency or citizenship.
Here are a few examples:
- A citizen of the United States may sponsor spouse, children, parents, or siblings under the Family Immigration Program.
- In Canada, spouses, partners, and children of permanent residents can apply for sponsorship.
- Citizens of the European Union can bring non-EU family members into the EU with the EU Family Permit.
Dependents are often granted permanent residence as well by these visas.
A list of requirements for financial support and accommodations
Applicants must demonstrate that they can support their dependents without government assistance.
Among the financial proofs are:
- Bank statements (indicating steady income or savings)
- Salary slips or letters of employment
- Proof of scholarship (for students)
- Tax records or audited accounts are required for self-employed individuals
It is possible to prove accommodation with a tenancy agreement or property ownership document that shows enough living space for all family members
Requirements for medical coverage and insurance
Most countries require dependent visas to be accompanied by a valid health insurance policy and a medical examination.
The following are typical requirements:
- A certificate showing that no contagious diseases are present
- A hospitalization policy, an emergency care policy, and a repatriation policy
- Vaccination records for children
There are some countries that require you to purchase a private or national health insurance plan before you arrive.
Conditions and Duration of Stay
The validity period of a dependent visa is usually the same as the validity period of a sponsor visa. For instance:
- The dependents of a two-year work visa are entitled to a two-year dependent visa as well.
- Whenever you extend your visa, you must also renew the visas of your dependents.
Many countries allow dependents to study and spouses to work, depending on their policy.
Later bringing dependents
Bringing your family later through a family reunion application is still possible if you move abroad first. Your application will require the following:
- Stability of housing and income
- Your visa permits reunification with family
- Recent financial and legal documents
Once you’ve settled and obtained proof of residence, you should begin the process for a family reunion visa. The process can take several months.
Refusal reasons most commonly cited
- Evidence of a relationship is insufficient
- Housing shortages or low income
- Fake or missing documents
- Incomplete medical or police records
- Violations of immigration laws in the past
Ensure your documents are genuine and follow the country’s immigration authority’s requirements.
For a smooth application process, here are some helpful tips
- Be sure to apply as soon as possible, especially if you are starting a new job or course.
- A certified and translated copy of all documents is required.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Consistent information should be provided in all applications.
- When applying for unmarried partners, proof of communication and shared finances is required.
- Make sure you do not pay for fake sponsorship offers or use unlicensed agents.
The easiest visa systems for dependents in 2025
- In Canada, workers and students should be able to sponsor their families.
- UK – Students with postgraduate degrees and dependents of skilled workers have a wide range of rights.
- In Australia, dependents have direct access to work or study visas.
- The German government has allowed students and skilled workers to reunite with their families.
- In New Zealand, spouses and children are more easily able to accompany work visa holders.
Dependents are allowed to work and study legally in these countries, and families are prioritized.
Lastly,
You can legally bring your dependents abroad if you follow the right procedures, provide strong evidence of your relationship, and meet financial and accommodation requirements. You should check official immigration guidelines before applying to a country since each has its own regulations.
A well-prepared application will ease the transition to a new life abroad for your family.