Dependent Visa Consultant · Jalandhar
Dependent Visa Consultant in Jalandhar
If a member of your family is studying or working in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States or New Zealand, you may be able to join them as a dependant. Sandhu Overseas helps families from Jalandhar and across Punjab understand who qualifies as a dependant under each country’s rules, which route to use, and how to prepare the application so the whole family’s status stays consistent.
Who counts as a dependant?
Every country defines “dependant” slightly differently, but the common pattern is:
- Spouse or partner of the principal applicant (married, and in many countries a de facto or common-law partner who has lived with the principal for a qualifying period). For spouses we usually recommend reading our spouse visa page as well, because some countries give spouses a separate, better route.
- Dependent children – typically under 18, or under 22 in Canada, or older children who are financially dependent because of a disability. Children must usually be unmarried.
- Not usually included: parents, siblings, adult children or other relatives. These family members normally need a visitor visa, a separate sponsorship category (such as Canada’s Super Visa or parent sponsorship), or their own independent application.
The principal applicant’s category matters as much as the relationship. The spouse of a master’s student and the spouse of a diploma student can face completely different rules in the same country.
Dependant rules by country – the current picture
| Destination | Dependants of students | Dependants of workers | Work and study rights for dependants | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Spouse may qualify for an open work permit only if the student is in an eligible master’s, doctoral or professional program; children can apply for study permits or visitor records | Spouse may qualify for an open work permit if the worker is in an eligible occupation (TEER 0/1 and selected TEER 2/3); children can study | Minor children attend school without a separate study permit in most cases | IRCC |
| Australia | Spouse and children apply as subsequent entrants on the student’s subclass 500; included in the original application or added later | Dependants included on the worker’s visa (e.g. 482, 186, 494) | Student dependants have limited work rights depending on the student’s course level; worker dependants generally have full work rights; school-age children must be enrolled and may pay international fees | Home Affairs |
| United Kingdom | Since January 2024, only students on postgraduate research courses (PhD, research master’s) and government-sponsored students can bring dependants | Dependants allowed on Skilled Worker and most other sponsored work routes | Dependants of eligible students and workers can work (with few restrictions) and study; Immigration Health Surcharge applies to each dependant | GOV.UK |
| United States | F-2 for spouse and unmarried children under 21 of F-1 students | H-4 for H-1B families; L-2 for L-1; J-2 for J-1; and so on | F-2 spouses cannot work and may study only part-time; H-4 spouses may apply for work authorisation only in specific situations (for example when the H-1B holder has an approved I-140); L-2 spouses are generally work-authorised | travel.state.gov · USCIS (H-4 EAD) |
| New Zealand | Partner and dependent children of students in eligible (generally higher-level) courses | Partner and dependent children of eligible work visa holders | Partner work rights depend on the principal’s visa and course/occupation level; dependent children can attend school as domestic students in many cases | Immigration NZ |
The US H-4 category is often confused with a general “dependent visa”. It applies only to immediate family of H-1B (and some related) visa holders, and work authorisation is not automatic. We explain the exact position for your family’s situation.
Documents a dependent visa file usually needs
Relationship proof
- Marriage certificate and wedding evidence for a spouse
- Birth certificates for children, showing both parents’ names
- Custody or consent documents where only one parent is travelling
- Adoption papers where applicable
- Evidence that the family lives together or stays in regular contact
Principal applicant’s status
- Copy of their study permit / visa / work permit and passport
- Enrolment letter and course details, or employment letter and contract
- Proof of their address and accommodation abroad
- Their financial documents, if they are supporting you
Dependants’ documents
- Passports and photographs
- Proof of funds for the family’s living costs as per the country’s requirement
- Medical examinations and police certificates where required
- Health insurance (OSHC in Australia, IHS in the UK, insurance for some Canadian cases)
- School records for children; English test for a spouse where the route requires it
How we handle dependent visa applications
- Eligibility check We look at the principal applicant’s exact visa category, course level or occupation, and tell you whether dependants are currently permitted, and with what rights. If the answer is no under current rules, we say so and discuss alternatives such as a visitor visa.
- Timing decision Including dependants in the original application versus applying later each has advantages. We advise which approach suits your family and budget.
- Family checklist One checklist covering every family member, so that nothing is missing and nothing contradicts another person’s documents.
- Preparation and review Forms, financial evidence and relationship evidence prepared together; every document checked against the principal applicant’s existing file.
- Submission and follow-up Submitted through the correct portal or visa centre, biometrics booked, and any additional document requests handled with you.
Common dependent visa problems we see in Punjab
- Applying under rules that have changed. UK student dependants and Canadian spousal open work permits were both sharply restricted in 2024–2025. Many applicants still rely on old advice.
- Family members not declared on the principal’s original application. This is treated seriously and can affect everyone’s status.
- Insufficient funds for the whole family. Each country publishes additional amounts per dependant; the principal’s funds alone are often not enough.
- Children’s documents. Birth certificates with spelling differences, missing parent names, or no consent letter from a non-travelling parent.
- Health insurance gaps. Dependants arriving without the required cover, or with cover that does not match the visa dates.
Frequently asked questions
Can my dependants work abroad?
It depends on the country and on the principal applicant’s category. Dependants of skilled workers usually can; dependants of students sometimes can, with limits, and in the US the F-2 category does not allow work at all. We confirm the current rule for your situation rather than giving a general answer.
Can I bring my parents as dependants?
In most countries parents are not dependants of a student or worker. They usually need a visitor visa or, where the sponsor is a permanent resident or citizen, a parent sponsorship or Super Visa route. See our visitor visa page.
Should dependants apply with the principal or afterwards?
Both are possible in most countries. Applying together keeps the family’s evidence consistent and avoids a second round of fees for some countries; applying later lets the principal settle first. We advise based on your family’s circumstances and the destination’s processing times.
What is the H-4 visa and does it allow work?
H-4 is the US dependant status for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an H-1B holder. H-4 spouses may apply for employment authorisation only in limited circumstances defined by USCIS; it is not automatic and it is not available to every H-4 holder.
Can my children go to school on a dependent visa?
Generally yes. In Canada minor children of study or work permit holders can attend school; in Australia and the UK school enrolment is expected and fees may apply; in the US F-2 and H-4 children can attend school. Each country’s rules differ, and we explain them for your case.
Can you guarantee a dependent visa?
No. Approval is the decision of the immigration authority. We can tell you honestly whether your family qualifies under current rules and prepare a complete, consistent application.
Want to bring your family together abroad?
Share the principal applicant’s visa and course or job details with us for a free assessment. We will tell you which dependants qualify and what rights they would have.
Book a Free Assessment Chat on WhatsAppSandhu Overseas · 298, 1st Floor, Defence Colony, Jalandhar, Punjab 144001 · Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · +91 78371-05715
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This page provides general information based on publicly available immigration rules as of the review date. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official guidance of the destination country’s immigration authority.