The trend of Japa (emigration) has been a last resort for a lot of Nigerians looking to find greener pastures and better living conditions.
A few reasons why people choose to emigrate include: economic opportunities, better job prospects, economic stability, education, security and safety, healthcare and living standards, social and political freedom, family reunification, environmental factors.
In this article we’re focusing on ‘education and family reunification’, and here are 10 countries that allow foreign students to come along with dependents.
1. Finland
Family members of international students can apply for a visa to join them in Finland by making use of their relationship with the student. To be eligible, the student must hold a valid residence permit for study purposes in Finland. Additionally, there must be proof of adequate financial resources and valid health insurance to cover the dependent’s entire stay. The visa application fee depends on the age of the applicant adults are charged higher than children. Before making the trip to Finland the following documents have to be at hand; valid passport of the dependents, completed residence permit application form, proof of family relationship, proof of financial means to support dependents, health insurance for dependents, copy of the international student’s residence permit and passport, proof of accommodation in Finland.
2. Denmark
International students in Denmark looking to reunite with family members can do so under the Danish Family Visa scheme, provided they hold a valid study residence permit. This visa covers spouses, children, and even parents, allowing them to stay in the country for up to two years. During this period, dependents are permitted to work or run a business, as long as their residence status remains valid. The application process is handled online, with a standard visa fee. This family visa requires the following documents provided; valid passport, student’s residence permit details, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.), proof of accommodation in Denmark, proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, scholarship details, etc.)
3. Malta
Malta allows for family members of foreign students to apply for a family reunification visa, this visa allows for spouses and children who are minors to travel to Malta for the duration of the student’s stay in Malta, and the student has to be financially stable enough to support their family. The family would have to apply for a separate family visa while the student’s sponsorship and application is reviewed. This visa application is only possible if the student has a resident permit.
4. China
China provides two visa options for dependents of international students: the S1 and S2 visas. The S1 visa, commonly referred to as a long-term visa, is designed for dependents planning to stay in China for more than 180 days. To qualify, the sponsoring student must hold a valid X1 student visa. Fees for the S1 visa vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. For shorter stays of less than 180 days, the S2 visa is available. This option requires the student to possess either an X1 or X2 visa. Regardless of the visa type, applicants must submit a set of specified documents during the application process. A few documents needed are; valid passport, recent passport-size photo, invitation letter from the international student, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.), copy of the international student’s residence permit and passport, proof of accommodation in China, additional document needed for the s1 visa option only is the health insurance covering the stay in China due to the long duration of stay.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand offers several visa options that allow family members to join international students, as long as the students meet the necessary eligibility criteria and provide financial support for their dependents during the application process. The Partner of a Student Work Visa enables partners to work full-time and children to study, provided the student is enrolled in a program that qualifies them for a post-study work visa. These policies aim to ease the transition for international students and their families, promoting a balanced lifestyle while studying abroad.
6. Austria
Austria offers a dependent visa that allows families to reunite, including parents, spouses, and unmarried children under 18. The visa fee for a long-term stay exceeding 90 days is €150, though this fee may change without notice. Applicants are advised to check the current exchange rate before making any payments. Austria demands these documents to acquire a visa: visa application form, international passport, proof of relationship (marriage certificate), certificate of criminal records, health insurance, financial documents, proof of accommodation, medical examination documents, passport photograph. This visa encourages good integration of international students into the society.
7. Australia
The Australian Government offers a range of visa options for the dependents of international students, including Family and Partner Visas for parents, spouses (both same-gender and opposite-gender), and financially dependent children, whether under or over 18. The work rights of a dependent spouse are determined by the student’s level of study, and the duration of the dependent’s stay aligns with that of the international student.
8. Germany
The German government offers a family reunification visa that allows dependents to join international students in the country. This visa is available exclusively for close family members, also known as the core family, which includes a wife, husband, or a registered same-sex partner. The partner must be over 18 years old at the time of marriage. This visa payment is charged per applicant.
9. USA
The F-2 dependent visa is a non-immigrant visa option that permits the spouse, children, or parents of F-1 visa holders to enter the United States. Eligible dependents include spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. Children over 21 are not eligible to be dependents of an international student. To apply for this visa, applicants must meet the following criteria: Be a spouse or parent of an approved F-1 visa holder Be an unmarried child under the age of 21 of an approved F-1 visa holder, demonstrate sufficient financial means to support their stay in the U.S, the validity of the F-2 visa is tied to the status of the F-1 visa holder.
10. Canada
The Government of Canada allows international students with an S-1 visa or higher, and who are over the age of 18, to sponsor their dependents to live with them while studying. The family class sponsorship visa enables spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, parents, and children to join their family members in Canada. If you are sponsoring your spouse along with dependent children, or if you are sponsoring an adopted child, a fee will be required for each child included in the application.
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