To bring dependents to Australia from Bangladesh, the process and guidelines vary depending on whether you’re an international student or a permanent resident.
1. For International Students:
As a student visa holder (subclass 500), you can include certain family members in your visa application or have them join you later as subsequent entrants.
Eligible Dependents:
- Partner: Your spouse or de facto partner.
- Children: Your or your partner’s dependent children under 18 years of age.
Application Process:
- Including Dependents in Initial Application: List your family members on your original student visa application (Form 157A).
- Adding Dependents After Course Commencement: Submit Form 919 (Nomination of student dependents) and Form 157A, along with evidence of your relationship and proof of adequate funds to support them.
Requirements:
- Relationship Evidence: Provide marriage certificates for partners and birth certificates for children.
- Financial Capacity: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses, tuition, and travel costs for your dependents.
- Health Insurance: Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for all dependents.
- Health and Character Checks: Dependents must meet health and character requirements, which may include medical examinations and police clearance certificates.
2. For Permanent Residents:
As an Australian permanent resident, you can sponsor eligible family members for migration to Australia.
Eligible Dependents:
- Partner: Spouse or de facto partner.
- Children: Biological, adopted, or stepchildren under 18 years of age.
Relevant Visa Categories:
- Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): Allows your partner to live in Australia temporarily (subclass 309) and permanently (subclass 100).
- Child Visa (Subclass 101): For children outside Australia to migrate and live with their parents permanently.
Application Process:
- Sponsorship: You must sponsor your family members and meet specific eligibility criteria, including providing proof of your permanent resident status and relationship.
- Documentation: Submit relevant forms, relationship evidence, and meet health and character requirements.
Important Considerations:
- Non-Eligible Family Members: Parents, parents-in-law, or siblings are not considered dependents for student visas and cannot accompany you under the dependent visa provisions.
- Application Lodgment: All visa applications should be lodged online through the ImmiAccount portal.
- Biometric Data: Applicants in Bangladesh are required to provide biometric data (facial photograph and fingerprint scan) at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Dhaka.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a registered migration agent.