If you are planning to migrate to an overseas nation with family on PR status, it is understood that you will not need any additional visa to sponsor your family’s stay with you.

But, what if you are moving abroad as a temporary resident? Be it on a long-term work visa or a temporary work permit, your family cannot accompany you on the same visa.

This is when you will need to apply for a dependent visa. This visa is more of a pathway to sponsor eligible family members (particularly those who are claimed as your dependents) to stay with you in the selected country.

What is a dependent visa?

In simple terms, a dependent visa is a lawfully resident permit granted to the dependents of a temporary resident to join his stay abroad.

This visa grants the dependent all legal rights to reside in the applied country, explore and travel the country and enjoy all rights applicable to the visa.

Who can be sponsored through a dependent visa?

This visa is granted (in most cases) to spouses, partners and unmarried children whose age is below 21 years. In several cases, a dependent visa may be used to sponsor dependent parents and eligible relatives.

What are the conditions to apply for a dependent visa?

Though this visa is allowed to be applied by every national, there are specific conditions a candidate is required to know before he can apply for this visa.

1. Condition of Relation

For your child to be eligible for a dependent visa, you must be able to prove that he is either your biological child or an adopted child.

2. Condition of Financial Aid

You as a sponsor must be able to prove that your invited dependents are financially dependent on you and you hold the ability to meet their financial needs. In the case of other relations also, you are required to prove that the dependent is unable to financially support themselves and is directly dependent upon you.

3. Condition of Health

Any country will not allow candidates who are a threat or a challenge to its healthcare system. Unless in case of a dependent visit visa for medical purposes, it is important that your dependents have good health.

To prove health conditions are fit as per the country norms, it is important that every of your dependent intending to accompany your stay must undergo medicals and obtain a medical certificate.

4. Condition of Character

The dependent must free from any criminal history. He/she must not be a threat to the inviting country. Hence, you are required to obtain a police clearance certificate from the officials where your dependents have resided for over 6 months and submit it along with other supporting documents.

5. Condition of Commitment

Irrespective of whether you apply for a long-term dependent visa or a short-term dependent visa unless your dependents are not qualified for permanent residency, they must be committed to leaving the country before the expiry of their visa.

However, an extended stay may be applicable depending upon the purpose and profile.