Dependant and Family Visas
Family visas fall into two kinds. A dependant visa lets your spouse and children accompany you while you work or study abroad, and it lasts as long as your own visa. A family sponsorship gives a relative their own residence, often permanent, because of their relationship to a citizen or settled resident. The first depends on your visa. The second depends on proving the relationship is genuine and, in many countries, that the sponsor earns enough.
Countries compared
| Country | Spouse of a citizen or resident | Parents | Dependants of workers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Sponsorship with no minimum income. About 12 months | Annual lottery for sponsorship, or the Super Visa for long visits | Allowed for many skilled workers. Spousal work permits narrowed in 2025 |
| Australia | Partner visa in two stages. High application charge | Very expensive or very slow permanent visas, or a temporary sponsored parent visa | Included in skilled and sponsored visas |
| UK | Partner visa with a minimum income for the sponsor and an English test | Very restricted. Only where long-term personal care is needed | Allowed for skilled workers. Not for most students |
| Germany | Family reunification. Basic German usually required of the spouse | Limited, improved for parents of some skilled workers | Allowed. Language waived for spouses of Blue Card holders |
| USA | Immediate relative of a citizen, or a queue for spouses of green card holders | Citizens can sponsor parents | H-4 and L-2 visas |
What every family application needs
- Proof of the relationship. Marriage certificate, birth certificates, and evidence the relationship is real and continuing.
- Proof the sponsor can support you, where the country sets an income rule.
- Suitable housing, in several European countries.
- Language, in the UK and Germany and some others, for the incoming spouse.
- Health and character checks.
Documents from India
Indian marriage and birth certificates must usually be apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs, and translated if not in English. If your marriage was never registered, register it before applying. If names or dates differ across your passport, certificates and school records, correct them or prepare affidavits. Mismatched documents are the most common cause of delay.
Proving a marriage is genuine
Officers are trained to spot marriages entered into for immigration. Arranged marriages are fully accepted everywhere. What matters is evidence:
- Photographs across the ceremonies, with family from both sides
- How you met or were introduced, and how the relationship developed
- Communication records across the whole period
- Time spent together, visits and travel
- Money sent, joint finances, nominations naming each other
A short gap between meeting and marrying, a small ceremony, or a previous marriage that ended recently are not bars. They need a clear explanation in your statement.
Questions people ask us most
Can my spouse work abroad on a dependant visa?
In most countries yes. Rules were narrowed in Canada in 2025, and US H-4 spouses can work only in limited cases.
How long does a spouse visa take?
From a few weeks for dependants of workers to a year or more for sponsorship.
Can I sponsor my parents?
It is possible in Canada, Australia and the USA, with limits. It is very difficult in the UK and most of Europe.
Can I sponsor my brother or sister?
Only US citizens can, and the wait for Indians is measured in decades.
Get the application right the first time
Tell us who you want to bring and where. We will tell you which visa applies and what evidence you need.