The ability for a Bangladeshi student visa holder to bring their family (spouse and/or minor children) to study destinations depends heavily on the destination country and the level of study.

Here is a breakdown of the policies for popular destinations:

Country Eligibility of Student (Primary Applicant) Dependent Work Rights (Spouse) Key Challenge for Bangladeshi Students
United Kingdom (UK) STRICT RESTRICTIONS: Only students on PhD/Doctorate programs or research-based Master’s programs (or those on government scholarships) can bring dependents. Students on standard taught Master’s courses are generally NOT eligible. Full-time work rights (if eligible). The UK eliminated dependent visas for most Master’s students in early 2024.
Canada Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral students at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are generally eligible. Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Allows the spouse to work full-time for any employer. Must show substantial additional proof of funds (approx. CAD 5,500/year for spouse, plus for each child, on top of the student’s funds).
Australia Available to students at all levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) on the Student (subclass 500) visa, but applicants must declare all family members (even if they are not travelling). Work rights are granted, often full-time, matching the student’s visa conditions. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) & Financial Proof: The student must prove sufficient funds for all family members (living costs, airfare, and school fees for children).
Germany Available to students on long-term study visas (usually for programs of 1+ years). Spouse often requires an A1 level German language certificate to apply for the dependent visa. Language Requirement and Proof of Sufficient Housing for the entire family.
Sweden Available for students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees. Spouses are generally eligible for a work permit for the duration of the student’s study permit. Must show funds to support dependents for the duration of the permit.

Crucial Requirements for a Successful Family Application

 

Regardless of the country, a Bangladeshi student applying for a dependent visa for their spouse and/or children must focus on two critical areas:

1. Proof of Relationship

 

All documents must be meticulously prepared and attested (often by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, and sometimes verified by the destination country’s embassy). You will need:

  • Original Marriage Certificate / Nikah Nama (and an officially certified English translation).

  • Birth Certificates for all dependent children.

  • Proof of a Genuine Relationship (especially for partners/spouses): Joint bank accounts, shared utility bills, photographs over time, proof of communication, and evidence of living together (if applicable).

2. Proof of Funds (Financial Stability)

 

This is often the biggest hurdle. You must prove you can support every family member without relying on public funds.

  • The required amount increases substantially for each dependent (tuition + student living expenses + spouse living expenses + child living expenses + potential child school fees).

  • These funds must usually be held in an account (the student’s or sponsor’s) for a fixed period (e.g., 28 consecutive days in the UK and Australia) immediately before the visa application.