Japa: Top countries offering students spousal visas
Family support is becoming a decisive factor for many Nigerians considering studying abroad
Beyond tuition costs and global rankings, students increasingly consider whether their spouses can join them and whether those partners are allowed to live, work, or even study during the academic programme.
In 2025, several leading destinations have adjusted their dependent or spousal visa policies, reducing the strain of separation and easing financial pressure
Below is a breakdown of how some countries support international students with family-inclusive options.
Australia
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, spouses can be included when applying for the Subclass 500 student visa or added later through a dependent visa route.
Spouses of postgraduate research students (Master’s by Research and PhD) are granted full-time work rights, while those of other students are typically capped at 48 hours per fortnight once the course has commenced.
Partners are also permitted to take short-term study programmes without applying for a separate visa.
This mix of work opportunities and family inclusion keeps Australia among the most flexible destinations for student couples.
Canada
As of January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated eligibility for the Spousal Open Work Permit.
Only spouses of students enrolled in master’s programmes of 16 months or longer, doctoral programmes, or certain professional degrees are eligible. Most spouses of undergraduate students are no longer eligible.
Where approved, the permit generally matches the length of the student’s study permit and allows partners to work for any employer in Canada.
With access to public healthcare and relatively smooth application processes, Canada remains a family-friendly option for eligible postgraduate families.
New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand offers the Partner of a Student Work Visa for spouses of students enrolled in eligible courses.
Holders can work full-time and also study for up to three months without requiring a separate visa. With its smaller population and reputation for safety, New Zealand appeals to couples seeking both academic advancement and quality of life.
United Kingdom
The UK Home Office stipulates that only students on postgraduate research programmes, such as PhD, MRes or MPhil, or government-sponsored courses can bring dependents under the Student Dependent Visa system.
While the rules are narrower than in Canada or Australia, spouses of eligible students are permitted to work without restrictions during the course.
The policy has been subject to recent adjustments, highlighting the need for students to confirm eligibility before applying.
United States
Under U.S. immigration law, spouses of F-1 student visa holders are issued F-2 visas, which allow residence but not employment.
They may study part-time, but full-time post-secondary study requires a change to an F-1 visa. Full-time study is only allowed for children at the primary and secondary levels.
In contrast, J-2 visas, available to spouses of J-1 exchange visitors, allow holders to apply for work authorisation.
While more restrictive than other destinations, the U.S. remains attractive due to its world-ranked universities and research opportunities.
Germany
Germany’s Federal Foreign Office issues a Family Reunion Visa that allows spouses of international students to join them.
Once the residence permit is issued, spouses are generally granted full work rights, often indicated with the endorsement “Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet” on the permit card.
Applicants must usually demonstrate proof of income, housing, health insurance, and, in some cases, basic German language skills.
The country’s tuition-free or low-cost education system, coupled with a strong labour market in sectors like engineering and IT, makes Germany an increasingly popular choice despite a more complex visa process.
