Many international students only consider bringing their partner or family members to Australia after the primary applicant’s Student Visa 500 has already been granted.This common practice is known as applying as a Subsequent Entrant. This article shares a real‑life scenario: Primary applicant’s student visa already approved， Adding a secondary applicant at a later stage No joint account， No de facto cohabitation evidence， Only a small number of photos + a genuine relationship statement

1. What is a Subsequent Applicant for Student Visa 500?

The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows family members to apply separately as Subsequent Entrants after the primary visa has been granted. Key points:

• The spouse or partner does not need to apply at the same time as the student.
• They can apply to join after the main visa is approved.
• Once approved, the secondary applicant’s visa expiry date will generally match the primary applicant’s.

Eligible family members usually include:

• Spouse or de facto partner
• or
• Dependent children

2. What are the key documents for a Subsequent Applicant?

The only core principle is to prove that the relationship is genuine and continuing.Common evidence includes:

• Marriage certificate or registered relationship certificate (if applicable)
• Communication records, photos, and relationship statements
• Evidence of financial support or shared life ，
• Identity, health, character, and health insurance documents

For unregistered de facto relationships, stronger evidence is generally required, such as:

• Cohabitation proof
• Joint bank accounts
• Joint rental agreements, etc.

3. Can you apply without a joint account or de facto status?

Yes, but you must strengthen your application with other types of evidence.The Department of Home Affairs accepts various forms of relationship evidence, such as:

• Couple photos
• Chat and communication records
• Travel history together
• Detailed relationship statements
• Statutory declarations from family or friends

In short:No joint account or shared lease does NOT mean your application will be refused.You just need a complete, logical, and consistent evidence chain to support the relationship.

Examples:

• Clear timeline of your relationship
• Ongoing communication records
• Proof that family and friends acknowledge your relationship

4. A proven success strategy (for cases with limited evidence)

When evidence is limited, the following approach is strongly recommended:

1. ① Prepare a full Relationship Statement

Include:

• How you met
• The development of your relationship
• Future plans together
• Reasons for wanting to reunite in Australia

2. ② Use a small but high‑quality set of evidence

Examples:

• Couple photos taken at different stages
• Records of key dates and milestones

3. ③ Ensure full consistency across all documents

All evidence must match your timeline. Inconsistencies may lead to doubts about genuineness.

5. Important reminder

Family members should normally be declared in the original application.If they were not declared, the case officer will conduct a stricter review of the relationship’s genuineness, which may even affect the outcome.