Can I Bring My Spouse While Studying Abroad? USA, Canada, UK and Australia Rules (2026)
Many Nepali students are married or plan to marry before leaving. Whether you can bring your spouse while studying abroad, and whether your spouse can work, differs a lot between countries and has changed in the last two years.
Checked against official sources in September 2026. Rules, fees and amounts change, so confirm on the official pages linked in this guide before you act. This is educational information, not legal or immigration advice.
USA: F-2 dependants
- Your spouse and children can apply for F-2 visas using an I-20 issued for them by your school.
- F-2 spouses cannot work in the USA.
- You must show extra funds for each dependant.
Canada: depends on your program
From 21 January 2025, a student’s spouse or common-law partner can get an open work permit only if the student is in:
- A master’s program of 16 months or longer
- A doctoral program
- Certain professional degree programs, such as medicine, law, nursing, education or engineering
- Some eligible pilot programs
Spouses of students in other programs may still visit or study, but not on this open work permit.
UK: research postgraduates only
For courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, you can only bring dependants if you are on a PhD, doctorate or research-based postgraduate course, or you are a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months. Most taught master’s students can no longer bring family.
Australia: generally possible
- Family members can usually be included in or join your Student visa application.
- You must show extra funds and health cover for them.
- Work conditions for family members depend on your course level. Check the visa conditions.
Before you decide
- Budget for your spouse’s living costs, not just yours.
- Check the latest rule on the official page for your exact course.
- Consider the timing: in some countries it is easier for your spouse to join later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing a Spouse While Studying
Can my wife work in the USA on an F-2 visa?
No. F-2 dependants cannot work in the USA.
Which Canadian students’ spouses can get an open work permit?
Spouses of students in master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, and certain professional degree programs, as of 21 January 2025.
Can I bring my spouse to the UK on a taught master’s?
Generally no, for courses starting on or after 1 January 2024. Only research postgraduate or government-sponsored students can bring dependants.
Official resources
- IRCC: Help your spouse work in Canada
- GOV.UK: Student visa partner and children
- Home Affairs: Student visa
- DHS: Study in the States
Related guides
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